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Don't forget that the Dutch will play the winner of tonight's all-Latin American tie between Chile and Brazil. Here's our preview of the game. I'll be back at 6pm GMT to kick off our live coverage.
That late Vittek strike means he is now Slovakia's all-time leading scorer, with 23. He overtakes the retired Szilard Nemeth.
Vittek salvagaes some pride with that final kick but he could have etched his name futher into Slovakian folklore if he'd snared those two great chances when the game was at 1-0. The Dutch can definitely be got at, no question. they will face the winners of Brazil v Chile later. Brazil then yes?
FULL TIME So, a goal for Slovakia as reward for their excellent efforts in getting out of a tough group. The Dutch never really got out of first gear and look good for the last eight.
GOAL Vittek scores! And that is full time!
Stekelenburg brings down Vittek and Slovakia can register a goal with the game's final kick. Keeper is booked.
The sub nearly scores with his first touch but his drags his effort wide of the post.
Sneijder goes off and Afellay comes on.
Three minutes added....
Kuyt tries to cut the ball back for Elia but Mucha grabs it. For once.
The game is pretty much over as a contest now. A comfortable passage into the last eight for the Dutch, and Robben got a good 70 minutes too. Ideal.
Hamsik and Zabavnik go off and Spara and Jakubko come on.
What a shame for Slovakia. They've had a great World Cup but they've fallen short today. Vittek, the hero of the Italy game, is the villain today.
Skrtel is booked for having a pop at the referee for awarding the initial free-kick. He can shout all he wants but he should be directing at the 'keeper. Looks like Everton have got a duff one on that evidence.
GOAL Sneijder scores! Mucha has a nightmare as he rushes out for a long ball and Kuyt steals it, squares and Sneijder taps in. Game Over.
ESPN Stats & Info: Robin van Persie had just 22 touches, the fewest by any starter for the Netherlands.
The free-kick is taken short to Hamsik but his cross is terrible. I thought he was their star player?
Hamsik wins a free-kick and they can load the box.
Slovakia have had their chances but look like they may be running out of puff. They may as well laucnh men forward now though....
Van Persie has a few harsh words for his coach as he comes off. Pipe down sunshine.
Huntelaar is coming on for Van Persie, who hasn't hit the heights at all today.
Vittek's having a stinker. He grabs a loose ball in the area, seems to dawdle until defenders get back, before slamming a shot miles over. Oh dear me.
Kuyt dances past Zabavnik but is found wanting in the pace department as the Slovakian tracks back.
Elia gets down the left again but his cross is poor. Again.
Elia shows a glimpse of his immense talent by skipping round two players but his cross is woeful.
Kuyt has a crack from outside the area and Mucha slips on his way across before turning it behind for a corner.
Arjen Robben scored one and could have had another
Kopunek's first involvement is to scythe down his fellow sub Elia, and get a booking.
Slovakia make a change too as Jendrisek goes off and Kopunek comes on.
Robben's race is run and Elia is his replacement.
Now Kuyt has a chance to put the game to bed as he meets Sneijder's free-kick but nods over.
That should just wake the Dutch up a little there, and provide Slovakia with some encouragement. Vittek really should have buried that.
Now Vittek is clean through! The ball falls to him and he has only the 'keeper to beat from 16 yards but he hits it right at Stekelenburg. Good stop. Will Slovakia get a better chance than that? I doubt it, sadly.
Great chance for Slovakia as Stoch comes inside and smashes a shot towards goal and Stekelenburg has to tip it over the bar.
Sneijder is limping after going over on his ankle. That looked nasty.
A great counter from Holland after a rotten free-kick from Stoch. Robben found Sneijder, who cut it. but his shot was blocked. He chose the wrong option I fear.
ESPN Stats & Info: Slovakia have scored two of their four goals in this World Cup after the 60th minute.
Kucka tries the most ridiculous effort of the game so far, if not the tournament, as he smashes a shot in from the centre circle. Even more ridiculous is the fact that Stekelenburg touched it behind. And even more ridiculous than that, is that the ref didn't spot it.
Van Persie tries a flick to Sneijder when he had loads of time to trap it and turn.
Again Slovakia's final ball is poor. Jendrisek races in vain after Hamsik's pass.
Van Persie smashes an effort to the near post and Mucha punches clear before Kuyt nearly chops him in half. Free-kick given.
Van Persie and Sneijder over it.
Robben gets more joy down the right after being fed by Sneijder but his eventual cross is cleared. Now Robben is clattered by the recovering Zabavnik and Holland have a free-kick on the right angle of the box.
A stretcher is on for Zabavnik as he gets a dose of the magic spray.
Van Persie tries to dribble into the area but catches Zabavnik. Hamsik is not happy and boots the ball out of play. Zabavnik gets up, then falls over again.
Van Bommel is the latest to be penalised for high feet. In fairness, that was probably the right call.
Sneijder wins a free-kick on the right touchline after a clip from Kucka.
Another top save from Mucha! Robben gets into the area and finds Van Persie and Mucha has stopped it from point blank range with his face!
Super football from the Dutch. Van Persie worries Durica, who clears to Robben and his shot is brilliantly turned round the post by Mucha.
Netherlands celebrate Arjen Robben's opening goal
A slight opening for Weiss there and he had runners in the box but his pass was poor and Heitinga intervened.
Van Bronckhorst slaps the ball out of play. A sloppy start to the half from the Dutch. They look as though they reckon this is in the bag.
How will Slovakia play this then I wonder? Try to keep it tight for the opening 20 minutes then push forward? Or commit more me to attack right from the off?
Comment from Joy Gupta in Durban: Slovakia have fought back impressively, showing a lot of heart though they lack a good final ball. Netherlands are being pegged back and have had one decent attack in the last 20 minutes.
ESPN Stats & Info: Since 1986, teams leading at half-time in the second round or later have won 43 of 49 games. The last loss was Italy in 2002 vs South Korea.
Arjen Robben wheels away to celebrate his goal
HALF TIME Another ridiculous decision from this referee, who penalises Kucka for high feet when he won the ball and smashed a shot in on goal. And that is the last action of the opening period.
Lovely interchange between Robben and Van Bommel. the latter crosses and Van Poersie gets across his man but can't direct his effort on target from an angle. Finally, some life to proceedings.
Sneijder tries to slot a long ball into Van Persie's path but it is overhit.
Slovakia's short corner finally falls to Vittek but his loose ball gifts Holland possession.
Now Vittek has a pop and wins a corner via a deflection off Heitinga.
Van Persie picks up Van Bommel's pass and runs at Skrtel, but his right footed shot is rather dribbled at Mucha.
Kucka slides in to try and get the ball from De Jong, he makes no contact at all but the ref can't wait to get his book out.
The game has settled into a disappointing, disjointed groove in the last ten minutes. Nothing is happening.
The way Slovakia are playing at the moment shows you just how bad Italy must have been to lose to them.
Slovakia can;t get out of their half at the moment. Zabavnik goes all the way back to his 'keeper from the half way line.
Van Der Wiel thumps into Weiss and wins possession back.
A very odd free-kick from the Dutch as Van Bommel knocks it back towards his own goal to Heitinga, but he can't keep it in and Slovakia have a throw in.
Now the ref denies Vittek a clear free-kick - he's finding his groove now. Then a good intervention from Zabavnik prevents Robben flying away.
Stoch's ball into the box is another decent one but as it comes out to Jendrisek he shanks a shot wide from 35 yards. Why on earth did he think that was the right idea?
Cracking ball from Stoch but none of his team-mates were far enough goalwards to make it count. then Hamsik's pass hits Robben on the arm and he's booked. Rubbish decision.
Vittek does well to win a free-kick off Van Bommel, who can't resist berating the ref. A chance for decent delivery in the box now.
Slovakia's bright start has vanished and they are struggling to retain possession now. They need a rethink and fast.
Kucka trips Sneijder and is warned by the referee. Can't believe he hasn't produced a card yet. Someone has obviously had a word.
ESPN Stats & Info: Netherlands have won 17 of 22 games when scoring first at the World Cup.
Sneijder's corner is punched clear by Mucha. He really should have caught it. There was no pressure on him at all.
Kuyt feeds Van Persie who wins a corner.
Durica lofts an aimless ball up towards Vittek. Its just like watching England all over again.
Robben runs down a blind alley, then lays-off to no-one. Interesting.
Sneijder goes for an ambitious ball for Robben when he had an easy ball to Van Persie out on the right.
Comment from Joy Gupta in Durban: That was Sneijder at his best - the vision and the execution to release Robben.
Slovakia had done well up until that point but one lapse of concentration has cost them. Their gameplan will have to change now.
Great vision from Sneijder, but in truth it was poor defending from Slovakia. they know he wants to cut in on his left and they made it far too easy for him to do just that.
GOAL Robben! Brilliant from Sneijder, who lofts a ball over Zabavnik for Robben who cuts inside before firing a shot in at the near post.
A poor free-kick from the Ducth hands Slovakia possession. They've been pretty sloppy so far, the Oranjes.
Jendrisek wins the ball off Van Der Wiel but should have slotted the ball into Vittek sooner. Heitinga tidies up.
Kucka works some space for himself before shooting wide from 25 yards out. The standard of shooting in this tournament has been bobbins hasn't it?
Comment from Joy Gupta in Durban: A bright start by both teams, Slovakia have some smooth, subtle passes.
Hamsik looks for Stoch but Heitinga cuts it out.
The game has settled into a more familiar pattern now as Slovakia sit deep and Holland press in possession.
A chance for Sneijder as Van Persie opens up Slovakia and slides the ball to his team-mate. He aims for the near post when perhaps he should have gone across goal.
Stoch crosses for Slovakia but Stekelenburg grabs it at his near post.
Kuyt slides a ball through to Van Persie, who was onside, but Mucha is out to claim.
Great move from the Dutch, as Van Bommel sweeps an instinctive pass out to Kuyt and his cross is met by Van Persie before it flicks off Zabavnik and behind for a corner.
Kuyt is the next one to have a crack from distance but his shot lacked power, direction and conviction. So pretty much everything, really.
Lovely football from Slovakia as Vittek flicks a ball into the path of Hamsik but his shot started off wide and got wider.
Robben's first involvement is a lay-off to Sneijder; he has a pop but it is three yards over the bar.
Slight indecision in the Slovakian box as a long throw nearly falls at the feet of Sneijder.
First chance of the game for Slovakia as Weiss gets down the left before squaring to Jendrisek, and his left-footed shot flies narrowly over the bar. Holland, you have been warned.
Our referee is Alberto Undiano Mallenco from Spain. He's the one who sent Miroslav Klose off in Germany's defeat to Serbia - one of nine cards he produced. He's one of those refs that seems to forget football is a contact sport.
Here come the teams, into another bright and sunny day in Durban. Its 24 degrees with a slightly stiff south-westerly breeze.
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Nigel De Jong, Gregory Van der Wiel and Robin van Persie are all on yellow cards already, and will miss the quarter final if they are booked today. For Slovakia, 'keeper Jan Mucha, Jan Durica, Weiss, Pekarik and Robert Vittek are in the same boat.
On paper, this should be a comfortable stroll into the quarter finals for the Dutch, given the wealth of talent at their disposal. But like many big teams in this tournament, while they are potent in attack, they look a little dodgy at the back.
Slovakia make one change from their historic win over World champions Italy, as Vladimir Weiss comes in for Zdeno Strba.
Rafael van der Vaart drops to the bench to accommodate Robben. Elsewhere, Gregory Van Der Wiel comes in for Khalid Boulahrouz.
Without further ado, let's get the team news, starting with Holland. Only one place to start and that is with the inclusion of Arjen Robben, who has recovered from a hamstring injury.
Good afternoon all and welcome to live coverage of the second round clash between Holland and Slovakia from Durban Stadium.
Join us at 1400 GMT to see if Slovakia can pull off another giant killing against Netherlands.
Join us at 1400 GMT to see if Slovakia can pull off another giant killing against Netherlands.
Arjen Robben returned to action against Cameroon.

