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I know, I know. I'm late coming back here to give away audiobooks from my New Year's giveaway. Three people had the correct answer! Yvette, Emily W and Lee Todd win their choice of audiobook from me. Yay!
So on to what's new…I'm sick. Well, I was sick. All weekend, puking. Turns out it was just a reaction to adding a pain med to my already long line up of stuff I take. So they switched me to something else. It doesn't make me puke but it does make me sleepy. Makes work a challenge. And the pain med that made me puke is one I've had before so it has to be the combination of stuff I was on. I think it didn't like the hormone stuff my other doc has me on. Anyway, waiting for an insurance authorization so I can get yet another CT scan because it seems like the kidney stones are trying for a reappearance. Just what I need when I have a full schedule. Story of my life. *sigh*
Meanwhile, on the writing front I have a sweet, hot short story just out for your reading enjoyment! It's been in the works since August so you can see how sick I've been. The Hardest Part is a story of love and optimism and getting what you deserve for being positive in the face of negativity. I hope you readers like it!
I've also got other books out in audio format. Kissing Joan Collins is out in time for Valentine's Day which is perfect because it's a Valentine's Day story! Also out is Rousing Caine which is a very sexy ghost story. Check out the covers!
I've got lots of codes for free copies of my audiobooks so look for me to be doing giveaways here and there across the net and on Facebook. Meanwhile, you can hop on over to Facebook and vote for The Hardest Part's cover in the Love, Lust and Lipstick Stains cover contest! Your vote is much appreciated!
That's it for me. I'm off to work. Cross your fingers I either don't need a pain pill or that I can manage to stay awake when I take it!
Happy Tuesday!
The winner of yesterday's giveaway is Julie Carlson! Congrats!
So ends another year of my big giveaway. We went 33 days this year and had 103 authors, 1 editor and 1 publisher offer up books, not including myself. There were about 150 books and a few audiobooks given away. I'd say it was a pretty successful giveaway. I won't compare it to prior years because each year it's a blessing to able to do this through the generosity of the publishing community, the authors and others who participate in giving away books to readers. It's my hope always that readers find new authors to enjoy and authors expand their readership. And it's a pleasure to do something for the readers who support us throughout the year by buying our books.
If you want one last chance to win something, you can hop over to Tara Lain's blog where I have a New Year's Kiss posted. She's having a huge contest with two other authors and I believe there's several ways you can win prizes. At the end of each excerpt is a question. If you come back here and tell me in comments what the question was on my excerpt, you could win your choice of audiobook from me.
Here's the link to my New Year's Kiss, go read the excerpt from Scrambling featuring a first kiss between Evan and Reed. Then come back here and comment on this post with the question in my New Year's Kiss. Not the answer to the question, but the question itself. Tell me what the question is and you'll be entered for a chance to win your choice of Fire Season, Broken Bonds or Kissing Joan Collins in audiobook. You have until midnight Pacific time, Friday the 3rd of January.
Many thanks to everyone who participated in my 30+ Days of Christmas, the authors and others who donated and the readers who came here faithfully every day to read all the blurbs. May you all have a wonderful 2014.
Happy New Year!
The winner of yesterday's giveaway is Rose! Congrats!
Well, today is the last day of the giveaway but I like to think I saved the best for last here on this last day of 2013. I've got three real life friends with me today, Z.A. Maxfield, Lynn Lorenz and Belinda McBride. ZAM actually lives about 10 minutes from me in the next city over. I'm very pleased to have them offer you books on the last day of my giveaway and the last day of the year.
Evan McAdams has two constants in his life–football and his friendship with Reed Matthews. From the age of six, Evan's played football alongside Reed. In his teens, he realized he was gay and loved Reed, but fear kept him from confiding his deepest emotions to his best friend.
When he and Reed are drafted to the L.A. Stars, Evan decides to come out. His decision impacts Reed who's been in the closet too. The two men struggle with secrets of unrequited love while facing the world as the first two openly gay NFL players.
When injury forces Evan to retire, the love he bears Reed can no longer be hidden. But will Reed be able to reciprocate, or will Evan lose both football and the man he's always loved?
My Cowboy Heart by ZA Maxfield
A cowboy's heart has room for anything…
J-Bar ranch foreman Malloy pretty much keeps to himself—slinking around the edges of everybody else like an old coyote, doing his job and staying private. That is until Crispin Carrasco shows up. Lean, muscular, and with a motor mouth that won't quit, Crispin sparks something in Malloy—something the foreman didn't know was there. But how does a lone coyote approach the warmth of a fire? And more important, what would happen if that fire burned?
WereWolf Fight League: Ashland by Lynn Lorenz
Dan Stoltz has worked for years under his mentor Murphy to train sparring werewolves for the WWFL. Finally ready to start his own business he takes the money he's saved, buys a license to train, and goes to the slave auction house to buy his first fighter.
Ashland's owner has lost him for failure to pay back taxes and he's up on the auction block. His former master abused him, underfed him, didn't put him in fights or keep up with his training, and he's not in the best shape.
When Dan sets his sights elsewhere, Murphy insists Ash is the better choice, and so, against his better judgment, Dan purchases Ash. Ash might not look like much at first, but as they work together, Ash looks better than better. Now it seems Dan might get a better return on his investment than he could have expected, because he discovers that he burns with desire for his slave and Ash might just feel the same.
Arcada: Fire/Ice by Belinda McBride
Kell has spent his life wondering who he is.. haunted by the memory of another place. When he sleeps, he hears a voice whispering his name, calling him home. In desperation he finally gives up everything and turns to fate on his quest for a town he knows only as "Normalville."
Come with Kell as he finds the answers he seeks…and so much more.
Mad at the Moon
Merry Miller is a mail carrier at the only post office in town. After the deliveries are finished on Christmas Eve, all she wants to do is go to bed and sleep late on Christmas morning. But it's the week of the full moon, and between the moonlight and the new neighbor's off-pitch singing, she just can't get any rest!
Noel Hollis has just moved to Arcada, and while the young teacher loves his new home, he's a bit lonely and would like to get to know his neighbor better. So on Christmas Eve, he invites the sexy letter-carrier to dinner. Can he convince her to stop being angry at his off-key serenades and dance under the moon with him?
Furry meets Fairy on the most magical night of the year.
For a chance to will all of these books comment on this post by midnight Pacific time (3 am Eastern.) I'll be back tomorrow on New Year's Day with the winner and a recap of this year's giveaway.
Thank you all for coming by each day and commenting. I hope you all found some new authors and books to love. Here's hoping that 2014 brings you much love and happiness and a lot more books!
Happy New Year!


