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Amid ongoing violence in Syria against anti-government protestors and opposition fighters, the United States closed down its embassy (AP) in Damascus Monday and pulled all U.S. diplomats out of the country. The decision came just two days after Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution (PDF) supporting an Arab League plan that would require the government to cease all violence and facilitate a transition to democracy. The resolution failed to pass despite dropping provisions in the draft seen as the "most painful measures," such as a voluntary arms embargo on Damascus. The veto prompted widespread condemnation of Russia and China from Western and Arab countries.
The eleven-month crackdown in Syria has killed more than 5,400 people, and analysts say the failure of the resolution may lead to increased bloodshed. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned of a "brutal civil war" (LAT), a concern echoed by the head of the Arab League (Reuters).
The failure of a UN resolution, warn experts like Andrew Tabler of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, could lead to regional and global powers starting a proxy war by aiding different factions inside Syria, worsening the situation. Russia, which has a naval base in Syria, continues to arm the Assad regime, its only big ally in the Middle East. Although Qatar's official position rejects arming the opposition (al-Jazeera), some reports suggest Qatar is already arming the Free Syrian Army (Guardian) with Saudi blessing.
The Debate
Even as Russia and China face growing criticism, there is no consensus among analysts on the question of intervention in Syria. The shadow of Libya looms; some observers note that NATO went beyond the letter of the UN resolution to lead the mission for Muammar al-Qaddafi's removal and arm the opposition. CFR's Steven A. Cook, an advocate for intervention in Syria to bring down Assad, writes that "one of the real reasons that observers seem reluctant to consider an intervention in Syria may be because Libya took so long to bring Qaddafi down, which was the unstated but unmistakable goal of NATO's missions." Daniel Byman of Brookings (ForeignPolicy.com) also calls for intervention, warning that without it, Assad could rule for years.
However, other experts say the Syrian opposition is weak and divided, making intervention riskier than it was in Libya. CFR Senior Fellow Ed Husain cautions that Western intervention risks spreading Syria's internal conflict to neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Israel, and Iran. Worse, he writes, "there is a real possibility of the emergence of an al-Qaeda-inspired organization inside Syria to fight 'Western imperialism,' much like al-Qaeda or the 'Sunni insurgency' in Iraq."
Policy Options
The Arab League countries' foreign ministers are set to meet on February 12 to discuss the Syrian crisis. Also, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has proposed the creation of an international contact group (FT), "Friends of Syria," with European and Arab partners to back the Arab League's call for Assad to step aside and withdraw troops. The group might aid the opposition, but it remains unclear which nations would be part of it and what it would do.
CFR's Robert M. Danin supports the formation of the "Friends of Syria" group to heighten diplomatic pressure on Syria. He prescribes other steps to help Syria without intervening militarily: pushing for an arms embargo, tightening sanctions on the Syrian government, and taking steps to indict Assad and his supporters at the International Criminal Court.
Background Materials
Marc Lynch of George Washington University says "the end of the UN option will now make the goal of regime change in Damascus (ForeignPolicy.com) more explicit."
At ForeignAffairs.com, Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, writes that Russia vetoed the Syria resolution at the UN because it feels burned by last year's international intervention in Libya and it harbors suspicions about the United States' motives.


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I wouldn't "transfer" the debt to the card. Just put every expense you make over the months on the chase card and pay off her debt directly. This will save you the balance transfer fee and you will earn the rewards on it
5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent
I read it as you can get up to 1500 back per QTR.
I would advise a brokerage debit card. Otherwise, pay cash. Do Not start a new life off in debt.....
quote:Young people posting on a money board are obviously very involved in their financial situation so I doubt anyone carries over debt each month. Before I read this board regularly I put everything on my debit card. Since April, I already have about $600 cash back on my Amex Blue Preferred.
An interesting discussion about credit cards. I didn't realize they were so important to you younger people.
I do know carrying more than 7% credit card debt to available credit will lower your credit score.
I would advise a brokerage debit card. Otherwise, pay cash. Do Not start a new life off in debt.....
Why borrow?
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Forget Me Not
25 comments:
- Frau said...
I love it! It's perfect...I'm on overload trying to remember everything. We are moving back to USA in 8days...so much to do!
- June 18, 2010 at 1:19 AM
- Rachael said...
What a great series of photos... priceless!! They're so endearing, why wouldn't anyone return his camera after seeing that?!!? Now if only that would work for wallets, phones and passports... ;-)
- June 18, 2010 at 1:45 AM
- Rachael said...
oh... and husbands! LOL
- June 18, 2010 at 1:46 AM
- Kristina said...
haha, that is such a great idea. fear of losing my camera is my constant companion!
viele grüsse, kristina
- June 18, 2010 at 2:16 AM
- Bonnie- amour amour said...
This is hilarious!
- June 18, 2010 at 5:27 AM
- Kate@TwentySixToLife said...
This is too funny!
- June 18, 2010 at 6:16 AM
- Snaily.. said...
That photo in the bath actually made me laugh out loud. Hahahahahha the expression is priceless.
- June 18, 2010 at 7:38 AM
- Krissy said...
This has be laughing out loud! I love it!!! I'm totally forgetful.
- June 18, 2010 at 8:22 AM
- Leigh said...
sooooo awesome!
- June 18, 2010 at 8:27 AM
- emily said...
Haha! Courtney, that was great. I was seriously just sitting here laughing out loud. SO great... :)
- June 18, 2010 at 9:01 AM
- Mrs. Blandings said...
Completely and totally enchanting.
- June 18, 2010 at 9:57 AM
- Expats Again said...
Wish I had done that with the i-phone I lost in Detroit airport...
- June 18, 2010 at 3:32 PM
That was good!
- June 18, 2010 at 8:25 PM
- mrs boo radley said...
Soooo brilliant!
Wish I would have done this before someone in Seattle broke into my best friend's car and stole mine...
- June 19, 2010 at 8:44 PM
- Miss Joy said...
The photos are soo cool, but will this work here in Philippines. I will try to do that in one of our cameras in the office! Hahaha... Thank you for sharing your creative style. Made me laugh!
- June 20, 2010 at 7:11 PM
- Mango Gal said...
This was so adorable! Such a great idea.
- June 21, 2010 at 1:48 PM
- maryandsean said...
I love this guy's facial expressions- especially the 3rd last from the end! Genius!
- June 23, 2010 at 12:59 AM
Love the boards!
- June 23, 2010 at 2:08 PM
- The Lil Bee said...
That is awesome! I should put something like this together in the Notes section of my iPhone. It wouldn't be nearly as creative, but would serve much the same purpose. I have found laptops (yes, more than one), glasses, bags, phones...all of which I have returned to their rightful owner after having spent hours sometimes tracking them down. I hope it all adds up to some good lost-and-found karma for myself!
- June 24, 2010 at 10:09 AM
- mina said...
i love this guy. i follow him on twitter and he's hilarious.
- June 25, 2010 at 2:47 PM
- Diana Kleary said...
So clever! And, the expressions are priceless!
- July 6, 2010 at 5:20 PM
- TheBeautyFile said...
This is outrageously funny. I love this idea. He's so funny and cute!
- July 7, 2010 at 4:12 PM
- Shannon Fricke said...
I love this. thanks for making me laugh!
- July 21, 2010 at 12:55 AM
- julie (etsy stalkers) said...
this is great. most creative thing i've seen in a while - which doesn't say a lot since i don't get out of the house much.
- September 17, 2010 at 9:18 PM
- replica handbags said...
made me laugh as well...i like how you express everything in a whiteboard. lol..i had a good laugh =)
- September 20, 2010 at 7:43 AM


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Dragons are creatures with nearly unlimited life spans. They can survive for long periods of time, and no one has found a dragon that has died of old age. Adolescence is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling's wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. Once they hit adolescence, hatchlings change quickly, maturing to their full forms in only 2 years.
Dragons don't communicate with each other verbally, but they will growl to scare off predators and frighten prey. Young dragons will emit an extremely high-pitched squeal when they are frightened. To communicate, they use telepathy with each other and to speak to other creatures.
Arsani Dragons place a heavy emphasis on community. They are born with the innate ability to sense the emotions of others in their own species, and therefore take great care to ensure the happiness of their brethren. It's not uncommon for them to give gifts and affection to those around them without warning. This good-natured giving extends far beyond the reaches of their own kind. Anyone who gains the friendship of a Arsani Dragon is likely to receive food, pretty rocks, and occasionally even flowers at regular intervals. The shared connection of the Arsani Dragons also allows them to draw on each other's strength when performing feats of magic, making them some of the strongest spell casters yet discovered.