subset: commoncrawl


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SABMiller to appoint Managing Director: Asia Pacific and Chief Executive Officer of Foster's
7 December 2011
SABMiller announces that it intends to appoint Ari Mervis, currently Managing Director Asia, as Managing Director: Asia Pacific and Chief Executive Officer of Foster's with effect from 16 December 2011.
Ari, who will be based in Melbourne Australia, will be responsible for the Foster's business and the integration of Foster's into the SABMiller group. In addition he will retain responsibility for the Asia Pacific region and will continue in his role as Chairman of the Company's joint venture in China - CR Snow.
Commenting on the appointment Graham Mackay, Chief Executive of SABMiller said:
"Ari has been Managing Director of our Asia business since October 2007 and was the sponsor of the Foster's acquisition. Since joining SABMiller in 1989 he has held a number of senior positions in the organisation, including Managing Director of Appletiser and Managing Director of SABMiller's operations in Russia and Australia.
"Ari brings a wealth of experience from across the SABMiller group and knowledge of Australia having established SABMiller's joint venture there in 2006. He is ideally qualified to lead the integration of Foster's into the SABMiller group and to deliver value from the acquisition for all stakeholders".
The SABMiller regional office will remain in Hong Kong and a new Managing Director Asia, reporting to Ari, will be appointed to oversee SABMiller's businesses in India and Vietnam, its ongoing regional business development and export operations, as well as providing support to CR Snow.
SABMiller and John Pollaers have agreed that John will step down as Chief Executive of Foster's on 16 December 2011. To ensure a smooth transition John will be available to provide advice to SABMiller during the first few months of 2012.
Acknowledging John's achievements at Foster's, SABMiller Chief Executive, Graham Mackay said:
"John has made a significant contribution to the Foster's business, putting in place a number of successful initiatives upon which we expect to build to further enhance Foster's performance. We are grateful to John for his cooperation throughout the transitional process and we wish him success in the future".
- Ends -
Notes to editors
SABMiller plc is one of the world's largest brewers with brewing interests and distribution agreements across six continents. The group's wide portfolio includes global brands such as Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Grolsch, as well as leading local brands such as Aguila, Castle, Miller Lite, Snow and Tyskie. SABMiller is also one of the world's largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products.
In the year ended 31 March 2011, the group reported US$4,491 million adjusted pre-tax profit and group revenue of US$28,311 million. SABMiller plc is listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.
High resolution images and broadcast footage are available for the media to view and download free of charge from the News and media centre on http://www.sabmiller.com/
SABMiller plc
t: +44 20 7659 0100
Nigel Fairbrass
Head of media relations
SABMiller plc
Lauren Thompson


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Georgette Jacket Dress: Special occasion dress in flowing georgette is topped with a matching ruffled jacket. This two-piece ensemble is easy to wear and easy to love!
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Sweet Sixteen Party Favor Box
Any sweet-sixteener will feel extra special with this fun personalized party decor.
Designed by Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza for Plaid®.
Material List
- Plaid® FolkArt® Extreme Glitter Paint:
- Hologram
- Plaid® FolkArt® Acrylic Paint:
- Azure Blue
- Pink
- Glazed Carrots
- Plaid® FolkArt® Artists Pigments:
- Pure Black
- Butterfly Stencil
- Round Cardboard Box
- Foam Paintbrush
- Detail Paintbrush
- Rhinestones
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue
- Assorted Ribbon
Project Instructions
Using a foam paintbrush, paint the top of the box Pink and the bottom Glazed Carrots. Allow to dry.
Position the butterfly stencil on the top of the box. Using a foam paintbrush and working in a pouncing "up-and-down" fashion, paint the butterfly Azure Blue. Let dry. Top with a coat of Hologram Extreme Glitter. Add antennas to the butterfly with a stroke of Glazed Carrots and Pure Black.
Hot glue rhinestones in the center of the butterfly and around the top of the box. Using hot glue, glue layered ribbons around the box.


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CD/LP/Track Review
Azar Lawrence: Mystic Journey (2010)
Saxophonist Azar Lawrence's influential faculties and stylistic attack loom as significant contributions to the state of jazz, a genre that continually reinvents itself. He's played with jazz greats including McCoy Tyner and Miles Davis, amid stints with soul and pop icons. On Mystic Journey, Lawrence rekindles the John Coltrane connection, featuring Rashied Ali's presence and the band's rendition of Tyner's enduring "Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit."
Ali passed away several months after these sides were recorded in April, 2009; in turn, Lawrence dedicated the album to the drummer's music and memory. "Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit," is one of several euphoric pieces that surges this album into the upper echelon of 2010 releases.
Atop Ali's shifty Latin-rock backdrop, Lawrence, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, and alto saxophonist Gerald Hayes execute resonating choruses when reformulating the primary theme. And they strike a flawless balance between melody making and improvisation, while launching into an invigorating swing vamp after the bridge. "Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit" depicts one of many absorbing works evidenced on Mystic Journey.
Personnel: Azar Lawrence: tenor and soprano saxophone; Eddie Henderson: trumpet and flugelhorn; Gerald Hayes: alto saxophone; Benito Gonzalez: piano; Essiet Essiet: bass; Rashied Ali: drums.
Record Label: Furthermore Recordings
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream


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FINAL SALE Short Shantung Dress with Scoop Neckline Style INT1053
DB Studio
Final sale. This item cannot be exchanged or returned.
This item is available online only. *
Shift dresses are making a comeback thanks to their simple sophistication and versatility. This short shantung style features a flattering scoop neckline with knot detail. Subtle pleats shape the bodice and provide interest in the back skirt detail. Available in White or Ivory. Fully lined. Back zip. Imported polyester. Dry clean.
*Color & Style representation may vary by monitor. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors. Product availability varies by store and online. Some in-store purchases require special order and markdown styles cannot be special ordered. Contact your local store for details.