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The new Altura Mayhem Jacket is designed to provide you with the utmost in protection, comfort and durability making it an instant hit both on and off the bike. Key Features:. Waterproof, durable and highly breathable soft touch 2 layer fabric with mesh liner. Removable hood with front mounted sliders for structure and stability. Internal storm flap, Velcro wrist closures and draw cord hem.Colours: Black, Blue, Green. Polyester.
Goodsouls Dual Zip Mens Jacket
Providing essential protection in a lightweight, compact design, this jacket is essential option to have in your wardrobe when the weather looks unpredictable. Making affordable style easy, Goodsouls keep you looking on trend for the season.
In a choice of two versatile designs, this jacket supplies a laidback vibe in both black and camo, whilst the double zip fastening supplies dual protection from rogue elements. Twin concealed zip pockets are positioned to the chest with two more lower side pockets ensuring you stand to attention in a confident nature.
Layer this lightweight jacket over knitwear on cooler days this spring. Denim jeans and plimsolls supply a fashionable yet practical outfit.
Useful info:
- Mens jacket by Goodsouls
- Lightweight
- 2 zip fastening
- Concealed twin zip pockets
- Dual side pockets
- Contrast trim detail
- Available in 2 designs

subset: commoncrawl


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Palmer Family Vacation - Raystown Lake, PA by Palmer Family Vacation - Raystown Lake, PA - almost 2 years ago
"We've been buying from Custom Ink for a number of years now. Everything usually comes out perfectly...but when it hasn't, you've fixed it immediately and without hassle. Plus I love that we can get low quantities fast! When my parents planned a family vacation for all of us and my dad said he wanted shirts...there was no question of where to get them! We got some in cotton and some in the dry-tech material. Everyone loves them and our trip was one for the memory books! Thanks, Custom Ink! "