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On December 17, 2010, street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire in the Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid, an act of protest that would galvanize the Arab world and roil the region in a succession of civilian uprisings. The following materials provide expert analysis and essential background on the central issues facing the region as this upheaval passes the one-year mark. [For more on the revolutions in the Middle East, read the eBook: The New Arab Revolt: What Happened, What It Means, and What Comes Next.]
The Region
Guardian: Interactive Timeline of Middle East Protests
This engaging interactive traces the Arab Spring protests and regime responses from December 17, 2010, to the present.
Project Syndicate: Re-Orienting America
Even amid possibly historic upheaval in the Middle East, U.S. foreign policy is correctly refocusing on East Asia and the Pacific, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.
Foreign Affairs: Writing Constitutions After the Arab Spring
Tyrants have fallen in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, but the countries must now forge constitutions to formalize democratic governments, writes Anthony Billingsley, and there's a risk that the drafters could dodge the very rules they're trying to create.
CFR Video: Supporting Transitions with Democratic Aid
Underlying the protest movements are nagging budget issues. U.S. economic aid to Egypt and Tunisia is welcome, but the impact and duration is uncertain in a U.S. climate chilling on foreign aid, says CFR's Isobel Coleman.
National Interest: Alarmism on Islamism
Paul Pillar challenges the "common" Western fear that Islamists will hijack the aspiring Arab democracies in countries like Egypt and Tunisia, citing "three basic problems with this outlook."
The Arab Street: Why Salafis Are Not the Amish
The electoral success of Egypt's Salafis is a dangerous development; their literal interpretation of sharia, hatred of non-Muslims, and excommunication of Muslims can lead to violent extremism, writes CFR's Ed Husain.
Washington Post: After Hope of Arab Spring, Chill of Arab Winter
The Arab uprisings have not achieved the outcomes the West has hoped for, writes Daniel Byman. "When dictators fall," he notes, "their means of preserving power do not necessarily fall with them."
Brookings: 2011 Arab Public Opinion Poll
This poll assessed Arab public opinion on issues tied to the Arab Spring. A majority of those polled are ready for a two-state solution with Israel based on 1967 borders. U.S. favorability increased from 10 percent in 2010 to 26 percent in 2011.
CFR Backgrounder: The Arab League
The Arab League has struggled to overcome dysfunction and disunity among its members, but the Arab revolts of 2011 offer the League a new opportunity to pursue necessary reforms, increase legitimacy, and prove its relevance.
CFR Meeting: Tunisia's Democratic Transition
Rachid Al-Ghannouchi, co-founder of leading political party Ennahda, speaks in favor of women's rights and religious freedom and attributes Ennahda's success to its inclusive platform. "The state has no business in people's personal choices," he says.
Al-Jazeera: The Calm After the Storm
With the historic inauguration of the Constituent Assembly, Tunisians will have the opportunity to put political and social theory into practice, writes Intissar Kherigi.
Economist: Women and the Arab Awakening
In Egypt and Tunisia, women are both hopeful and fearful about what the Arab revolutions might mean for them. But as constitutions are being rewritten, women hope to push their own liberation.
New York Times: U.S. Policy on Egypt Needs a Big Shift
Pre-election violence rocked Tahrir Square but began to dissipate after the vote. Washington should not be fooled by the renewed peace and should demand a transfer of power to a civilian government, write Marc Lynch and CFR's Steven Cook.
Foreign Affairs: Egyptian Foreign Policy After the Election
The United States should realize the new Egypt will be less amenable to its demands regardless of who gains power, writes Geneive Abdo.
CFR Backgrounder: The Muslim Brotherhood
The anti-government protests in Egypt will mean a greater political role for the Muslim Brotherhood, but debate persists over whether the Islamist group will choose a path of moderation or extremism.
CFR Interview: Islamists and Egypt's Future
The Islamists' lead in parliamentary polls has aroused concerns over Egypt's democratic future. But the real threat, says CFR's Ed Husain, comes from secular elites who prefer the former autocratic regime or military rule over elected Islamists.
Foreign Affairs: Is the Egyptian-Israeli Relationship Over?
A worsening of Egyptian-Israeli relations will threaten regional stability and jeopardize Egypt's transition to democracy. Egypt's military rulers must be careful to keep anti-Israel rhetoric from spiraling out of control, writes Daniel C. Kurtzer.
New Yorker: Back to the Square
Wendell Steavenson unpacks the current tensions in Egypt's democratic transition, highlighting the unfolding dynamic between the Muslim Brotherhood, Salafi hardliners, liberals, and the military leadership.
CFR Video: Egypt's Democratic Quest
Egypt's revolution is the latest chapter in a longtime struggle for greater democratic freedoms. CFR's Steven A. Cook identifies the lessons that Egypt's emerging leadership must learn from the Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarak regimes.
CFR Expert Roundup: After Qaddafi, Libya's Daunting Path
Post-Qaddafi Libya will face difficulties with rebel infighting and the anger of Qaddafi loyalists, but the dictator's death also creates an opening for a more peaceful country. CFR's Richard Haass, Ed Husain, and Ray Takeyh weigh Libya's prospects.
Foreign Affairs: The Future of Humanitarian Intervention
Qaddafi's defeat at the hands of Western-backed rebels was a triumph for Obama and the principle of humanitarian intervention. It's unlikely to be repeated any time soon, writes CFR's Stewart Patrick.
Washington Post: Regime Trials Belong in Libya's Courts
Libyans should be allowed to choose whether they want to try members of the Qaddafi regime in their own courts, argues CFR's John B. Bellinger III.
Contingency Planning Memo: Post-Qaddafi Instability in Libya
The instability in Libya could lead to a humanitarian disaster, a new authoritarian ruler, or even the country's dissolution. Daniel Serwer recommends in this CPA Contingency Planning Memo that the EU lead a post-Qaddafi stabilization force in Libya.
Foreign Affairs: The Death of the Qaddafi Generation
Muammar al-Qaddafi betrayed his own revolution, just as the other Arab strongmen of his generation had, writes CFR's Mohamad Bazzi. His death marks the end of the rule of these old-style nationalist leaders.
Foreign Affairs: How Assad Stayed in Power
Throughout the year, Assad relied on Iran and Russia to block international intervention, hoping to buy time to quash the protests without interference. It's not working, writes Tony Badran, but he has no other options.
CNN: At Last, the Arab League Hears the Voice of the People
The Arab League's decision to impose sanctions on the regime of Bashar al-Assad shows its emergence as a regional actor in the Middle East and is a welcome development, writes CFR's Robert Danin.
CFR Policy Innovation Memo: American Options in Syria
In this Center for Preventive Action memo, Elliott Abrams argues that the United States should work to bring down Assad by isolating his regime from Syria's Alawite and business communities.
International Crisis Group: Thinking Through Syria's Dynamics
Syria is in its most dangerous stage, says this International Crisis Group brief. The global community and Syrian opposition have been ignoring issues that must be addressed, including Syria-Lebanon ties and the protest movement's militarization.
CFR Interview: Pressuring a Defiant Syria
Syria faces increasing international sanctions for its bloody crackdown against protesters. The crises facing Bashar al-Assad are unprecedented, but the regime doesn't appear to be giving in, says CFR's Mohamad Bazzi.
CFR Policy Innovation Memo: Resetting U.S. Policy on Yemen
Yemen is experiencing serious political turmoil after more than three decades of President Ali Abdullah Saleh's autocratic rule. To help stabilize Yemen, Gregory Johnsen argues that U.S. policy must include more than counterterrorism efforts.
Foreign Policy: A House Divided
Despite President Saleh signing a power-transfer agreement, the threat of civil war is growing, write Tom Finn and Atiaf al-Wazir, noting that renewed violence between the north and south would be bad for Western interests and could embolden militant groups.
CFR Backgrounder: Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
A resurgent al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is exploiting the mounting political unrest in Yemen. U.S. counterterrorism operations continue to intensify against its members.


text:
Chris Bailey, M.A. Professional Counseling
First Care Christian Counseling
121 Monroe White St (inside First Baptist Church), Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715
Chris Bailey is a Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Counseling from Liberty University and an active member with the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is dedicated to providing sound biblical counseling and psychotherapy services that include and seek to achieve a lasting transformation of the heart, mind and soul. His belief is that by being in a relationship with God through Jesus, we can experience joy in spite of circumstances, we can have peace that surpasses all understanding, we can have the ability to enter into His rest, and we can find relief from our burdens. He strongly desires for people to be able to achieve the abundant life that Jes....