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Portland >Food & Dining > Equinox Restaurant & Bar
830 N Shaver St, Portland, OR | Directions 9722745.551899 -122.675112
Sat-Sun: 9am-2pm
Neighborhoods: Boise, Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods
Just off of Mississippi Ave tucked around the corner is this delightful restaurant. The interior was lively and our server was on-the-spot and helpful with recommendations. Calamari was perfect and not chewy, the butternut squash pasta special was flavorful and well balanced and the chicken was so tasty I wish I had a bigger stomach! During warmer months they have a great patio for alfresco dining.
We purchased a Groupon for this restaurant and knew it couldn't be applied to Happy Hour. No problem. However the evening of our dinner reservations, I thought it would be nice to have drinks at the bar during happy hour-which would be separate from using the Groupon. Any drinks we bought during happy hour would be paid for separately & in entirety before having dinner.
My husband called to check what time happy hour was. The person who answered asked him if he had a Groupon. When she found out he would be using one for dinner, she informed him that diners using a Groupon could not have any of the happy hour sprecials/pricing. Even when it was explained that the Groupon would be used for dinner only as per the deal. The hostess/receptionist advised that did not matter, anyone using a Groupon is not eligible for happy hour. She said this policy came from the owner of the restaurant.
Not believing this policy when my husband told me, I called Equinox as well & spoke w/the hostess/receptionist. I told her we had dinner reservations & would be using a Groupon, but would be coming in to have drinks during happy hour. She advised we would not be eligible for happy hour pricing because we had a Groupon. I clearly stated anything purchased during happy hour (&at happy hour pricing) would be paid for separately before dinner. She said we wouldn't be allowed to do that. I told her the policy wasn't fair & she said this was what the owner told her to advise diners with a Groupon. She also said we were not the only diners that felt this policy was wrong.
I canceled our dinner reservations. I refuse to eat at a restaurant that discriminates against a customer (potential or returning) because a discount coupon is being used. Groupon tried to intercede on our behalf, but received no cooperation from the restaurant.
The restaurant is getting away with enforcing this discriminatory practice. Hopefully enough of you who have experienced what we have will also write a review so the restaurant gets the negative feedback it should.
Good Food, Great Service, Reasonable Prices – Had a groupon & enjoyed dinner with a friend this past Friday evening. Decent selections of beer on tap & wines. We were seated immediately and the server came over immediately with water and took our beverage order. The very friendly server came back a few minutes later to take our food order, I had the prosciutto wrapped shrimp as an appetizer (yummy) & pork loin as an entree. My friend had a salad and gnocchio entree. Pork loin was excellent - thick & juicy. The seasoning was complimentary to the pork loin. My friend enjoyed her selections as well. The entrees arrived a few moments after we finished our appetizers / salads. Look forward to visiting during warmer climes to enjoy the outdoor seating. Ambience inside restaurant was real nice - not too bright...not too dark. Lively atmosphere with excellent & friendly service... Will definitely be back!
Never again.... – Beautiful day, decided to try them for brunch. They had fair amount of business but lots of tables available and oit pretty much stayed that way. Service was fine to start, came immediately to take order, said she'd come back since we just sat down and hadn't even looked at the menu, brought water as requested and it went downhill from there. She finally returned and I ordered salmon hash no bell pepper. 35 minutes later, no food so we ask, she comes back says it's in line(?). I saw the cook say oops. Food comes, no apology for the wait, and the only good thing I can say is the eggs were poached nicely. There were, as requested no bells, BUT someone decided to add spinach without asking and I hate spinach. Would have sent it back if I thought I'd get food before dinnertime. The potatoes were stings not cubed, and I saw some pink flakes, but certainly not enough to taste salmon, and there was water at the bottom of the bowl from the eggs, the hollendaise tasted like mayo, huge disappointment. The breakfast sandwich came on a plate which wasn't necessary, the bread was so dry it subbed for the plate and the bacon was almost burnt it was so done and dry. Waitress never came back until delivering the check. We won't be back, there are too many good restaurants in town to deal with this.
What A Big Disappointment! – A good friend and I had the misfortune to pick Equinox for our brunch today.
The food didn't arrive at our table for over a half hour! When we inquired as to whether our order had been forgotten, the waitress checked and told us, that our order was "in line." Hmmm... several others who had arrived and ordered after us were served first. So, one wonders which line?
The waitress never apologized, nor did she or anyone else, offer us anything during the wait. In fact, we were soundly ignored... punished for asking?
When the food arrived, in spite of the fact that I had asked for no potatoes, but a salad (I am a diabetic), I got potatoes.
I had slurged and asked for an egg sandwich, but with only one slice of sourdough bread. It was burned. The eggs were unevenly done... over cooked in one place and not cooked enough in another. How in the world does anyone DO that? The pepper bacon, for which I was charged extra, was also burned.
My friend ordered salmon hash with a Hollandaise. The Hollandaise tasted like mayo. There was hardly any salmon in the hash.
When we paid the waitress, she wondered if we wanted change. Are you kidding me? We did leave a small tip, but only because the two of us had been waitresses in former lives and couldn't quite stiff her. But, my Bad Girl REALLY wanted to.
A place to avoid.
So bad all I could do was laugh! – My BF & I went there with some friends for lunch. We ordered waters to start off while we waited for folks to arrive...the water was luke warm, so it was obviously tap water, but come on, throw some ice in it! Okay, it's free, so I shouldn't complain...we moved on. I REALLY wanted a hot chocolate mocha with ghirardelli shaved chocolate since it SOUNDED amazing. For $5 I figured, "why not?!", I'll splurge a little. When i got it, i asked the waitress if she brought me the right drink b/c it had no shaved chocolate on top. She said they 'ran out of shaved chocolate'!! What restaurant runs out of food, especially stuff you can get at safeway?!! And then she couldn't tell me they ran out!? SHADY!! I tried it anyway & it tasted like burnt coffee! Yuck. I should've stuck with the warm water!
Onto the food: My BF ordered steak & eggs & i got the hamburger & fries. We ordered our meat well done...well his steak was served medium-rare. And to top it off, his steak arrived cut into 1 inch strips!! Any COOK knows to never cut up a steak because it needs a rest period. He sent it back & the cook looked mad!! The cood didn't put it on the burner (i was watching) & he just kept it for a few mins & sent it back to us still undercooked! My burger was also medium rare, so i took out the meat & ate the bread. (at least that was good, probably b/c they didn't make it there)
This place was HORRIBLE!! Oh and there were flies all over the place...if we weren't there with friends, we definitely would've left asap!
I'd give this place a 0 if i could! Save your money & go to Ruth's Chris for a nice steak & there's tons of better burger joints...even McDonalds over this place!
fantastique! Equinox rocks. – My wife and I went on an all too-rare date last night and wanted to go somewhere we had never been, and more importantly, somewhere interesting. We dropped our son off at a babysitter in North Portland and decided to check out Mississippi. We had a drink at Miss Delta and then headed out to see what else was happening. We were considering Mississippi Station (we had been there before, and liked it) and the new Thai place but we wandered past both and eventually stumbled upon Equinox as we turned a corner. After a quick look at the menu, we decided to give it a try.
The dining room is small but nicely arranged and the place felt comfortable and inviting.
We started with drinks. I had the Heathen and my wife had the Sazerac- both were well made and satisfying. Appetizers: I ordered the French onion soup which I hadn't had in ages and was REALLY hoping would be good- it was sooo good! The broth was super rich and dark, and the bread and cheese were in perfect proportions. The bread retained its great, crusty texture and I enjoyed every bit of it. My wife had the Mushroom Wontons and this was the highlight of the meal. These were delightfully fluffy/ crispy and filled with gorgonzola cheese, herbs and who knows what else along with a dipping sauce (chile-lemon dip) that defies my powers of description...manna from heaven.
We each had a salad and though I can't recall their names they were both nicely put together and provided a nice change of gears before moving on to the entree, which we shared. It was their Winter Pillow puff pastry stuffed with roasted portobellos, spinach, caramelized onions, mascarpone and rosemary, with sauvie island squash and roasted red pepper sauce. We approached it like a dessert and this was appropriate given how much there was to savor in each bite.
Our waitress was attentive, efficient and friendly and the combination of her skills, the quality of the food and the general atmosphere of the place made for an exceptionally enjoyable evening. We will most certainly be back!
Unimpressed – I'm surprised at the lack of taste in their risotto. I agree with the last reviewer, as it was very mushy, almost an oatmeal like feel and way too fishy (and I love salmon risotto). The ambience is nice and the drinks are good, but for food...I was unimpressed
Such a Letdown – I'm not quite sure why Equinox is so well reviewed. My wife and I went based on reviews and many of you are so far off (though I notice a lot of complaints are about the seating) so maybe terrible food isn't noticed by the run-of-the-mill diner.
My wife had the salmon risotto which was salty beyond belief and overcooked into mush. I had the Equinox burger which was served sans caramelized onions and the peppered bacon I requested (don't know how hard reading an order ticket is). Also, not quite sure why the restaurant can't seem to provide ice in the water.
Beyond the horrible cooking, I lost count of how many flies there were flying over the seating, landing on my table and my clothes and buzzing around our plates.
Basically, the restaurant is disgusting and the food is well below sub-par. Equinox will never see me again nor will I recommend it to anyone I know.
Great breakfasts – Always, consistently a great breakfast. Best in the neighborhood. Gravy can be good, but spotty. Equinox is mellower, has a more varied menu. The staff are super friendly. Nice area outside to sit
Great find – While visiting Portland I checked out some of the restaurants close to me and this was one of the best. The food was great and the staff was so friendly and helpful! I can't wait to dine there again.
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The Learning Community officially opens its newly renovated South Omaha learning center today.
The 7,000-square-foot building provides triple the classroom space for teaching adult immigrants the skills they need to help their children succeed in school.
With its simple exterior, original brick walls and bright, airy interior, the building gives the Learning Community a long-�term presence in the commercial and cultural heart of Omaha's Latino community.
The library building had long been eyed by Learning Community Council members for its central location in the low-income, immigrant-rich neighborhoods of South Omaha.
The council entered into a 10-year, $1.12 million lease agreement with the HELP Foundation of Omaha, which is the landlord.
Base rent and building operating expenses start at $8,543 a month, rising to $10,209 a month in the 10th year. The council has an option to negotiate five-year lease extensions.
Under the lease, the Learning Community contributed $550,000 toward the interior renovations, and the HELP Foundation paid $200,000 for mechanical, plumbing and exterior improvements.
The Learning Community has a contract with OneWorld Community Health Centers to run the center for $850,000 a year.
Located in a former city library building, the center has three main classrooms where teachers provide free "family literacy" classes to low-income parents. The classes teach English language and parenting skills aimed at making parents more effective teachers and advocates for their children.
The parents must have children age 4 to 7 attending public school in South Omaha or north Bellevue.
The intense approach seems to be working, said Ted Stilwill, executive director of the Learning Community.
"If we've got this up and rolling, and it's successful, which it initially seems to be, then what can we learn from this to take to north Omaha? What can we learn because there are not only large Hispanic populations but increasing multilingual populations not just in OPS but in other districts," Stilwill said.
Prior to the center's opening, the Learning Community had operated a center temporarily in the Juan Diego building at 33rd and Q Streets.
The new center serves 170 families with more than 300 children, officials say.
Families used to visiting the old location were "in awe" of the new building, said Anne O'Hara, the center's program director.
"The families can tell there's been a big investment in them and their children, and they're so grateful," O'Hara said.
In one classroom Tuesday, teacher Joey Mollner presided over a class of 16 parents in a lesson about goals.
Mollner said he taught Spanish at Gross High School and spent two years in the Peace Corps teaching English to adults in Ecuador.
He said the most common question from South Omaha parents is: How can they learn English in a timely manner to help their children in school?
They also want to know about games and activities that they can share with their children.
The center's teachers want to give parents confidence to talk face to face with teachers, he said. At parent-teacher conferences, the language barrier can frustrate both sides, he said.
"Some of the teachers are as nervous as they are with the language barrier," he said.
Maria Garcia, who grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, enrolled in the center's classes after hearing about them through her children's school. Her 11-year-old daughter, Clara, and 4-year-old son, Francisco, attend Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary School.
Garcia said her parents never read to her as a child. As a teenager she had eight younger brothers and had to drop out of school to get a job and help support her family, she said.
She said classes at the center help her to read and understand her children's homework, write messages for teachers and communicate at parent-teacher conferences.
"For everything, it's good for me," she said.
While she attends classes, her 2-year-old daughter, Dharma, can play with toys and books in a child care room in the building. The center has a small outdoor play area as well.
By law, the Learning Community Council is required to establish at least one elementary learning center for every 25 elementary schools that have substantial numbers of students living in poverty. The law says centers may provide a variety of services, including extended-school-day programs, literacy instruction, computer labs, tutors, mentors, health and mental health programs, interpreters, and English language classes for parents and family members.
Council members determined that the South Omaha center should focus on the language barrier.