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Big East out to keep name
CROMWELL, Conn. — The Big East wants to keep its name as it rebrands and no longer has any plans to expand further west than Texas, commissioner Mike Aresco said Monday.
Aresco spoke at a local chamber of commerce breakfast and talked to reporters afterward. Big East also is looking to add another school, and may sign a TV package that includes multiple networks.
"We probably at some point will add a 12th team," Aresco said. "We are going to have 11 when Navy comes in '15. We'll have 10 this [coming school] year. There's no urgency, but we think we'll probably think about adding a 12th team."
Aresco believes the conference realignment picture may be settling down, following the departure of the seven Catholic basketball schools — including Seton Hall — and the decisions of Boise State and San Diego State to remain in the Mountain West.
He said the remaining Big East schools all are large research schools with similar goals, and have good working relationships.
"I do think as conferences consolidate, as they get bigger, I think they rethink what they are doing, and I think there will be a period of calm," he said. "It doesn't mean it's over."
Aresco said the conference is getting close on a TV package that he said will add stability to the picture, but could not say when it might be finalized.
"We think we could end up doing a deal with multiple networks; we just don't know yet," he said.
Aresco lamented the role of money in ending some traditional rivalries in college sports, and cautioned executives that a balance must be maintained between doing what is best financially and doing what is best for college athletics and the student-athlete.
He said TV games will lose much of their luster if they are played in half-empty arenas or stadiums.


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Chris Duhon is okay, but the guy who hit him with a car is still on the loose.
Small men to back up MCW!
In the first edition of the new "Liberty Ballers at the Movies" series, we take a look back at Above the Rim.
If you were commissioner for a day, what would you do?
The New York Knicks have been shopping for a free agent point guard, and it appears they are primed to sign Beno Udrih to a value contract.
Duhon could head back East next season after spending 2012-13 with Los Angeles.
The Lakers could bring back a familiar face at point guard.
With another full mock out from a major outlet, we examine ESPN's Chad Ford selecting Detroit's Ray McCallum for the Lakers in the second round.
There's nothing left to say, no analysis left to do. The end of this disappointing, almost tragic, season can not come soon enough.
Metta World Peace "probably" out for Game 4
Wobbly Chris Duhon dot gif
Steve Nash might be able to play for the Lakers, which is great news for a team that was on the verge of starting some guys you've only heard of if you're a complete basketball nerd.
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A nationwide alert is on tonight for a Great Falls man, who has been missing since Monday.
Thirty year old Hugh Galloway's car is a 1994 teal-blue Ford Escort with a white hood. It was last seen at his Great Falls apartment about an hour after dropping off his daughter at school, but the car and Galloway are now nowhere to be found.
Sergeant Bryan Slavik from the Great Falls Police Department said on the current situation, "He was last seen after dropping off his daughter, then he didn't show up for work. No one has seen him since and he has left no messages. We are trying to find out if he is okay or where he might have gone."
Galloway's mother, Lola, and daughter, Phoenix, talked to ABC Montana and answered several questions. Phoenix said "she missed her father and wants him to come home."


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If he hasn't already, Reese must research the talent into this upcoming draft to better the team. The Giants need to do some improvement in the tight NFC East to make the playoffs. I think they have a very talented team but didn't use all of it. Coaching IMO needs to be fixed ASAP. Gillbride and Quinn have no business in being on a professional team. But that's not to say they don't have their holes to fill. Where are they and who should they target to get them?
In my opinion they should look to acquire a CB, RB, LB and a OL for starters. We need a good CB for depth but we need one good in coverage. As we just witnessed against the Skins, it looked pitiful. Help there wold be great. A RB should be needed to help the fumbitis of Bradshaw and the inconsistency of Jacobs. Bring back Earth, Wind and Fire. A LB to help our mediocre LB's and a OL for depth.
What do you think they should do in regards to the draft?