text:
The annual plan has been complete since August, but with the new year comes new goals and dreams of what 2008 can be.
Goals are great, because often times they are personal. Each Scout should set a personal goal this year. Earn a certain merit badge, or a certain amount of merit badges, develop a new skill or get better at one that is lacking. Live the oath and law more consistently, or find ways to be more helpful, even if it is just to a little sister.
When setting goals, even personal goals, remember the SMART tool. This will help you stay focused on the goal and achieve success. After all, the reason we set goals is to be successful.
S- Specific. Make the goal specific. Focus on one thing, not many things. Try to limit the cause to something that will do the most good.
M- Measurable. Know where you are on the subject, and measure the change. For example…If my goal is to be able to run 5 miles by June and I know that I can only run 3 now, I can measure the success when I reach the 5 mile mark.
A- Attainable. Make you goal something that you can actually attain. That is not to say do not dream big, but dream big in small steps. This year may not be the year that you become an Astronaut. Especially if you are 14. But learning about Rocket engines may be something you can do this year to get there.
R- Relevant. Make your goal relevant to what you want out of life. For me I have no desire to climb Mt. Everest. So saving up for a Trip to Tibet would not be a relevant goal for me. Keep it to something that you really need to change, get better at, or want. Something that will make you better, or make your family, Troop, or friends better.
T- Timely. Make your goal timely. Allow yourself plenty of time to be successful, but try not to drag it out to long. The longer you drag out anything, the less interested you will be in it. The longer it seems to go, the less successful you will feel in accomplishing the goal in that you will think that it will never end. It will… you may need to be patient, but set a time line to completing the goal and stick to it.
Goal setting is important. It is the map that guides you on the path to change and success.
Set SMART goals this year and see yourself and those around you getting better.
Happy Scouting!


text:
By Patsy R. Brumfield/NEMS Daily Journal
NEW ALBANY – High drama and legal fireworks came fast and furious this week as death row inmate Marlon Howell seeks a new trial in the 2000 death of newspaper carrier David Pernell.
As the three-day hearing closed about 4 p.m. Friday, specially appointed Judge Samac Richardson of Rankin County took all the issues and testimony under advisement, saying he'll try to make a decision in a few weeks.
Howell's defenders claim numerous constitutional rights were violated at his arrest and through his Union County trial, especially that an identification lineup was tainted and that his ineffective counsel failed to recognize or know about several key problems. They also claimed prosecutors knew about key mistakes but failed to rectify them across the past 13 years. His co-defendants, Curtis Lipsey and Adam Ray, are serving lengthy prison sentences on lesser charges after they said Howell was the shooter. Years later, they both recanted.
The chief defender, North Carolina attorney Billy Richardson, worked hard to contain his emotions as he made closing remarks.
"There is no physical evidence linking my client to this crime," said Richardson, who took the appeal at his own expense years ago. "If there were ever time for close scrutiny, it's now – no DNA, no gunpowder residue."
The evidentiary hearing was ordered by the Mississippi Supreme Court to address issues including the line-up, witness credibility and trial counsel.
During the past two days, Attorney General Jim Hood – the case's district attorney in 2001 – fueled the drama with personal confrontations.
Thursday, he reportedly threatened Richardson with criminal charges and urged him to "lawyer up" for allegedly bribing a witness to lie and then late Friday crossed verbal swords with Richardson's co-counsel, Jim Waide of Tupelo, who told the court that Hood threatened a witness with perjury.
Throughout, 33-year-old Howell sat quietly at the defense table. By mid-day Friday, more than three dozen spectators, including Howell family members, were in the courthouse courtroom.
Assistant Attorney General Jason Davis, in closing, told the court that Howell's right to counsel at the lineup was not in effect because he had not yet been arrested and charged with capital murder.
Hood agreed and said line-up witness Charles Rice's testimony was consistent through the years – that he saw Howell shoot Pernell. He also discounted the recanted testimony, saying there's good reason the Mississippi Supreme Court looks "unfavorably" on recantations.
Much of Friday's testimony came from Brandon Shaw, who claimed Ray told him Howell shot Pernell.
He also said Richardson offered him $20 "for his time" to give a statement about what happened May 15, 2000 when Pernell died. Then later, he said he didn't consider it a bribe.
Defense investigator Leonard Sanders told the court he never heard any talk of money during their many conversations with former trial witnesses.
Richardson's son, attorney Matt Richardson, closed remarks before the court and insisted Howell was due legal counsel at the jail lineup because although he was under arrest for a parole violation, he was being held for suspicion of capital murder.
"In effect, he was under arrest for murder," Matt Richardson said.
The lineup "tainted the trial and the appeal," he added.
Hood asked the court to deny Howell's appeal.


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gote wrote:it just seems to me that most of the smaller communities (i.e. not youtube or the Org) are primarily composed of a single race or maybe it's just the language, but it's not about race as much as it is the communities that are seemingly divided by race.
"Race" and "nationality" are not synonyms. When I said it was totally the wrong word, trust me, I was right.