text: Born to kick it through leaf piles and the wet and cold season, our Haven Autumn waterproof boot makes performance, protection - and you - look good. Rich and classy leather uppers keep water out in high style. Comfy M Select MOVE construction gives you natural flex and all-day support and cushioning.


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Samsung BIOS CB20 Free Driver Download
Manufacturer Website
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Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows NT3.51, Windows NT4, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP (64 bit), Windows 2003, Windows 2003 (64 bit), Windows Vista, Windows Vista x64, Windows 2008, Windows 2008 (64 bit), Windows 7, Windows 7 (64 bit), Linux, Other Unix, Mac OS, Mac OSX, BeOS, DOS, OS/2, NetWare, Other, PDA
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BIOS [GP20/GB20/CP20/CB20] System BIOSDescription: 1. Before updating the BIOS, you must close all of the tasks. 2. Double-click the attached file on the windows status, and you can easily update the BIOS.Careful: - Never power off during the BIOS in updating.Thank you!
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20030915112758281_04GS.exe (1.2 MB)
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A to Z | Directory |
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Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2014 Health Fair. In order to participate, please fill out the form below by Friday, March 28. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, April 16!
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Results 11 to 13 of 13
2001 Silverado Reg. Cab Not-So-Base -- SOLD
2003 Avalanche Z71. No Cladding. Check out my Mod thread.
1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500 - Work in Progress
2003 Sierra 3500 Duramax. The Newer, Better Work Truck
- Join Date
- Apr 2010
- Location
- Piermont,NY, back in Northern NJ now, But may be in IL soon....
- Posts
- 5,321
I told them about the sunroof today and they will look into it... Thanks..08 Z71 Avalanche Mods to date: K&N CAI,Hellwig Swaybars and End Links, Corsa Sport Exhaust, Superchips Programer,IPCW LOF & 3rd brake light and tails, AMI Gas door,Show Hooks and Door locks, Enkei Wheels, with Pirelli tires, StreetScene Bowties, Grant Steering wheel,Muth signal mirrors,SSBC Big Brake kit,Huskyliner Mug gards,Floor mats and Hood shield, McGard Lug nuts and locks, Bedrug, Cervini's Ram Air hood,35watt HID Fog lights, Sylvania bulbs all around ZXE's Highs and Lows, WhiteNight Back up lights,Sirius and HD Radio, SnugTop sitting on deck now Got a Softopper on now,Tempress Boat Hatches.... New Bilstein shocks are on... New Mods coming soon..... X
Now that I think about it, a full set would be cool. I might only use the rear windows, sunroof, and back window on the Avalanche, but my work truck has the same front windows and there are times in the summer where it would be nice to use the front ones to have the windows open to keep my truck a bit cooler without having the bugs get into it.
2001 Silverado Reg. Cab Not-So-Base -- SOLD
2003 Avalanche Z71. No Cladding. Check out my Mod thread.
1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500 - Work in Progress
2003 Sierra 3500 Duramax. The Newer, Better Work Truck
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Azouz, Wahida, Campbell, Jessica, Stephenson, John, Saralaya, Dinesh and Chrystyn, Henry (2013) Improved Metered Dose Inhaler Technique When a Coordination Cap Is Used. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery. ISSN 1941-2703
Azouz, Wahida and Chrystyn, Henry (2012) Clarifying the dilemmas about inhalation techniques for dry powder inhalers: integrating science with clinical practice. Primary Care Respiratory Journal, 21 (2). pp. 208-213. ISSN 1471-4418
Azouz, Wahida, Campbell, Jessica and Chrystyn, Henry (2011) Training tools for inhalation devices: the need for more sophistication. Primary Care Respiratory Journal, 20 (2). p. 221. ISSN 1471-4418
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Teachers College Exhibition at the New York Historical Society
Friday, March 1, 2013 (All day) - Sunday, March 31, 2013 (All day)
New York Historical Society 170 Central Park West
Teachers College, Columbia University, the nation's first and largest graduate school of education, began in 1880 in Greenwich Village, New York City, to teach the domestic arts to poor immigrant women. In 1887, it moved to 120th and Broadway on the campus of Columbia University, where it is still housed and continues to prepare educators and conduct scholarly research in the fields of education, psychology and health throughout the life cycle. Teachers College has been the site of many major innovations and discoveries in education. The history of Teachers College, on display at the New York Historical Society, is to a large degree the history of modern education and of New York City.


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Save Big on Admission Tickets
Families of 4 (2 adults & 2 kids) can save nearly $98!!
55% off reg adult ticket price of $61.99 – save $33.99
35% off reg child ticket price of $42. 99 – save $14.99
Admission ticket purchase deadline:
All-You-Can-Eat Picnic for only $10 more
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat picnic — just for AAA
Picnic package purchase deadline:
Get your admission tickets or picnic
Registration on AAA.com is required.
Also available at your local AAA Branch.
Exclusive Early Admission
Enjoy early access to the park from 10:30am to noon, a full 90 minutes before the general public is admitted.
Picnic Menu
• Hamburgers
• Hot Dogs
• Garden Salad
• Baked Beans
• Soft Drinks
• Ice Cream Bars
Promotion valid for adult and child tickets, and are valid for use on Saturday, September 28, 2013 only. Season Passes and other purchased tickets are not valid for exclusive hours. All tickets must be purchased in AAA Branch Offices or at AAA.com/memberday. Admission-only tickets are valid for purchase until the event date. Picnic package tickets must be purchased by Thursday, September 26. No refunds or ticket exchanges. Promotional tickets cannot be resold. Discount good for up to 10 tickets per AAA Card. To purchase and receive the discount online, you must be an active AAA Member and provide your valid AAA Membership number upon log-in to AAA.com/tickets. Due to maintenance and other circumstances, certain rides, shows and attractions (including new rides) may not be open to the public. Dates and hours of operation may change without notice. Please call or visit sixflags.com for exact dates and hours of operation. SIX FLAGS and all related indicia are trademarks of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. ®, ™ and © 2013.
* Picnic is from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Admission and Picnic ticket package ($38 total) must be purchased by Thursday, September 26, 2013. Picnic admission may be purchased only in combination with purchase of a $28 one-day admission ticket. Picnic admission may not be purchased separately.