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Wilderness: Gastric Squeeze (cont.)
Synonyms and Keywords
gastric squeeze, pain associated with diving, gut pain, bloating, abdominal pain, gas in the gut, scuba diving
Medical Author:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
N Stuart Harris, MD, MFA
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James Kimo Takayesu, MD
Next Page:
(Page 7 of 9)
From WebMD
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Dysbarism »
Although dysbarism includes problems associated with high altitude and aerospace endeavors, dysbarism also relates to the increasing pressures of descending under water that are usually experienced in free or assisted dives.


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Tampa's Drinking Water Quality Report is Now Available
Tampa's drinking water continues to meet or exceed every health standard developed by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Florida Department of Environmental Protection, according to the City's just-released 2011 Water Quality Report.
"A safe, reliable water supply is critical for the health and welfare of our citizens, the prosperity of our businesses and our quality of life," Water Department Director Brad Baird said. "We are proud to deliver high quality drinking water to our customers."
Annually the Tampa Water Department produces and distributes a Water Quality Report for analyses performed on its water in the previous calendar year. The report contains information on Tampa's water sources, how the water is treated, how the water is tested, specific test results for any compounds detected in Tampa's water and other helpful consumer information.
Water Department customers will receive a copy of the calendar year 2011 report enclosed in their City of Tampa utility bills before July 1. Users who do not receive an individual City of Tampa utility bill or other interested persons can view this year's Water Quality Report at www.TampaGov.net/WaterQuality or request one by calling (813) 274-8121.
The skilled men and women of the Tampa Water Department support the 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week operation to provide clean, safe drinking water to our community. Find out about Tampa's water treatment process and take a virtual water treatment facility tour online at www.TampaGov.net/VirtualWaterTour.


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Best and Worst Player
Best Player
Goal Choice
R. van PersieManchester United Position: Attacker
Fan Choice
R. van PersieManchester United Position: Attacker
Worst Player
Goal Choice
T. VermaelenArsenal Position: Defender
Fan Choice
J. WilshereArsenal Position: Midfielder
Team Ratings
Manchester United
De Gea
Had just one save to make in the first half from Ramsey and nothing to do after the break. Cannot have expected to have had such a quiet afternoon. No chance with Cazorla's strike.
Comfortable in defence and a constant threat going forward. Crossed for Van Persie to score the opener and caused Arsenal all sorts of problems.
R. Ferdinand
Like Evans enjoyed a comfortable afternoon and looked like he barely broke into a sweat, United were so comfortable.
J. Evans
An easy first half but had a bit more to do in the second half. Beaten by Giroud who shot into the side-netting but otherwise untroubled.
P. Evra
Beaten surprisingly easy by Ramsey for Arsenal's best chance of the first half, but scored the second of the game after a superb ball from Rooney with a strong header.
T. Cleverley
Preferred over Scholes, probably due to the extra energy he can provide, and gave a lively performance. Booked for a foul on Cazorla and was lucky to escape a second for a clumsy challenge on Wilshere. Wisely replaced shortly afterwards.
A. Young
A hard-working performance by the winger who enjoyed plenty of space. Forced Mannone into a smart save just before the half hour mark and won the penalty with a cross which hit Cazorla's arm. Great ball to set up Van Persie just before the second goal.
A. Valencia
As expected, was far too good for Santos, going past the Brazilian as if he was not there at times. Super flick on to release Rafael in the build up to the goal first goal. Should have scored himself but blundered after being set up by Van Persie.
M. Carrick
Excellent in possession, rarely gave the ball away. Strong in the tackle, at times too strong as a foul on Wilshere showed. Thumped a shot into the stands at the start of the second half when he had time and space.
R. van Persie
Took just three minutes to open the scoring with a superb right-footed finish, and forced Mannone into two more saves in the first half. Hounded Vermaelen into a second mistake after the break which should have yielded a second goal and stung Mannone's palms again with a super effort.
W. Rooney
Was at the heart of all of United's best moves and his passing was sublime at times. Will be disappointed with his penalty which he dragged wide but made amends with a great ball to set up Evra for the second.
V. Mannone
Had no chance with either goal but made good saves from Rooney and Van Persie in the first half and a superb diving stop from the Dutchman on 65 minutes when he was put clean through by Young.
B. Sagna
Found Young a difficult opponent and lost him several times in a poor defensive display by the Gunners.
T. Vermaelen
An awful mistake for the opener with a miskick that allowed Van Persie to fire home. Was as it again at the start of the second half, allowing the Dutchman to take the ball off him and set up Valencia for a glorious chance.
P. Mertesacker
An uncertain clearance just before the break could have gone anywhere, but crucially allowed United to keep the pressure on, from which they won the penalty. Did just enough to put off Valencia at the start of the second half to prevent a second goal.
André Santos
A little surprising to see him on the teamsheet after recent poor form. Left in no-man's land for the first goal, his positioning was poor throughout and bizarrely asked for Van Persie's shirt at half-time, which was happily handed over.
J. Wilshere
Had a decent game in truth but was in feisty mood and it was little surprise to see him sent off. Booked for a foul on Cleverley in the first half, lucky to escape a second for a hack on Van Persie and finally saw red for a foul on Evra.
His passing was uncharacteristically poor, frequently gifting United possession. Had Rooney as an almost constant companion and Arsenal found it difficult to use his creativity.
A. Ramsey
Still does not look comfortable in his wide role, but provided Arsenal's best moment in the first half with a good run and shot. Substituted on 52 minutes as Wenger brought Walcott on.
Arsenal were severely lacking in invention up front, little surprise when Cazorla saw little of the ball. Conceded the penalty, and with his arms up in the penalty area and can have few complaints. Scored late on with a super strike.
O. Giroud
Had two chances in the entire game. An awful header in the first header, and a shot into the side-netting in the second.
L. Podolski
Made little impact on the game at all. Did not appear to be on the same wavelength as Giroud and failed to test De Gea at all, replaced late on.
A. Arshavin
Given the last 10 minutes, booked within 30 seconds of his arrival but set up Cazorla's late strike.
T. Walcott
The crowd were chanting for him before half-time, such was the lack of pace in the Arsenal team but made little impact and wasted the one chance he did have by blazing into row z.