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Professors Anderson, Bohner, Boutell, Chenoweth, Defoe, Fisher, Galluzzi, Hays, Hewner, Laxer, Mellor, Mohan, Mutchler, Rupakheti, Stamm, Stouder, Taylor, Wilkin, and Wollowski.
CSSE 120 Introduction to Software Development 3R-3L-4C F,W,SAn introduction to procedural and object-oriented programming with an emphasis on problem solving. Problems may include visualizing scientific or commercial data, interfacing with external hardware such as robots, or solving numeric problems from a variety of engineering disciplines. Procedural programming concepts covered include data types, variables, control structures, arrays, and data I/O. Object-oriented programming concepts covered include object creation and use, object interaction, and the design of simple classes. Software engineering concepts covered include testing, incremental development, understanding requirements, and teamwork.
CSSE 132 Introduction to Computer Systems 3R-3L-4C F,S Prereq: CSSE 120Provides students with an understanding of system level issues and their impact on the design and use of computer systems. Examination of both hardware and software layers. Basic computation structures and digital logic. Representation of instructions, integers, floating point numbers and other data types. System requirements, such as resource management, security, communication and synchronization, and their hardware and/or software implementation. Exploration of multiprocessor and distributed systems. Course topics will be explored using a variety of hands-on assignments and projects.
CSSE 212 Hardware-oriented Programming 3R-3L-4C Prereq: ICS major Simple computer architecture. Special hardware-oriented programming. Introduction to the C programming language, especially the use of pointers. Interrupt programming. This course is taught as part of the International Computer Science dual degree program at Hochschule Ulm, Germany.
CSSE 220 Object-Oriented Software Development 3R-3L-4C F,W,S Prereq: CSSE 120Object-oriented programming concepts, including the use of inheritance, interfaces, polymorphism, abstract data types, and encapsulation to enable software reuse and assist in software maintenance. Recursion, GUIs and event handing. Use of common object-based data structures, including stacks, queues, lists, trees, sets, maps, and hash tables. Space/time efficiency analysis. Testing. Introduction to UML.
CSSE 221 Fundamentals of Software Development Honors 3R-3L-4C F Prereq: A score of 4 or 5 on the APCS A exam or permission of instructorThis course is intended for students who have sufficient programming experience to warrant placement in an accelerated course covering the topics from CSSE 120 and CSSE 220. This course will satisfy the prerequisite requirements for courses that have CSSE 220 as a prerequisite.
CSSE 225 Programming 3 3R-3L-4C Prereq: ICS major Differences between Java and C++. C++ concepts of object-oriented programming (classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism). Storage management. Multiple inheritance, operator overloading, friend-concept, exception handling, I/O. Error analysis of programs. Generic programming and introduction to C++ - standard library. This course is taught as part of the International Computer Science dual degree program at Hochschule Ulm, Germany.
CSSE 230 Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis 3R-3L-4C W,S Prereq: CSSE220 or CSSE 221 with a grade of C or better, and MA 112This course reinforces and extends students' understanding of current practices of producing object-oriented software. Students extend their use of a disciplined design process to include formal analysis of space/time efficiency and formal proofs of correctness. Students gain a deeper understanding of concepts from CSSE 220, including implementations of abstract data types by linear and non-linear data structures. This course introduces the use of randomized algorithms. Students design and implement software individually, in small groups, and in a challenging multi-week team project.
CSSE 232 Computer Architecture I 3R-3L-4C F, W Prereq: CSSE132, or CSSE120 and ECE233Computer instruction set architecture and implementation. Specific topics include historical perspectives, performance evaluation, computer organization, instruction formats, addressing modes, computer arithmetic, ALU design, floating-point representation, single-cycle and multi-cycle data paths, and processor control. Assembly language programming is used as a means of exploring instruction set architectures. The final project involves the complete design and implementation of a miniscule instruction set processor.
CSSE 290 Special Topics in Computer Science 1 - 4C Arranged Prereq: Permission of instructor.Selected topics of current interest. May be repeated for credit if topic is different.
CSSE 304 Programming Language Concepts 4R-0L-4C S Prereq: CSSE230Syntax and semantics of programming languages. Grammars, parsing, data types, control flow, parameter passing, run-time storage management, binding times, functional programming and procedural abstraction, syntactic extensions, continuations, language design and evaluation. Students will explore several language features by writing an interpreter that implements them.
CSSE 325 Fractals and Chaotic Dynamical Systems 4R-0L-4C Arranged Prereq: CSSE220 or CSSE221, and MA212Emphasis on the mathematical and computer graphics foundations behind fractal images and the relationship between chaotic dynamics and fractal geometry. Self-similar fractals, random fractals with Brownian motion, and fractals generated from dynamical systems. Fractal dimensions. Iterated Function Systems. Chaos in one-dimensional maps. Controlling chaos. Mandelbrot and Julia sets. Computer graphics. Same as MA 325.
CSSE 332 Operating Systems 3R-3L-4C W,S Prereq: CSSE220 or CSSE221, and CSSE132 or CSSE232Students learn fundamental concepts of modern operating systems by studying how and why operating systems have evolved. Topics include CPU scheduling, process synchronization, memory management, file systems, I/O systems, privacy and security, and performance evaluation. Students implement parts of an operating system as a means of exploring the details of some of these topics.
CSSE 333 Database Systems 3R-3L-4C W Prereq: MA275 and CSSE230 (or concurrent enrollment in CSSE230) Relational database systems, with emphasis on entity relationship diagrams for data modeling. Properties and roles of transactions. SQL for data definition and data manipulation. Use of contemporary API's for access to the database. Enterprise examples provided from several application domains. The influence of design on the use of indexes, views, sequences, joins, and triggers. Physical level data structures: B+ trees and RAID. Survey of object databases.
CSSE 335 Introduction to Parallel Computing 4R-0L-4C S (odd years) Prereq: MA212 and programming experiencePrinciples of scientific computation on parallel computers. Algorithms for the solution of linear systems and other scientific computing problems on parallel machines. Course includes a major project on RHIT's parallel cluster. Same as MA 335.
CSSE 351 Computer Graphics 4R-0L-4C F Prereq: CSSE220 or CSSE221, and MA212Computer graphics algorithms, hardware and software. Line generators, affine transformations, line and polygon clipping, interactive techniques, perspective projection, solid modeling, hidden surface algorithms, lighting models, shading, and graphics standards. Programming assignments and a final project are required.
CSSE 352 Computer Game Development 4R-0L-4C Prereq: CSSE230An introduction to designing and developing computer games. Topics include game genres, game design, sprites, game physics, collisions, characters, scripting, graphics, and sound. Students will design and implement their own game using an available game engine.
CSSE 371 Software Requirements Engineering 3R-3L-4C F Prereq: CSSE230, RH330, and Junior standingBasic concepts and principles of software requirements engineering, its tools and techniques, and methods for modeling software systems. Topics include requirements elicitation, prototyping, functional and non-functional requirements, object-oriented techniques, and requirements tracking.
CSSE 372 Software Project Management 4R-0L-4C F Co-requ: CSSE371Major issues and techniques of project management. Project evaluation and selection, scope management, team building, stakeholder management, risk assessment, scheduling, quality, rework, negotiation, and conflict management. Professional issues including career planning, lifelong learning, software engineering ethics, and the licensing and certification of software professionals.
CSSE 373 Formal Methods in Specification and Design 4R-0L-4C S Prereq: CSSE230 and MA275Introduction to the use of mathematical models of software systems for their specification and validation. Topics include finite state machine models, models of concurrent systems, verification of models, and limitations of these techniques.
CSSE 374 Software Design 3R-3L-4C W Prereq: CSSE371Introduction to the architecture and design of complete software systems, building on components and patterns. Topics include architectural principles and alternatives, design documentation, and relationships between levels of abstraction.
CSSE 375 Software Construction and Evolution 3R-3L-4C S Prereq: CSSE374Issues, methods and techniques associated with constructing software. Topics include detailed design methods and notations, implementation tools, coding standards and styles, peer review techniques, and maintenance issues.
CSSE 376 Software Quality Assurance 4R-0L-4C S Prereq: CSSE230Theory and practice of determining whether a product conforms to its specification and intended use. Topics include software quality assurance methods, test plans and strategies, unit level and system level testing, software reliability, peer review methods, and configuration control responsibilities in quality assurance.
CSSE 400 CSSE Seminar 4R-0L-4C Prereq: ICS majorThis course presents an overview of current application areas within computer science and software engineering through the use of practical case studies. Students will undertake their own preparation of one or more case studies and present their results. This course is taught as part of the International Computer Science dual degree program at Hochschule Ulm, Germany.
CSSE 402 Theory and Practice of Garbage Collection 4R-0L-4C S (even years) Prereq: CSSE332Garbage collection (GC) is a method of automatically reclaiming dynamically allocated storage that anapplication no longer needs. In this course, students will explore the classical problems of garbagecollection such as detecting unused objects and reclaiming the space allocated to them. Students willsurvey the GC literature to become familiar with the current state of the art and future researchdirections. Students will explore techniques used to implement state-of-the-art garbage collectionalgorithms and will design and implement garbage collectors for a memory-managed language (e.g.,Java, C#, php, or Python).
CSSE 403 Programming Language Paradigms 4R-0L-4C F (even years) Prereq: CSSE304A survey of some current and emerging programming languages, focusing on unique language paradigms-ways of structuring solutions or manipulating data. Examples of paradigms include dynamic programming languages, object-oriented programming, highly parallelizable code, and functional programming. Emphasizes developing independent learning techniques that will allow students to acquire skills in new languages quickly. Students will develop basic skills in at least three different languages representing distinct paradigms. They will also be exposed to a selection of other languages. Includes a substantial team project.
CSSE 404 Compiler Construction 4R-0L-4C S Prereq: CSSE232, CSSE304, and CSSE/MA474Theory and practice of programming language translation. Lexical analysis, syntax analysis, parser generators, abstract syntax, symbol tables, semantic analysis, intermediate languages, code generation, code optimization, run-time storage management, error handling. Students will construct a complete compiler for a small language.
CSSE 413 Artificial Intelligence 4R-0L-4C F Prereq: CSSE230Students investigate how to model and implement intelligent behavior using computers. Topics are chosen from how machines can: solve problems; reason and use knowledge; learn from experience; and perceive and act. Students explore these topics by implementing many of the ideas in software. Readings are drawn both from a textbook and from technical papers in recent conferences and journals.
CSSE 432 Computer Networks 4R-0L-4C S Prereq: CSSE220 or CSSE221Organization, design, and implementation of computer networks, especially the Internet. Network protocols, protocol layering, flow control, congestion control, error control, packet organization, routing, gateways, connection establishment and maintenance, machine and domain naming, security. Each of the top four layers of the Internet protocol stack: application (FTP, HTTP, SMTP), transport (TCP, UDP), network (IP), link (Ethernet).