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A new Wisconsin Historical Society website is coming mid-May 2014!
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Turning Points
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The French attempt to mine copper on Lake Superior in 1739
1739: New Mines near Lake Superior
These two letters describe French attempts to mine copper at Ontanagon, on the south shore of Lake Superior, in the 1730's. The first, from Beauharnois, merely communicates the second and longer one, from Louis Denys La Ronde. La Ronde was a soldier, commandant at Chequamagon, and had been assigned the task of evaluating whether copper could be mined and shipped. He reports his findings here, but his project never came to fruition due to ongoing warfare between the Sioux and Ojibwa. Related documents are also in this volume of Wisconsin Historical Collections, under the date 1735.
View the Document
Note: By viewing this document you will be leaving the WHS website.
Related Topics:
Mining, Logging, and Agriculture
Mining in Northern Wisconsin
Beauharnois, Charles de ta Boische, marquis de; La Ronde, Louis Denys
Pub Data:
Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, vol 17 (Madison, 1906): 308-315.
La Ronde, Louis Denys. "1739: New Mines near Lake Superior." Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, vol 17 (Madison, 1906): 308-315. Online facsimile at: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/lhbum:@field(DOCID+@l
it(lhbum7689fdiv111)); Visited on: 4/25/2014
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ADA News
Economy still slow but dentists help patients get through tough times
The economy continues to be poor and continues to affect dental practices, but dentists also continue to respond to their patients' changing needs.
|Dr. Zust
"The downturn in the third quarter results is similar to that of previous third quarter results," according to the summary. "However, the drop in confidence this year was more severe than last year. According to most economists, the U.S. economy is growing, but at a very slow pace, and survey results are likely a reflection of that."
Nearly six out of 10 of dentists who responded to the survey said their net income in the third quarter was lower than in the second quarter. About three in 10 said it remained the same.
Dentists dealing with decreased income, gross billings and collections are also seeing patients with their own hardships. But many who responded to the survey said they are trying to help their patients continue their care, despite limited resources.
|Dr. Knapp
"Dentists always try their best to be supportive to their patients, no matter the circumstance," said Dr. Mark Zust, chair of the ADA Council on Dental Practice. "But the state of the economy and its effects has become a shared experience for many. Given the strain on their own business and income, dentists can understand what their patients are going through and are doing what they can to help."
Nearly two-thirds of dentists said they extended treatment durations to help patients pay for care. Fifty-four percent of respondents offered their patients third-party financing to pay for their care and nearly half offered discounts. Dentists also made changes to their businesses and increased their range of services.
When asked what kinds of economic improvements would most help patients pay for dental care, about half of responding dentists said a reduction in unemployment rates. One in four respondents noted issues related to patients obtaining insurance and insurance reform.
Other findings include:
- Dentists over 65 were more negatively impacted than younger ones. Six out of 10 respondents in the 65 and up age group reported their net income decreased in the third quarter, compared to nearly 54 percent of those in the 25-34 age group.
- Gross billings decreased in the third quarter for more than 52 percent of dentists who responded. Thirty-four percent indicated no change in their gross billings.
- Only 12 percent of respondents stated they had more new patients in the third quarter than in the previous one. Almost half of dentists said their new patient index decreased while 39 percent said it remained the same.
- Dentists remained on the negative side when asked about their confidence in future economic conditions. Around 8 percent were very confident, 41 percent were somewhat confident, and 51 percent were not at all confident.
"Dentists have become accustomed to the lackluster news from the ADA's economic surveys, but their peers' responses clearly mirror what's happening in the national economy," said Dr. Jonathan Knapp, vice chair of CDP. "It's important for dentists to remain optimistic and do whatever they can to ease this time for their patients and for themselves."


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Decorated Soup Cereal Bowl
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Grapevine is an invitation to a table set with Old World charm. Refined, embossed detailing creates the background for artistic clusters of amethyst grapes entwined with roseberry flowers and arbor-green leaves. From cereal in the morning to soup at lunch and ice cream for dessert, this bowl is a 'must-have'. 12 oz.


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Can you remember a time when Jennifer Lopez looked bad on the red carpet? We can't either. Besides praying that we look that sexy in our 40s, we're always lusting over her gorgeous hair. Here's a how-to from her hair stylist, Lorenzo Martin.
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Want more from Ariel? Follow her on Twitter @Ariel_Nagi.
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UNDP researches, develops, champions and provides evidence-based capacity development approaches, methodologies and innovations.
UNDP supports capacity development initiatives of national governments, civil society organizations, independent national and regional institutions and other stakeholders through advocacy, policy advisory and implementation services.
Informed by a rigorous body of evidence drawn from many years of experience on the ground, UNDP provides policy advice, helps develop policy guidance, collects and provides evidence on what works and what doesn't, conducts research and analysis, and works as the in-house resource team for training country office and country team colleagues. On-the-ground technical support is provided in conducting capacity assessments, designing and executing capacity development responses, and helping set up systems that measure change in capacity over time. more
A joint UN program is working to increase job opportunities for young graduates and unskilled workers by improving their skills as entrepreneurs. More
Municipal governments and residents are working together to address community needs — such as water, sewage and heating services — at the local level. More
A nation in need of reconstruction Few countries have faced such monumental challenges as Cambodia following the Khmer Rouge regime. Shattered infrastructure, hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and limited subnational governance capacity remained barriers to stability long after the 1993 el more
Accurate maps to guide fire fighters, better roads and water systems, training for teachers of special needs children - these are among the many public services that smaller municipalities in the former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia can now offer their citizens. As part of a UNDP-supported pr more
UNDP researches, develops, champions and provides evidence-based capacity development approaches, methodologies and innovations.
This case study documents the successful partnership in Liberia among UNDP, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and Liberia's Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.


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Located nine miles south of Republic, west of Highway SR-21, up Forest Road 53/Scatter Creek, at 3329 feet elevation in Colville National Forest. Annual plants of fry and catchable-size Rainbow Trout keep this lake a useable fishery, despite frequent winterkills.
A U.S. Forest Service campground is available.
To protect breeding common loons, it is unlawful to use lead weights or lead jigs that measure 1.5 inches or less along the longest axis.
Lake Information
Lake Management TypeTrout emphasis
Sport Fishing Regulations & Seasons
Emergency Rule Updates
Fishing closures and openings happen constantly throughout the year. The E-Rules keep you up-to-date.
Access Sites / Boat Ramps on this Lake
Fish Plants & Stocking Reports
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)


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Revealing the secret fine wines of the Rhône
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Priorato DO
Garnacha Blanco, Macabeo and Moscatel blended with beautiful aromatics of soft peach
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Margaret River
Limited parcel from the man behind Cape Mentelle and Cloudy Bay
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Premieres Cotes de Blaye AOC
Christophe Reboul Salze's wine really is excellent value.
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A lovely oaked cuvée
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World-class Bordeaux Blanc
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Saint-Emilion AOC
A great value Montagne from our good friend Olivier Cazenave.
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The second wine of Château Chauvin, a Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion estate
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text: Large open space with Queen Memory Foam Mattress and a Sleeper Sofa. Sleeps 4. Please call or email us for our current rates which are typically the lowest in the Venice Beach area. Stays for over 31 days are not subject to the city tax rate of 14%. Please note that we generally do not take bookings of less than 7 nights more than 1 month in advance. All rooms include covered, gated parking two blocks away.