CSSE 435 Robotics Engineering 3R-3L-4C S Prereq: ME 430 or ECE 230Interdisciplinary course in robotics focusing on communication, software development, kinematics, robot GUI design, sensing, control, and system integration. Labs in the course cover MATLAB GUI development with GUIDE, Denavit-Hartenberg parameters, Arduino programming, Arduino to Android communication, Android app development, and OpenCV4Android image recognition. Students in the course will program an Android + Arduino, 6-wheeled mobile robot with 5 DOF servo arm to participate in an outdoor GPS robotics challenge. Cross-listed with ME 435.
CSSE 433 Advanced Database Systems 4R-0L-4C S Prereq: CSSE333Topics selected from object-oriented databases, object-relational databases, query processing, transactions, transaction logging, concurrency control, database recovery, parallel and distributed databases, security and integrity, data mining and data warehousing.
CSSE 442 Computer Security 4R-0L-4C W Prereq: CSSE332 and MA275This course introduces ethical, theoretical, and practical issues of information security in computing systems. Implications of relevant professional codes of ethics are a recurring theme of the course. Foundational topics include access control matrices and standard system models, as well as policies for security, confidentiality, and integrity. Implementation issues include key management, cipher techniques, authentication, principles of secure design, representation of identity, access control mechanisms, information flow, life cycle issues, and formal evaluation and certification techniques. Additional topics include malicious logic, vulnerability analysis, and auditing. Computer network attack techniques are discussed and explored in a closed environment to motivate and inform discussion and exploration of computer network defense techniques.
CSSE 443 Distributed Systems & IT Security 3R-3L-4C Prereq: ICS majorBuilding complex distributed information systems requires a systematic approach. This course covers the analysis of existing distributed information systems and provides the ability to model simple new distributed applications with special attention to the trustworthiness, reliability and security of information systems. Topics covered include the main architectural models of distributed systems, describing simple distributed applications according to architecture and function, defining simple communication protocols, the benefits of using middleware, the risks of using distributed systems, and safety measures. This course is taught as part of the International Computer Science dual degree program at Hochschule Ulm, Germany.
CSSE 444 Real-time Systems 3R-3L-4C Prereq: ICS majorStudents will learn the features and specifications of real-time systems. Topics covered include real-time operating systems and programming languages, design patterns for real-time systems, scheduling, synchronization, hybrid task sets, and applications of real-time systems. This course is taught as part of the International Computer Science dual degree program at Hochschule Ulm, Germany.
CSSE 451 Advanced Computer Graphics 4R-0L-4C W (even years) Prereq: CSSE 351Advanced topics in computer graphics. Topics will be drawn from current graphics research and will vary, but generally will include ray tracing, radiosity, physically-based modeling, animation, and stereoscopic viewing. Programming assignments and a research project are required.
CSSE 453 Topics in Artificial Intelligence R-0L-4C Arr Prereq: CSSE 413Advanced topics in artificial intelligence. Topics will vary. Past topics have included machine game playing and machine learning. May be repeated for credit if topic is different.
CSSE 461 Computer Vision 4R-0L-4C S (odd years) Prereq: CSSE220 or CSSE221, and MA212 (MA371 or MA373 recommended)An introduction to 3D computer vision techniques. Both theory and practical applications will be covered. Major topics include image features, camera calibration, stereopsis, motion, shape from x, and recognition.
CSSE 463 Image Recognition 4R-0L-4C W Prereq: Junior standing, MA212 and programming experienceIntroduces statistical pattern recognition of visual data; low-level visual feature extraction (color, shape, edges); clustering and classification techniques. Applies knowledge to various application domains through exercises, large programming projects in Matlab, and an independent research project. Familiarity with probability distributions will be helpful, but not required.
CSSE 473 Design and Analysis of Algorithms 4R-0L-4C F Prereq: CSSE230 and MA375Students study techniques for designing algorithms and for analyzing the time and space efficiency of algorithms. The algorithm design techniques include divide-and-conquer, greedy algorithms, dynamic programming, randomized algorithms and parallel algorithms. The algorithm analysis includes computational models, best/average/worst case analysis, and computational complexity (including lower bounds and NP-completeness). Same as MA 473.
CSSE 474 Theory of Computation 4R-0L-4C W Prereq: CSSE230 and MA375Students study mathematical models by which to answer three questions: What is a computer? What limits exist on what problems computers can solve? What does it mean for a problem to be hard? Topics include models of computation (including Turing machines), undecidability (including the Halting Problem) and computational complexity (including NP-completeness). Same as MA 474.
CSSE 477 Software Architecture 4R-0L-4C F Prereq: CSSE374 or consent of instructorThis is a second course in the architecture and design of complete software systems, building on components and patterns. Topics include architectural principles and alternatives, design documentation, relationships between levels of abstraction, theory and practice of human interface design, creating systems which can evolve, choosing software sources and strategies, prototyping and documenting designs, and employing patterns for reuse. How to design systems which a team of developers can implement, and which will be successful in the real world.
CSSE 479 Cryptography 4R-0L-4C S Prereq: CSSE220 or CSSE221, and MA275Introduction to basic ideas of modern cryptography with emphasis on mathematical background and practical implementation. Topics include: the history of cryptography and cryptanalysis, public and private key cryptography, digital signatures, and limitations of modern cryptography. Touches upon some of the societal issues of cryptography. Same as MA 479.CSSE 480 Web App Frameworks with AppEngine 3R-3L-4C F Prereq: CSSE230 and CSSE280Development of desktop and mobile web applications using Google AppEngine. Additional web frameworks include Jinja2, Cloud Datastore, jQuery, Bootstrap, DataTables, Cloud Storage, Cloud Endpoints, and AngularJS. Topics covered using these frameworks include the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript development of client side web apps, sending and receiving REST requests, designing Datastore models, HTML5 and CSS3 features including CSS animations, file storage, Ajax requests, and user OAuth. Emphasis is on hands-on use of these frameworks in web application development. Includes a substantial team project (UI mockups, user stories, development, testing, and presentation).
CSSE 481 Web-Based Information Systems 4R-0L-4C F (odd years) Prereq: CSSE230In this course, students learn about several aspects of research: thinking creatively about interesting research problems, researching existing work in a chosen area, and keeping current in a field. Students are exposed to the process of research by writing a pre-proposal for a project that advances the web. Projects either develop new web-technologies or applications or investigate a topic of importance. Based on feedback received, groups of students write a research proposal which goes through a formal peer review process. Approved projects are pursued for the remainder of the quarter. Students present current research as well as give a final presentation of their group project. Selected web-technologies are introduced; in the past, these have included CGI programming and XML technologies.
CSSE 483 Android Application Development 4R-0L-4C Prereq: CSSE230An introduction to programming mobile applications using the Android stack. Topics include the activity lifecycle, resources, layouts, intents for multiple activities, menus, fragments and dialogs, adapters, data persistence via shared preferences, SQLite, and web backends. Emphasis is on hands-on use of these components in application development. Includes a substantial team project (UI mockups, user stories, UML design, development, testing, and presentation).
CSSE 484 iOS Application Development 3R-3L-4C W Prereq: CSSE230 An introduction to programming mobile applications using the iOS stack. Topics include using X-Code for Swift and Objective-C app development, UI components, Storyboards, view controller actions and outlets, table views, navigation controllers, Core Data, and APIs for backend communication. Emphasis is on hands-on use of these components in application development. Includes a substantial team project (UI mockups, user stories, development, testing, and presentation).
CSSE 487 Senior Research Project I 4C Arranged Prereq: RH330 and senior standingCSSE 488 Senior Research Project II 4C Arranged Prereq: CSSE487CSSE 489 Senior Research Project III 4C Arranged Prereq: CSSE488Individual or group research on an unsolved technical problem. The problem is expected to be at an advanced level and have an appropriate client. A prototype system, a technical report, and a public presentation are required.
CSSE 490 Special Topics in Computer Science 1-4C Arranged Prereq: Permission of instructorSelected topics of current interest. May be repeated for credit if topic is different.
CSSE 491 Directed Independent Studies 1-4C Arranged Prereq: Permission of instructor and department headIndependent study of an advanced subject not included in regularly offered courses. May be repeated for credit if topic or level is different.
CSSE 492 Undergraduate Research in Computer Science 1-4C Arranged Prereq: Permission of instructor and department headCSSE 493 Undergraduate Research in Software Engineering 1-4C Arranged Prereq: Permission of instructor and department headResearch under direction of a faculty member. Presentation of preliminary and final results to departmental seminar. Presentation of work at professional meetings or by publication in professional journals is strongly encouraged. May be repeated for credit if topic or level is different.
CSSE 494 Senior Thesis I 4C Arranged Prerequisite: RH330 and Permission of instructor and department headCSSE 495 Senior Thesis II 4C Arranged Prerequisite: CSSE494CSSE 496 Senior Thesis III 4C Arranged Prerequisite: CSSE495Individual study and research of a topic in computer science or software engineering. Topic is expected to be at an advanced level. Research paper and presentation to department seminar are required.
CSSE 497 Senior Capstone Project I 4C F Prerequisite: CSSE371 and senior standingCSSE 498 Senior Capstone Project II 4C W Prerequisite: CSSE 374 and CSSE497CSSE 499 Senior Capdtone Project III 4C S Prerequisite: CSSE498For a capstone experience, students work on a team to complete a three-term software engineering project for an approved client. Students choose from two approaches to complete their capstone: 1) Develop a substantive software product, using defensible software processes. The teams focus on delivering key software development, administrative, and user artifacts to the client. Tasks include project planning, risk analysis, use of standards, prototyping, configuration management, quality assurance, project reviews and reports, team management and organization, copyright, liability, and handling project failure. 2) Investigate a substantive software product or engineering process problem, using a defensible and documented research approach. Tasks include problem analysis, developing alternative solutions, evaluating the solutions via prototyping and iterative processes of investigation, comparing the potential solutions, recording the investigation experience in a research report, and delivering the research artifacts to the client.
CSSE CPT Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 1R-0L-1C Prereq: Consent of Department Head Any international student with an F-1 Visa employed by any company in the form of an internship, co-op, or practicum must enroll in a CPT course. The CPT experience is to be complimentary training to the student's curriculum and should contribute substantially to his/her learning experience. Students must have an offer of employment from a company prior to registering for this course. The CPT must be approved by the Department Head, Director of International Student Services, and the student's advisor. Students are required to submit a report at the conclusion of the employment to his/her instructor to receive a grade for the CPT experience.


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Shop By Brand
Buying Guides - Research Before You Buy
Make the right decisions when purchasing appliances
Whether you have hardwood floors or carpets, vacuum cleaners and other hardwood floor cleaners can make an enormous difference in your home. Sears has the best vacuum cleaner selection for you to choose from, including canister vacuums, upright vacuums, robotic vacuums and central vacuum systems that will keep your home spotless. Choose from vacuums with bags or models that use bagless technology to simplify your cleaning routine. You can even find robotic vacuums that clean your floors as they maneuver around furniture automatically.
Vacuums not only are important for keeping your home clean, but they also can help reduce allergens. If you have dust, pet dander and even some mold allergies, you should regularly clean your floors with vacuums and other deep cleaners to minimize the potential allergens stuck in your carpets. Deep cleaners like steam cleaners and wet dry vacuums target deep inside plush carpet and rugs to remove dirt and debris, leaving your floors looking professionally cleaned.
Clean floors can make your home look and feel more welcoming. By taking a little time each week to wash and vacuum floors, you'll have beautiful and clean rooms throughout your home. From high-quality carpet cleaning products and floor polishers to top-rated vacuum cleaners and steam cleaners, Sears has everything you need for your floor care routine.


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The Vintage Collection 2010-
Figures that need to be resculpted and/or put on vintage style cards from the original trilogy. I may have forgotten some. I know I forgot the Ewoks . Some figures only have 1 or 2 version since the relaunch of the Star Wars action figure line in 1995. Example: Lobot had 1997 sculpt and 2004 sculpt. Lobot does needs to be updated and put on a vintage ESB card. Your thought forumites. Please respond. Thanks.
Star Wars:
Power Droid
Death Star Droid
Empire Strikes Back:
Bespin Security Guard (White & Black versions)
21B Medical Droid
Return of the Jedi
Han Solo in/with Carbonite Chamber
General Madine
Klaatu in Skiff Guard
Squid Head
Anakin Sykwalker (mail in premium for 30th anniversary of Return of the Jedi in 2013 in classic Kenner sculpt like the Rocket Firing Boba Fett from 2010) Rumored to be a possible during the Rocket Firing Boba Fett mania in 2010.


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About Jeff Masters
Cat 6 lead authors: WU cofounder Dr. Jeff Masters (right), who flew w/NOAA Hurricane Hunters 1986-1990, & WU meteorologist Bob Henson, @bhensonweather
By: Dr. Jeff Masters , 3:22 PM GMT on May 22, 2013
The Moore, Oklahoma tornado of May 20, 2013 is now ranked an EF-5, making it one of only 59 U.S. tornadoes to achieve that distinction since record keeping began in 1950. The National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma announced Tuesday that their damage survey teams found an area of EF-5 damage near Briarwood Elementary School, with winds of 200 - 210 mph indicated. There were no EF-5 tornadoes observed in 2012, and the last time the U.S. had an EF-5 was on May 24, 2011, when the Oklahoma towns of Calumet, El Reno, Piedmont, and Guthrie were hit by an EF-5 with 210+ mph winds that killed nine people. The maximum width of the 2013 Moore tornado's damage swath was a huge 1.3 miles. Detailed damage survey information in Google Earth Format provided by the Norman, OK NWS office shows that the typical width of the EF-0 and greater damage swath was about 0.6 miles, and the EF-4 damage area was about 0.1 miles across at its widest. EF-4 damage occurred along approximately 4 miles of the tornado's 17-mile long path. The damage swath from the May 20, 2013 tornado as it cut through the most densely built up portions of Moore was roughly 1.5 times as wide as the one from the May 3, 1999 EF-5 tornado. That tornado was the 4th costliest in history ($1.4 billion 2011 dollars), so it is a good bet that the 2013 Moore tornado will end up being even more expensive. This morning, the Oklahoma Insurance Department said the preliminary tornado damage estimate could top $2 billion. This would make the 2013 Moore tornado the 2nd most expensive tornado in history (as ranked by NOAA/SPC) or 3rd most expensive (as ranked by insurance broker Aon Benfield.) The nine billion-dollar tornadoes (2013 dollars) are:
1) Joplin, Missouri, May 22, 2011, $2.9 billion
2) Tuscaloosa, Alabama, April 27, 2011, $2.3 billion (not in SPC's list)
3) Moore, Oklahoma, May 20, 2013, $2 billion
4) Topeka, Kansas, June 8, 1966, $1.8 billion
5) Lubbock, Texas, May 11, 1970, $1.5 billion
6) Bridge Creek-Moore, Oklahoma, May 3, 1999, $1.4 billion
7) Hackleburg, Alabama, April 27, 2011, $1.3 billion (not in SPC's list)
8) Xenia, Ohio, April 3, 1974, $1.1 billion
9) Omaha, Nebraska, May 6, 1975, $1 billion
Figure 1. The Moore, Oklahoma tornado of May 20, 2013 (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Figure 2. The damage swath of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado of May 20, 2013. EF-4 damage (red colors) occurred along roughly 4 miles of the 17-mile path, and the EF-4 damage swath was up to 0.1 miles wide. The tornado's maximum width of 1.3 miles (EF-0 and greater damage) occurred over a relatively small portion of the path, before the storm reached Moore. Image credit: NWS Norman.
Figure 3. On May 20, 2013, a supercell thunderstorm in central Oklahoma spawned a destructive tornado that passed just south of Oklahoma City. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Aqua satellite acquired this natural-color image of the storm system at 2:40 p.m. Central Daylight Time (19:40 Universal Time), just minutes before the devastating twister began. The red line on the image depicts the tornado's track. Image credit: NASA Earth Observatory.
There have been bigger tornadoes
The 1.3 mile maximum width of the 2013 Moore tornado's damage swath was not a record. Wikipedia documents that the EF-3 Edmonson, Texas tornado of May 31, 1968 had a damage path width between 2 and 3 miles (3.2 and 4.8 km) wide. The EF-4 Wilber - Hallam, Nebraska tornado on May 22, 2004 was of similar size, with a damage path up to 2.5 miles wide. Doppler radar measurements indicate that the May 4, 1999 Mulhall, Oklahoma EF-4 tornado--which thankfully passed mostly over farmland--would have caused damage over a path 4 miles wide at its peak size, had it encountered a built-up area. The EF-5 tornado that devastated Greensburg, Kansas on May 4, 2007 was 1.7 miles wide.
Figure 4. Damage swath of the Wilber - Hallam, Nebraska EF-4 tornado of May 22, 2004 was up to 2.5 miles wide, making it one of the largest tornadoes on record.
Figure 5. Severe weather outlook for Wednesday, May 22, calls for a "Slight Risk" of severe weather over portions of the Ohio Valley and Northeast U.S. You can follow today's severe weather from our Severe Weather page.
No tornadoes reported on Tuesday; "Slight Risk" of severe weather on Wednesday
The severe weather outbreak of May 18 - 22 peaked on Sunday and Monday. We did not record any tornadoes on Tuesday, though there were many reports of large hail and damaging winds, including three thunderstorms with wind gusts over 74 mph. Tuesday was the first day since May 14 that no tornadoes were recorded in the U.S. And after issuing four consecutive "Moderate Risk" outlooks for severe weather, NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is going with only a "Slight Risk" for severe weather on Wednesday in the U.S., with the main severe weather action expected to affect portions of the Ohio Valley and Northeast U.S. The primary threat will be straight-line wind damage and large hail, though we can't rule out a few tornadoes. During the three-day period May 18 - May 20, 70 tornadoes (preliminary) were recorded by SPC.
Video 1. Charles Cook caught the birth of the May 20, 2013 tornado at Newcastle, OK. It moved from there to Moore where it caused catastrophic devastation.
Video 2. NOAA's GOES-East satellite collected this view of the storm system that spawned a deadly tornado over Moore, Oklahoma on May 20, 2013. The animation runs from 10:45 a.m. through 6:45 p.m., Central Daylight Time. Images courtesy NASA GOES Project Science: http://goes.gsfc.nasa.gov/
The Norman, OK NWS office has an excellent page with detailed info on the Moore tornado.
I did a 10-minute Skype interview with democracynow.org on Tuesday morning, discussing the Moore tornado.
I greatly appreciate all the valuable links members of the WU community have posted here, and I have used many of them in my posts over the past day. Keep up the great work!
How to help
Portlight Strategies, an organization that supports disaster victims with disabilities, will be working with shelter operators and disability stakeholder organizations in Oklahoma to serve the needs of people with disabilities. Further information and how to offer additional support can be found on their website.
Donations can be made to American Red Cross disaster relief at redcross.org/weather or by texting WEATHER to 90999 to donate $10.
Donations can be made on The Salvation Army's website or by texting STORM to 80888 to donate $10. You can also call to make donations of other monetary amounts at (800) 725-2769.
Jeff Masters
The views of the author are his/her own and do not necessarily represent the position of The Weather Company or its parent, IBM.
Cat 6 lead authors: WU cofounder Dr. Jeff Masters (right), who flew w/NOAA Hurricane Hunters 1986-1990, & WU meteorologist Bob Henson, @bhensonweather


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This year Plan 9 from Bell Labs is a mentoring organization at the Google Summer of Code!
We are interested in all kinds of projects related to Plan 9, Plan 9 from User Space, 9P and Inferno. We have a list of ideas but we are happy to help you come up with a project that suits your interests and skills best.
Aside from the 4500$ provided as part of GSoC, we will send all participants a fantastic Glenda T-Shirt!
Hurry up, the deadline to apply is the 24 of March!