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By Pat Nolan, Senior Vice President, DVL Public Relations
October 31, 2008
So here it is, Halloween.
As we enter the final weekend of the Race for the White House, are there tricks or treats awaiting the candidates in the final few days? An "October Surprise" even when the calendar says November?
For Democrat Barack Obama, almost all the polling nationwide and state-by-state (especially in the battleground states) looks very promising for a win (maybe even by margins approaching a landslide victory) come Tuesday, November 4.
But will this looming treat turn out to be a trick? Will Obama's voters (especially young people and other new voters) turn out to cast their ballots and make the difference? Or are they already celebrating, figuring all the treats are in the Halloween bag, and so,, once again, they will bag going to vote and stay home? And if the Democrats and Obama lose this election, with all the tangible and intangibles elements so heavily in their favor this election cycle, can they ever hope to win a nationwide election again?
As for John McCain and the Republicans, Election Day looks scary indeed. It is a given that Democrats will make major gains in both houses of the Congress. It may not result in filibuster and veto-proof Democratic majorities, but it will be a lot closer to that than it ever been for either party in recent years.
As for John McCain, he is trying to pull off a near miracle-sweep of the remaining battleground states, while also taking Pennsylvania back from the Democrats. Right now there are few indications in the polls that the Keystone State is turning his way, and while all the remaining toss-up states are ones that have voted Republican in recent years, many of them are showing slight, but persistent margins in favor of Obama in recent voter surveys. It seems even if the race tightens, and presidential races always do in the final days, it still may not be enough to allow McCain to pull off one more surprise comeback.
So it all means there is still likely to be some mystery when you join us for Channel 5 and NewsChannel5 Plus' election coverage. We start with CBS on the main channel at 6:30 PM with an hour-long broadcast of local and state results beginning at 7:00 PM on the Plus. We will continue our reports throughout the evening with local cut-ins twice an hour as a part of CBS News continuing coverage of the national races.
Here's something watch for early. If you see some of the states in the Eastern Time zone close their polls, with network projections quickly following that they are going to be carried by Obama, watch out, we could have an early winner, even before the polls out west close.
But if the results coming in from states like North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Florida even Pennsylvania are found to be too close to call early on, then we could be up as late as 11:00 PM or later (our time) before we know who the next President will be. 11:00 PM Central Time is when the polls out west, especially in California close, and of all the states along the Pacific Coast are expected to be in Obama's column as well as New Mexico, Colorado and perhaps Nevada. Obama is even making a late effort to compete in McCain's home state of Arizona as polls there have gotten closer in recent days.
So pop up the popcorn and keep a little left-over Halloween candy on hand, we could be a few hours figuring it all out before we know a winner. But I don't think this will be anything like 2000 or even 2004, where it all came down to a jump ball in one state, and nobody knew for sure who had come out victorious until the next day (or in 2000, until the middle of December).
Speaking of Halloween candy: What about the VP candidates? What should they be wearing on the campaign trail? What about Joe Biden dressing up as the candidate who scares Democrats the most, because they never know what he might say next on the campaign trail? Sarah Palin? It was clear early in the campaign she would be dressed as a maverick, but now we hear other nicknames reportedly being used by McCain staffers to describe her (and not in a nice way): How about "Diva" or Wack Job or Rogue."
Normally when an election is going badly, the knives come out inside the losing campaign. But that's usually done internally until after Election Day. Now it seems the McCain campaign is bringing out the long knives well before the voting is final, and even as Palin is encouraging talk that she will continue to be active on the national political scene, even looking at running for President 2012. 2012? Does that mean she already knows John McCain will only serve one term if elected (McCain sure won't commit to that)? Or does it mean she already knows she and McCain can't win now, so she trying to position herself to run on her own in 4 years?
Former Tennessee Senator Bill Frist (another possible future GOP Presidential candidate) must have some similar feelings about next week's election. He's already told Ken Whitehouse at NASHVILLEPOST.com that Obama will win November 4.
And there's "Joe The Plumber." Proving the adage that "there's always a Nashville connection", Joe Wurzelbacker, the Ohio man who has become the McCain campaign's mascot and tag line in the last couple of weeks, is seeking to extend his 15 minutes of fame beyond November 4, by hiring a local publicist and an agent to help him manage all the interview and appearance requests he is receiving. According to an article in THE TENNESSEAN, (October 31) for right now that doesn't include a record deal, but a book is in the works.
Only in Nashville
Except for the Belmont debate, Tennessee has been all but ignored by the presidential campaigns. Nevertheless, it appears voters in this state are as excited as those in most battleground states. And they are turning out in record numbers, at least in early voting.
Well over 1.5 million Tennesseans have already voted, leading to perhaps over 2.5 million voting total at the end of Election Day on November 4. Early turnout has been heaviest in the state's two largest counties, Shelby (Memphis) and Davidson (Nashville), with their combined totals equaling almost 450,000 of the total or just under 30%.
That's likely good news for Obama. And he better do well in Nashville and Memphis, because he is not expected nearly as well in the rest of the state, especially the rural counties, where my GOP sources say her trails in some counties by 30% to 40%. My Republican sources also believe John McCain will do as well as George Bush did here in 2004 (winning by 15%). They also think Obama will be a major drag on Democratic candidates, in turn helping GOP state senate and house candidates. However my Democratic friends insist Obama will do better than expected statewide and that McCain will have no coattails in state legislative contests. Will Governor Bredesen be much help to Democrats? He wasn't in 2006. And after first saying he played to campaign for a number of state Democrats across the state, he then abruptly cut back his schedule, claiming the state's budget crisis required him to stay close to the Capitol. Now it appears his schedule has loosened up some and he is spending a few more days on the trail these final few days.
While you are watching for coattails on Election Night, also let's see if Tennessee is still a bell-weather presidential state. Since 1924, Tennesseans have voted with the winning candidate for President in ever election but two. The only times we've gotten it wrong was in 1924 and 1960. It's all but conceded John McCain will carry the Volunteer State this year, so is that a signal he will pull a national upset? Or will Tennessee get it wrong this time?
Finally, don't forget to watch Lamar Alexander's U.S. Senate race. Will he get more votes than John McCain? Will he carry all 95 counties? Will he be a shining star for the GOP on a night when the party has little to cheer about, especially in the U.S. Senate? Will the results of November 4, also propel Alexander to an even larger leadership role in the Republican leadership of the upper chamber?
Of course, this week on INSIDE POLITICS, we take a look at what's going to happen in the elections both from a party perspective and from two of the best political journalists in the state.
We'll have State Democratic Party Chairman Gray Sasser and Republican Communications Director Bill Hobbs to join us in one segment, then Joe White of WPLN, Nashville Public Radio and Tom Humphrey of THE KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL.
We will take a look at all the key races, especially the ones that will determine who controls the State Senate and State House, as well as the Presidential race here and our U.S. Senate contest.
INSIDE POLITICS can be seen each weekend on the NEWSCHANNEL5 Network. That includes:
Friday, October 31 7:00 PM NEWSCHANNEL5 PLUS, Comcast Channel 50
Saturday, November 1 5:00 AM NEWSCHANNEL5 Plus
Saturday, November 1 5:30 PM NEWSCHANNEL5 Plus
Saturday, November 1 6:30 PM WTVF-TV, Channel 5
Sunday, November 2 5:00 AM WTVF-TV, Channel 5
Sunday November 2 5:00 AM NEWSCHANNEL5 Plus
Sunday, November 2 12:30 PM NEWSCHANNEL5 Plus
We are happy to have an extra showing on the main channel this weekend (if we aren't pre-empted by the SEC football game). So join us to get one more election fix, to get you ready for Tuesday night.
One other interesting thing to watch in the local returns on Election Night is the outcome of the relatively large number of liquor referendums being held. Nolensville, White House, Goodlettsville and Pleasant View are all holding votes on whether to allow liquor-by-the drink, while Smyrna voters are deciding whether to allow package liquor stores.
Those are activities and businesses that used to be available only in Davidson County (Metro approved liquor by the drink 40 years ago). And so, over the years, lots of folks have driven to Nashville to have a nice drink with their dinner or to enjoy a night out at a club or even stay at a local hotel. Now with the growth and influx of new people to these bedroom communities, they want to be able to do those things closer to home.
Of course, there's still likely to be strong church opposition to anything that makes liquor more available in their communities. But is the church vote still strong enough to defeat these proposals? And, if liquor by the drink is approved in all these communities, what does that do to Nashville's sales tax collections and tax base in the future, as new upscale restaurants, clubs and hotels locate in these out of county communities?
Professional baseball ended its season a few days ago with the Philadelphia Phillies defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4 games to 1 in the World Series.
But for Nashville, pro baseball seems to be just getting started...again.
For months the ownership of the AAA Nashville Sounds baseball team has been at loggerheads with Mayor Karl Dean and the city over a new lease for dilapidated Greer Stadium. But the impasse was much deeper and broader than that.
Nobody at the Metro Courthouse liked the current Sounds owners after they screwed up a plan to build a new downtown riverfront baseball park a couple of years ago. Metro was providing the land for free, and while lots of council members took some heat for approving the plan, everything looked to be fine, until the Sounds had a falling out with their co-developers and the deal died.
Then came the impasse over the new lease for Greer, and for a while it appeared baseball might be leaving Nashville, at least for a season or two. But now a group of New York and Japanese investors have stepped forward to buy the team, closing the deal in cash. So it appears prospects for a new lease and new lease on life for baseball at Greer Stadium are very bright.
Ultimately look for a new downtown baseball stadium proposal to surface again. Nobody can get a deal done like that right now with the financial markets in their present conditions. But a couple of years from now, things are likely to be much more favorable.
Isn't it odd? An out of town group comes to Nashville and saves professional baseball. This time last year, everyone in Nashville was concerned that out of town groups were angling to take away the city's NHL hockey team. Fortunately, a new, mostly-local ownership team emerged. And with a new lease, they are once again trying to make the Predators and pro hockey work in a non- traditional hockey town.
There should be no such problems with baseball. After all, many still consider it, "America's Past Time." But when it comes time for putting together the deal to build a new downtown ball park, will Metro have to contribute more than just the land this time? And given Metro's very fragile financial condition, especially for capital projects, how will that be able to be funded with all the other pressing needs of the city?
But for now, I am sure Mayor Karl Dean (who is a huge baseball fan, especially of the Boston Red Sox) is just happy the Sounds will be here come next spring, and hopefully for many springs yet to come. Having grown up in Nashville during the years when we did not have a team (1964-1978) let me add, an "Amen" and a "Play Ball."
On the surface, the news release out of Mayor Karl Dean's office announcing that Bellevue will soon receive curbside recycling would seem to be all about improving the environment.
Clearly, Mayor Dean is intent on being Nashville's greenest Mayor ever.
But the expansion of the recycling service, previously only available in Nashville's higher property-tax paying Urban Services District, could also have an ongoing impact on the city's tax base.
When Metro first began in 1960s, Urban Service District residents received several services than those living in the General Services District in outlying areas like Bellevue, did not. But over the years, those services (sewers, fire protection, a higher level of police protection, among others) have been diluted and expanded to outlying parts of the county without those communities being annexed and paying higher property taxes.
Now providing curbside recycling to GSD residents will take away another incentive from ever annexing these parts of town. Now the only new services that anyone annexed will receive is regular trash pickup and street lights (which many residents don't really want, anyway).
So for now, the Dean administration has decided being green is preferable to the green the city's tax base would receive from annexing these communities. I wonder how that will look when the Mayor puts his next budget together, and realizes, even with a countywide property reappraisal, he still won't be able to generate enough new tax revenue without seeking a risky, public referendum to raise the property tax rate. The Metro Charter amendment adopted a few years ago has brought a new day in our city. We can no longer afford the luxury of USD residents subsidizing services to the GSD which has been going on for years. It's either start looking at ways to build and expand our tax base, or anticipate some painful budget cuts ahead.
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Quick & Easy Quilts
Whip up a quilt in no time with these quick and easy quilts projects. These quilts are so easy, you might want to make one of each!
Mango Tango
Each block of this sizzling, south-of-the-border 54-1/2-square throw uses nine assorted stripe, plaid, and solid fabrics.
Go to Mango Tango.
Sweet Strips
This pint-size quilt is perfect for a baby quilt or for a toddler to cuddle up with on a spring day.
Go to Sweet Strips.
Big Block Style
For a throw with maximum impact made in a minimum amount of time, try this quilt made of 8-1/2" squares.
Go to Big Block Style.
Splashes of Color
Delicious sherbert-tone batiks are the foundation in this quick-to-sew quilt. Surround a simple square with four mix-and-match rectangles and voila—one block is done.
Go to Splashes of Color.
Sew Easy Quilts
We challenged new and experienced quilters to make the easiest quilt ever using 10" squares. See the variety of fabrics and find the optional size chart at the end of the slideshow.
Go to Sew Easy Quilts.
Simple Squares & Bars
This super-simple quilt uses muted colors making it a cozy fit for spring.
Go to Simple Squares & Bars.
Kids' Strippy Quilt
Utilize prints, panels and border prints in this quick-and-quilt. Use the large-scale prints to fill big areas, fussy-cutting the prints to highlight graphics images.
Go to Kids' Strippy Quilt.
Big Block Throw
Have large prints you don't want to cut into smaller pieces? Try this quilt, where bold botanical prints are perfectly showcased in 18" squares.
Go to Big Block Throw.
Mango Tango
Each block of this sizzling, south-of-the-border 54-1/2-square throw uses nine assorted stripe, plaid, and solid fabrics.
Go to Mango Tango.
High Light
Giant blocks, each created from just five large pieces, make this zesty quilt a snap to complete.
Go to High Light.
Chocolate & Jelly Beans
Alternating color placement of chocolate and vanilla-color block backgrounds creates Courthouse Steps blocks. Toss in some polka dot prints and you've got an easy, yummy throw.
Go to Chocolate & Jelly Beans.
Squared Up Wall Hanging
This wall hanging showcases motifs from the 19th century in the fussy-cut block centers, while a large-scale center block is the focal point.
Go to Squared Up Wall Hanging.
Big Block Duvet
Custom cover your comforter by turning a pieced quilt top into a "summer weight" quilt by finishing it as a duvet cover instead of layering it with batting.
Go to Big Block Duvet.
Easy Panel Quilt
If a preprinted panel catches your eye at the fabric store, make it the focal point when creating this fun kid's quilt. You'll finish it in no time!
Go to Easy Panel Quilt.
Lemon Bars
Simple squares and rectangles combine with sashing to create a quick-to-finish springtime maze.
Go to Lemon Bars.


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(Photo: Paramount)
— M. Dunne
(Photo: Paramount)
Let's not stop our nerd-out there. Let's go full-on dweeb for a second. And why not? "Star Trek: Into Darkness" debuted this week.
To answer your question — and discuss other "Star Trek" technologies ranging from tricorders to photon torpedoes — we wrangled David Saltzberg, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles — and an advisor for the sitcom "The Big Bang Theory."
That's right. We're giving you yet another "Big Bang"-on-"Star-Trek" mashup. Bazinga me up, Scotty.
We asked Saltzberg about your particular hangup first — transporter beams.
"We've known since the 19th century that light has pressure," Saltzberg points out. "You can make tweezers out of light. People actually are using light to grab things."
In other words: A transporter sometime in the future? Not a completely crazy idea.
But what about...
Warp speed?
(Photo: Screengrab/Paramount)
"This is a problem that every science fiction story has had to overcome somehow, because things in space are just so far apart. Even at light speed, it would take you 4 years to get you to the closest star. Lawrence Krauss, who wrote 'The Physics of Star Trek,' tries to explain it in terms of general relativity. Creating a warp connects two pieces of space together. But the amount of energy that would create is unfathomably large, and so, probably, you would die in the process. I wouldn't mind going on record as saying that warp drive is probably impossible. I might bet that in 400 we wouldn't have warp drive, but I wouldn't know how to collect."
Unless, by then, we have...time travel?
(Photo: Everett)
Photon torpedoes?
(Photo: Screengrab/Paramount)
(Photo: Screengrab/Paramount)
"Then you have other senses: smell, taste and touching. That's more problematic from a scientific point of view.
"I would imagine that it, in the future, it would probably be easier just to access the brain directly, delivering the tactile cues, the smells, the tastes and the auditory cues, by pumping that information directly into the brain, eventually."
(Photo: REX USA)
(Geek bonus points: Just last year the brainiacs behind the X Prize announced a competition to, yes, come up with a real, live, working tricorder. This is going to happen, people!)
Curve ball! In 'Star Trek IV,' Scotty discussed transparent aluminum. Doable?
(Photo: Everett)
"For short times you can make metals transparent at a particle accelerator. If you remove an electron from every atom of aluminum without disrupting the crystalline structure, you can make something transparent.
"It only lasts for 40 femptoseconds. For quadrillionths of a second, you can make it transparent."
And you know what that means, folks. Any day now we'll be boldly going.
Tweet your Burning Question @yahoomovies.
- Science
- Arts & Entertainment
- Star Trek
- David Saltzberg


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Onguma Tented Camp
Sophistication. Relaxation. Wilderness Excitement.
Onguma Tented Camp is a beguiling mixture of sophistication and relaxation. In the local Herero language, Onguma means, "the place you don't want to leave." With a stunning main building and seven tents providing private, exclusive accommodation, Onguma Tented Camp certainly lives up to its name. Like the bush where soft air blows against sharp thorns, Onguma Tented Camp is a study in contrasts. Textures such as stone, suede, linen and steel create a setting that is sleek and modern but also inherently of the earth. Inspired by a photograph of an Oryx on Etosha's Fisher's Pan, the interior echoes the colors of its natural surrounds. The main complex, also overlooking the waterhole, includes a reception area, lounge and dining room as well as a rim flow swimming pool. An atmosphere of elegant dining prevails, complimented by the daily activities taking place around the watering hole, approximately 200 ft away. The surrounding nature lends itself to long, lazy afternoons spent relaxing on the sofas in the lounge, watching the animals. And when things heat up, all that is required is a gentle stroll to the rim flow pool. Sit and relax in the flowing waters while enjoying an ice-cold cooler.
Accommodation Details
- Price: From $501 per person per night
- Location: Southern Africa, Namibia
- Trip Advisor Rating:
- Age Minimum: 12 years old
- # of Beds: 14 beds
- Amenities: Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Pool, Recharge Facilities, Wi-Fi
- Type: Permanent Tented
- Includes: Rates include: On a Full Board Basis: accommodation, meals, transfers to/from Mokuti airstrip, VAT and levies.On a Half Board Basis: accommodation, dinner, breakfast, transfers to/from Mokuti airstrip, VAT and levies.
Activities at this Accommodation
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Educational Excursion
Learn fascinating facts and understand the bigger picture. Knowledge can make safari viewing even more enthralling.
Add to favorites
Family Friendly Activities
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Game Drive
Head out into the wilderness to see the incredible daily drama of predator/prey and the ancient circle of life.
Add to favorites
Night Drive
At night, the nocturnal animals awaken and treat you to a show that daylight game drives miss.
Add to favorites
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Buzz above the scenic landscape and get a bird's-eye view of wildlife. A scenic helicopter flight is a unparalleled way to experience Africa.
Add to favorites
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Walking Safari
Trips Featuring this Accommodation
Other Nearby Accommodations
Mokuti Lodge
From $110 per person per night
Mushara Lodge
From $193 per person per nightfavorite
Onguma The Fort
From $360 per person per nightfavorite
Mushara Outpost
From $427 per person per nightfavorite


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Product Description
Color and bake candy Shrinky Dinks jewelry you can wear! Make earrings, necklaces and bracelets with this fun kit. Sweet Treats Jewelry contains everything you'll need to make 150 Shrinky Dinks and gems. Color the Shrinky Dinks shapes with the color pencils, then bake. In just minutes, you have great-looking jewelry you can wear and share with friends. Display your beautiful jewelry on the 3D jewelry display cake!