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Just ran across this, and am going to grab some scraps and try.
Welcome to the Quilting Board!
Just ran across this, and am going to grab some scraps and try.
LIke that! Thanks for sharing.
Great idea, I am trying this. Thank you so much, I hate drawing the lines.
I usually use post- its becasue the stickiness helps to keep a straight line.
Worth a try!
Oh my gosh, what an awsome discovery. Thanks.
Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind see.
mark Twain
Great idea. For the short stitches corner to corner I don't draw a line anyway. I just eyeball the line and sew, which works so far for me. For the larger blocks at that angle I will try this new method.
Thanks for the great link!
"I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane!"


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- — Keep track of your favourite manga
- — Allow Mangable to remember where you last read
- — Receive emails when manga is updated.. want more?
Until Death Do Us Part
The series is about a blind guy and a girl who is precogniant of things to come. (It means she can sort of see the future.) The girl happens to be in the care of a certain company and she wants to get away, so using her abilities she finds the blind guy, who kicks much ass, and tries to escape.
This manga is no longer available on Mangable


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I just noticed this in an e-mail from Barnes & Noble:
William Shakespeare's Star Wars by Ian Doescher.
Sounds interesting. I think that experiencing the Star Wars story in a different style might make it seem fresh again, even if it is in the style of something written 500 years ago. Then again, that seems appropriate for a story set a long time ago.


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Rubio had this to say about the immigration issue:
In the end, maybe Obama & Reid shot themselves in the foot with their stance on the CR and debt ceiling? Their attitude on negotiation on those issues (which will come up again in just a few months), has created distrust and ill feelings. It sounds like Rubio is withdrawing from The Gang of Eight?Sen. Marco Rubio gave a downcast assessment Sunday about Congress passing immigration reform, arguing that fellow Republicans are leery about dealing with President Obama on the issue since he would not negotiate fairly during the recent fiscal crisis.
Immigration reform is going to be a lot harder to accomplish than it was three weeks ago, Rubio, R-Fla., who helped pass the Senate legislation handed to the Republican-controlled House, told Fox News Sunday.
Rubio said he agreed with Idaho Republican Rep. Raul Labrador who last week said House Republican leadership would be crazy to negotiate with Obama if the president makes the same good faith effort on an immigration bill that he did on fiscal negotiations and that Obama is trying to destroy the Republican Party.
Thats not to say Obama might agree to a path to citizenship for some of the roughly 11 million illegal immigrants in the country and to enforcing immigration laws, only to cancel the enforcement component, Rubio said.


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Kanen KM-92 Wooden In-Ear
" Was generally attracted to these headphones by the wooden look and the odd buds at the end. Fifteen minutes later I was fairly shocked at the big package I got in such a small one. While these are great for portability, they are annoying when they get tangles (but that happens to all of them unless they are self retractable). All in all, great earbuds. " --thatnewguy15
Astro Gaming A*Star In-Ear Headset
Cut through the noise. The bold design of the ASTRO A*STAR™ In-Ear Headset is the ultimate in hack-n-slash combat; featuring an in-line medallion with mic, volume dial and answer/hang up button, flat tangle-resistant cables, a PC splitter, three sizes of ear gels and a handy carrycase. Inspired by the light-weight materials and aggressive forms of high performance headgear, the A*STAR...


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Article Topic: Sex MagicOrder by: date | title | author
Date: 2011-12-26 By: Skye Alexander
Most of us want to lead better lives. We want to be happier, healthier, wealthier, and so on. We'd like to take control of what happens to us, instead of being at the mercy of chance, fate, or the agendas of other people. That's why most magicians do spells in the first place, and sex magic is an especially effective way to accomplish your objectives. Skye Alexander, author of Sex Magic for Beginners, discusses just exactly what sex magic is and how to begin using this potent form of magic.


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Guide to Planning and Conducting Usability Tests
- Contents
This document is meant to provide a foundation for your next usability test. Pages found here borrow heavily from Jeffrey Rubin's Handbook of Usability Testing.
Overview of the basic usability test
Usability tests include the following elements, each of which will be addressed in this document:
- Develop problem statements or test objectives.
- Use a sample of end users (which may or may not be selected randomly).
- Represent the actual environment the users will face.
- Observe end users' interaction with that environment. The test monitor interrogates and probes end users for feedback.
- Collect qualitative and quantitative performance and preference measurements.
- Recommend improvements to the design of the environment.
Rubin, p. 29-30
Determine which type of usability test to implement
Depending on where you are in the design process, there are three types of usability tests to choose from. These are the exploratory, assessment, and validation tests. A fourth type, the comparison test, can be used at any point in the design life cycle.
Exploratory Test: The objective is to explore the user's mental model of the task you're trying to facilitate.
- When to use: This type of test is usually conducted during the initial phases of a design life-cycle. This test is effective when the designers are still grappling with what functionality to include in the final product.
- Objective: Evaluates whether the user can distinguish between the functional elements of an interface; whether the user values the functions presented; whether the overall structure enables a "walk up and use" product. The test seeks to establish the intuitiveness of the implementation.
- Methodology: This test involves a high degree of interaction between the monitor and the subject. The purpose of the test is to identify points of confusion encountered by the user and then to "walk through" what would help them out.
- Test Example: The user is shown an example of a mundane situation, i.e. a screen shot of a user-account management tool, and then asked to talk through their assumptions, expectations, wishes, etc.
Assessment Test: This is the most common test conducted.
- When to use: Normally conducted early or midway through the design of the product.
- Objective: This test assumes that the basic conceptual models are decided and determines how well they've been implemented. The test seeks to measure the effectiveness of the implementation.
- Methodology: The user performs tasks while the monitor largely stays out of the way. Quantitative measurements are gathered.
- Test Example: User is asked to accomplish a book renewal.
Validation Test:
- When to use: This test normally takes place close to the release of the product.
- Objective: The purpose of this test is to establish that the product performance meets or exceeds benchmark standards in time and effort required to accomplish a task. These standards are arrived at either through previous tests or educated guesses. This test also measures how well all the pieces of the design work together.
- Methodology: Benchmarks are first established for the tasks. The tasks are then given to users and the resulting completion efforts monitored. The resulting quantitative data is analyzed and timings over benchmark are identified as possible problem areas.
- Test Example: "Access your library account, identify if any books are due soon and then renew them if they are. Benchmark = 1 minute"
Comparison Test: This test compares the users reactions to multiple examples of a tool or implementation.
- When to use: This test can be used at any stage in the design process to compare radically different designs or implementations against each other.
- Objective: This test is used to determine which design is easiest to use and what are the advantages and disadvantages between designs.
- Methodology: This test can be an exploratory test where multiple designs are compared qualitatively. The usual result is an improved product which combines the best of many different ideas. The best results normally come from comparing examples of wildly differing implementations.
- Test Example: "Locate a tutorial on finding scholarly journals on the following library websites."
Rubin, p. 30-42
Develop a test plan
The test plan serves as a blueprint for the test. It also provides a benchmark to evaluate the results of the test. The test plan contains the following components:
- Purpose
- Problem Statement/Test Objectives
- User Profile
- Method (test design)
- Task List
- Test Environment/Equipment
- Test Monitor Role
- Evaluation Measures (data to be collected)
Rubin, p. 83
Acquire Participants
While building the test plan, you've already given some consideration as to who the target audience is. You'll also need to determine how many participants you would like in the test.
Test Environment
The usability test facilities are located in Suzzallo library. There you will find the following resources:
- A computer station is provided with a full suite of software. Additionally the desktop recording software Morae has been loaded onto the machine. The computer includes a clip-on microphone and speakers.
- Furniture: There are chairs available for one participant and the test monitor. There is also room for one or two observers, although with two observers things will be tight and the participant will probably be uncomfortable.
- Softer lighting and a house plant have been provided to make the participant feel more at ease.
Testing Roles
The test monitor is a crucial factor in the success of the test. The role of the monitor is to lead the participant through the test while being careful to not skew the results in any way. To do this, the test monitor has to keep the following principles in mind at all times:
- Be a good listener
- Build a rapport with the participant
- Be flexible and open to changes in the usability plan
- Maintain a long attention span
- Try not to lead the participant--they need to find the answer themselves!
- Try not to act too knowledgeable--playing dumb can raise some interesting results.
- Try not to jump to conclusions--strive to pick out patterns while not allowing that knowledge to color your interaction with the participant.
Test Preparation
Preparing for your test involves the following considerations:
- The Screening Questionnaire: provides a way to qualify and select the participants who will participate in the test. This can be a simple form asking for such things as year in school, number of hours spent on the information gateway, etc. Once a good sized pool of participants is gathered, the results from this questionnaire are used to select the most appropriate.
- The Orientation Script: This is a communications tool intended to put the participant at ease, explain the purpose of the test, and to reassure the participant that they are not being tested, the product is. It's important to read the script verbatim to each participant. This ensures that each participant is receiving the same information and is not swayed at all by an off-hand remark inserted by the monitor. This also ensures that all the points you need to make are heard by the participant, and that you don't forget any.
- The Background / Pre-test Questionnaire: This is used to gather historical information in order to better understand the results of the test. The questionnaire provides a background synopsis of each participant that can be used when analyzing the final results of the test and sharing them with others.
- The Consent Form: The purpose of this form is to get permission from the participant to tape them during the test. This form spells out exactly what will and will not happen to the recordings along with an explanation of their rights.
- The Task Scenarios: These are the tasks that the participant will be asked to complete during the test. The tasks should include a realistic scenario along with the participants motive to perform that task. The tasks should also be written in a way that avoids cueing the participant with regard to what you're trying to find out.
- The Post-test Questionnaire and Debriefing Interview: This questionnaire's main purpose is to gather conclusions and recommendations from the participant. Base the questions on the tasks in order to discover the participants preferences and feelings about the test. This is also a good time to ask any probing questions that come up during the test itself. Try to find out the participants motivations during the test. Ask the participant if there is anything she would like us to know.
Rubin, p. 141-212
Conducting the Test
Guidelines for monitoring the test:
- Monitor the session impartially--don't react negatively to mistakes on the part of the participant
- Be aware that your body language and voice inflections can skew results
- Don't rescue participants when they get stuck
- Make sure the participants are actually finished with a task before moving on
- Keep the session loose
- Do have the participants use the thinking out loud technique
- Use probing questions when appropriate to find out more on the participants decisions