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Hey everyone, I'm back. *audience boos* I have some more questions.
After successfully creating an evolving colony of creatures that eat, mate and die, I've chosen to move on to neural networks. Now, in my last post, someone explained these to me as simply as they could and, though I understood and still do understand the basic gist of it, it's honestly still eluding me.
Having read a few more articles on it, I have a better understanding, and in turn, more questions.
One of the articles I read suggested an RTS game like Warcraft, with the peons having evolving neural networks; the best peons' networks being passed along. This idea pretty much amazed me, and I'd like to eventually get around to it. Now, I DO have the skill and knowledge to code my own RTS, but it's a big project, and I'm merely focusing on AI for now. As such, I would like to do something LIKE the said idea. I have a few ideas myself.
Now for my questions. I understand that in a neural network, neurons are given data. What do they receive. Let's say I gave my creatures a basic neural network to govern movement with obstacles. What would the input be, look like, etc? After they receive input, I understand that they output something, and to my understanding it is either 0 or 1. Is it always 0 or 1, or just in the given examples? I don't really understand how to control movement using 0s and 1s, besides to have four neurons (one for up, one for right, one for down, and one for left) and then putting the input into each one. I also don't understand the whole idea of "weights". I'm going to explain the situation as I understand it. Feel free to correct me, as that's what I want.
Let's say I have a colony of creatures, they have four neurons, ones for up, down, left and right. In every loop, certain data (?) is inputted into each neuron, and each then (not sure on this part) somehow calculates something (something to do with the input data * something, but I really don't understand this, so an explanation would be appreciated) and then outputs 0 or 1. The only flaw I see in this system is: What if two neurons fire? It moves up and right, or whatever. What happens if three or four fire? Is there some way it can have priorities?
EDIT: Or another scenario: In every loop, certain data (?) is inputted into the first neuron (let's say up), which then outputs 0 or 1 to a connected neuron (right) then to another (down) and lastly to another (left), which somehow outputs the movement data (four 0s and 1s?) I'm very confused.
ANOTHER EDIT: One more scenario, after some more thinking: In every loop, data (let's say the distance of the food around the creature) is inputted into all four neurons, ones for up, down, left and right. Each of the neurons then multiplies the data (let's say there's a piece of food 20 feet up, and none anywhere else, so the input is 20 into the up neuron, and 0 into the others) by it's own weight (is this correct)? Let's say all the neurons had the same weight, simply 1, so the up neuron fires, moving the creature up, the others don't fire, returning 0. Is this the correct method?
I'm not looking on these creatures "learning" yet, but that'd be an added bonus if it's not too hard to implement.
My last question is: say you have some kind of creatures system, and they've evolved and learned, and yada yada. You're ready to quit, but your precious colony has taken four hours to reach the point it's at. How do you save the neural network data (the learnt data, etc) to a file? I'm not asking how to handle files, but how to store the data.
If I didn't elaborate enough on anything, let me know and I'll post a reply. Thanks for your input (no pun intended).


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Design and features
Looking for your first SLR or wanting to upgrade? The 650D offers plenty of enticing reasons to hand over your cash, from its reasonably lightweight construction, right down to its articulating 3-inch LCD screen.
This camera sits in the Canon SLR range between last year's 600D and the slightly bigger and faster 60D, though it bears the most striking resemblance to the former camera in its look and feel. Say farewell to the EOS 550D, as the old trooper has been shuffled out of the line-up to make room for this new model.
Click through for more photos and first impressions of the 650D. (Credit: CBSi)
If these features weren't enough to help tempt photographers into the world of SLRs, rather than picking up an interchangeable lens camera (ILC), Canon has included a number of interesting features on this new model, including an HDR and handheld night scene mode. When shooting in this mode (found on the top dial) the camera shoots four frames in quick succession, then superimposes them in-camera, with automatic adjustments to alignment. It's not going to replace shooting properly with a tripod, but it's definitely good enough for a night snapshot when you don't have anything sturdy to lean on.
Here's an example of the handheld night shot mode in action. It takes four shots in quick succession and merges them together, after around five seconds of waiting time. Even if you are shooting in JPEG+RAW mode, it saves the one image as JPEG only and, in most situations, will boost the ISO to 12,800.
(Credit: CBSi)
The articulating screen mentioned earlier is also a touch panel. It uses gestures that are similar to those on smartphones or tablets, to swipe between images and pinch to zoom. You can tap to focus and also tap to take a photo if you activate this feature on the screen.
It's a pleasure to look at the screen on the 650D, as it's high-resolution with 1.4-million dots. Fortunately, it's also responsive and accurate, with just a gentle touch required to get the capacitive screen to respond to commands. You can also select menu options and photo settings from the screen.
The touchscreen on the 650D, showing the HDR mode.
(Credit: CBSi)
While the merits of a touchscreen on an SLR can be debated, the addition of the tactile interface on the 650D feels very organic. You can still use the physical buttons as you need and ignore the touchscreen altogether, if you wish; but the effortless way of swiping back and forth between images in playback mode is a really nice way of viewing photos. The only problem we had when playing with the screen was its propensity to attract fingerprints.
The very petite 40mm f/2.8 pancake attached to the 650D.
(Credit: CBSi)
As mentioned earlier, the 650D marks the first Canon SLR to implement automatic focusing during video recording (full 1080p at 30, 25 or 24fps). There's also a built-in stereo microphone, as well as a 3.5mm stereo microphone input. To activate movie mode, there's now a dedicated notch on the power switch, which needs to be flicked up. On previous models, the mode was activated from a dedicated selector on the dial. We found it was far too easy to flick the switch all the way up into video mode, rather than into the "On" position.
The 650D comes with creative filters, just like the earlier 600D, but adds two more, taking the total to seven. Available now are grainy black-and-white, soft focus, fish-eye, art bold, water painting, toy camera and miniature effect. While the process of applying these filters is not as easy as on some ILCs, or like other SLRs that let you preview the effect in Live View mode, it's still easier to do than on the 600D. Head into playback mode, select the Quick mode (Q button), choose your filter and then, apply.
The 650D uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, which are accepted via the side slot, while the rechargeable lithium-ion battery slips in underneath the camera body. This camera also comes with wireless flash control, allowing you to easily and remotely fire a number of external Canon flash units from the 650D.
Compared to
|Nikon D5100
|Canon EOS 600D
|Canon EOS 650D
|16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS
|18-megapixel APS-C CMOS
|18-megapixel APS-C CMOS
|3.0-inch, 921,000-dot articulating LCD screen
|3.0-inch, 1,04K-dot articulating LCD screen
|3.0-inch, 1,04K-dot articulating touch LCD screen
|Full HD video (1080p, 24/25fps)
|Full HD video (1080p, 24/25/30fps)
|Full HD video (1080p, 24/25/30fps)
|No wireless flash control
|Wireless flash control
|Wireless flash control
General shooting metrics (in seconds)
- Start-up to first shot time
- JPEG shot-to-shot time
- RAW shot-to-shot time
- Shutter lag
- 0.20.40.70.1
Canon EOS 600D
- 0.30.40.50.1
Canon EOS 650D
- 0.30.40.40.2
Canon EOS 60D
- 0.30.60.70.3
Nikon D5100
- 0.30.20.30.1
Nikon D7000
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
Continuous shooting speed (in frames per second)
- 7
Nikon D7000
- 5.3
Canon EOS 60D
- 5
Canon EOS 650D
- 3.8
Nikon D5100
- 3.7
Canon EOS 600D
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
While the 650D can take an almost unlimited number of JPEG images in continuous shooting mode (only limited by the capacity and speed of your card), it slows down dramatically when shooting RAW after just seven shots. Canon rates the battery at 440 shots when using the viewfinder, and 180 when using Live View.
Image quality
We tested the 650D using the 18-135mm STM kit lens, though it also comes in other configurations.
Shooting using the automatic picture style mode results in punchy colours, with JPEG images displaying a good range of tonality. There's little to complain about here, particularly if you're a photographer upgrading from a compact camera.
High ISO performance at 6400 and 12,800, however, is not spectacular. It does the job for low resolution shots and emergency images; however, don't expect to be able to make decent enlargements. Like the 600D, the 650D has a tendency to over-expose and blow out highlights when shooting in automatic modes. Naturally, this can be mitigated by shooting in manual mode, but beginner photographers may wonder why some of their shots look a little too blown out.
It's also slightly disappointing to see that there hasn't been a bigger jump in image quality between the two models, though, again, anyone coming to the camera without experiencing earlier versions won't be disappointed.RAW vs. JPEG
Like other entry-level Canon SLRs, the 650D saturates its JPEG images a fair bit more than the original RAW file, though it does a good job of keeping detail, even when reducing noise, as you can see from the 100 per cent crop inset. This shot was taken at ISO 1600.
(Credit: CBSi)
For a consumer-level SLR, the 650D delivers very good video for most purposes. Given the ability to focus automatically during recording, it's an excellent compromise for anyone who is wanting the benefits of a standalone camcorder, but doesn't want to make the extra investment. That said, the autofocus is still not as fluid, quick or smooth as you might be accustomed to, either from a compact or from a camcorder — but, it does the job. At the time of writing there were only two STM lenses available, which does limit the photographer somewhat, but they cover a decent enough focal length range for casual videographers.
The autofocus movement is nearly silent, and while it does take a little longer to lock onto focus in dim or dark situations, it's still pretty effective. However, the camera does favour subjects that are placed in the centre of the screen and tries to focus on them, rather than any other element, but you can get around this by tapping on the appropriate area of the screen during recording.
Here's an example of the movie AF in action (automatic focus during video recording). The video was taken using manual exposure control, with the wind filter on the microphone switched off.
Here's another example of the video mode in action, this time on automatic exposure control, indoors and with no wind noise.
At the time of writing, if you buy any other lens other than the 18-135mm STM or 40mm STM lens, you will not experience the same results of the autofocus mechanism during video recording. Instead, it's clunky and noisy, taking a lot longer to seek and achieve focus.
Image samples
Exposure: 1/125, f/11, ISO 400.
Exposure: 1/125, f/7, ISO 100.
Exposure: 1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 200.
Exposure: 1/200, f/8, ISO 400.
The Canon 650D has all the features you would expect, but throws in a few more for good measure, including autofocus in video mode and a touchscreen. Fortunately, they work brilliantly and make the 650D a very competitive and compelling SLR.
Canon no longer issues official RRPs for its products. As a ballpark guide, at the time of writing, we have seen the 650D available in Australian photographic retail for around AU$899, body only; AU$1099 for the body and 18-55mm IS lens; and AU$1399 with the body and 18-135mm STM lens.