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Please complete the form and click the submit button. This will notify our store that you wish to reserve this product.Our store will contact you to confirm the reservation.Please do not travel until the store has contacted you.
Please double check your phone number, if it is incorrect we will be unable to contact you.
We aim to get back to you within the hour, during shop hours (please see store details), to confirm your reservation. If you do not hear from us then please resend the request.
The intention of Compatible Christmas Duets For Winds is to provide instrument players the opportunity to play fifty popular Christmas carols in arrangements for two instruments.
These duets will work with any combination of any two instruments, so you can play carols with your friends no matter what instrument they play. There are endless possibilities for using duet combinations for fun and entertainment around the holidays. You can play for family, friends, or in a concert setting.
Compatible Christmas Duets For Winds provides you with interesting and playable arrangements. It can also help to make practice time fun around the holidays and can be used with friends and teachers as well.
One of the best ways to improve as a player is to play in small chamber groups and duets are the easiest way to get started. Playing duets with others of similar ability levels or even of greater ability will help to stimulate the growth of your playing.


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Anyone have or have seen the Banded Dog Ramp? I have the Edge Boat Dog Ladder and not a big fan and thinking about trying the Banded Ramp.
Anyone have or have seen the Banded Dog Ramp? I have the Edge Boat Dog Ladder and not a big fan and thinking about trying the Banded Ramp.
Banded ramp fits terrible. Seems way too steep for me. When they show it on the box it looks almost like a double duty retriever stand/ boat ramp but once i put it together its almost straight up and down in the water. I tried all the adjustments. I have a 1650 jon boat. The instructions dont explain how its supposed to be mounted either. I really like the idea/concept of the ramp but i may have to drill holes and make it the way i want it.
Ramp never fit on my boat. How u can design a ramp for duck hunters that doesnt fit a 16 foot lowe jon boat i dunno... Then to make matters worse. It literally broke after two climbs from a 50lb lab. Tried contacting the company for help originally for the fitting issue and got no help. I told the guy it broke and he accused me of using it out of the water which i did not and then the guy told me to take it back to cabelas. Thanks a lot!
I thought it would work great on my canoe with out riggers but the support arms are way too long so I have to make a stop at the metal shop to correct the issue. Plus I am not sure how well the hinges will fare before you buy it take it out of the box and look at the hinges to make sure they line up
Justin E Schneider
Foundation's One Up the Sleeve
Foundation's Rolling Thunder
RIP Xtreme's 30 Rounds N' 1 Full Maggie SH
"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail." -- Josh Billings
A good friend will always help you out, a dog treated right will never leave your side - ME


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World Premiere of "The Territory", the new suite for jazz chamber ensemble by CMA New Works Grantee Darrell Grant
Saturday, July 06, 2013
Ticket Information
Tickets are available from the CMNW Box Office
From Portland-based jazz pianist/composer Darrell Grant, "The Territory" is a suite for nine musicians combining improvisation, composition and narrative to explore the connection between music and place, drawing on sounds, images and stories of the Pacific Northwest and its diverse communities.
The Territory by Darrell Grant and the Darrell Grant Ensemble has been made possible with support from Chamber Music America's 2012 New Jazz works: commissioning and ensemble Developmen program funded hrough the generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
THE TERRITORY is what writers, composers and other storytellers who call this place home have in common. In wine culture it's called "terroir"– that mix of dirt, rain, sun, wind and water that makes one vineyard's grapes taste different from another's.
This "Territory", is a suite in nine movements, inspired by the idea that topography and watershed, cycles of eruption, erosion, flood and drought, along with human stories of hope, disaster, courage, profligacy, promise and betrayal create a vibration-an ethos even-that is real. It rises from the land itself and connects native and transplant alike.


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Building Codes Enforcement
The Effective Date for the Florida Building Code 5th Edition (2014) is June 30, 2015
Established in 1999, the Building Code Enforcement Program was a response by the state legislature to the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew. Today, as a member of the construction team, we look forward to working with the various construction groups and being an integral member of the construction team.
Code Enforcement Services
- Review plans and provide comments for all construction projects at each phase of design
- Verify workers compensation insurance and required contractor licensing
- Issue building permits
- Perform construction progress inspections as required. Issue construction inspection reports as necessary
- Issue the Certificate of Occupancy at project completion
- Scan and archive all plans for future reference
- Provide code consultation to architects, engineers, project manager and contractors as necessary
- Provide coordination with the State Fire Marshal's office
We now have a Portal for contractors and project managers to check your project's building permit status, inspections, and plan reviews. You can also request inspections and upload new documents for your active building permits.
Contact Tony McMahon if you need more information on this feature.
Code Enforcement Services Patrons
- University of Florida
- IFAS Facilities
- University of North Florida
- School Board of Alachua County
- Florida School for Deaf and Blind
- Shands Hospital on UF property
- University Athletic Association
- School Board of Marion County


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LAST UPDATE 03/30/17 Information Memo: Children's Summer Camp 2017
Information Memo: New Long Term Care Office, Medical Field Operations Central
Manual Release: MR #17.07 Automation of Medical Benefit Restriction for Incarcerated Individuals
Action Memo: Completing the Family Assessment and Responsibility and Services Plan During the TANF Application Interview
Information Memo: Jackson County FCRC (047) Reopens After Closure Due to Fire
Action Memo: Budgeting-Medical Benefits 2017 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments
The Cash, SNAP, and Medical Policy Manual and Workers' Action Guide is in OneNet format, for easier use and enhanced accessibility. The following are the major sections of the manual:
Check the News Items on the right side of the page for new manual releases and memos.
To search the manual, click "Search OneNet" above, then select "Current page and below" from the drop-down menu.
The current WAG 25-03-02 (pdf) contains income standards for all programs.
To request an alternative format for documents contained in this manual for accessibility purposes, contact:
Bureau of Policy Development
100 South Grand Avenue East
Harris II, 2nd Floor
Springfield, Illinois 62762


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Just received it today and it's packed with six pages about SW Lego sets. Includes the exclusives UCS Yoda, Darth Maul and Rebel Blockade Runner plus the new 2002 sets. There are special two-pack offers for C3-PO and R2-D2 ($49), Stormtrooper and Darth Vader ($67).
Conspicously missing are the classic sets for the Millennium Falcon, UCS TIE Interceptor and X-Wing, Snowspeeder, Darth Vader's TIE and X-Wing plus the smaller Episode I sets.