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By Julie Huss
---- — LONDONDERRY — It's comfort food at its best.
Just ask the hundreds of people filing through the Grappone Center in Concord Saturday and they may tell you a steaming plate of macaroni and cheese does the trick on a chilly winter night.
Cooks from all over the state brought their prized macaroni dishes to be judged by a panel of experts and also those attending the event, hosted annually by the Granite State Dairy Promotion.
The annual cheesy contest made the "603 Reasons" list for why New Hampshire is special.
Anna Marie Cattarin of Londonderry said her macaroni and cheese is special for some very simple reasons.
She once again entered this year's contest with her traditional recipe using penne pasta instead of the elbow style with several types of cheese and other simple ingredients to boost her creation's creamy factor.
Last year Cattarin took the People's Choice honor with her recipe and said she didn't want to change a good thing, hoping for another win this year.
"It's the same recipe as last year," Cattarin said from her Londonderry home the night before the contest. She was hard at work creating enough macaroni and cheese to feed about 250 people expected to attend the event in Concord.
Cattarin said the contest is a great way to meet other cooks including restaurant owners and businesses that entered their macaroni and cheese in their own categories including Best NH Made, Best Restaurant/Cafe and Most Traditional.
There were also categories for more specialized macaroni and cheese casseroles including more fancier styles using lobster, or other nontraditional spices.
"It's so much fun, it's a comfort food," Cattarin said.
Coming off last year's People's Choice win was a boost to her confidence in the kitchen, too, Cattarin said. She has spent many years filming local cooking shows for cable programs and hopes to do more to get her talents and recipes out to the public.
The annual contest also brings awareness to the state's farms and products that are made here.
By day's end on Saturday, dozens of people had come through to taste the macaroni and cheese entries. People could vote for their favorites and a panel of judges also gave awards to those topping the list in various categories.
In the end, Alyssa Muise took the Grand Champion honor with her curried lamb macaroni and cheese, edging out a total of 28 entries.
For Cattarin, it was a day of fun, support for each other's talents and a big boost to the state's farmers. Add in some tasty macaroni and cheese and the winter day was a big hit.
"It's a really fun contest," she said. "It's a good time of year, it's soothing, and it's comfort."


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One of the points I stress when I talk about entitlements is that poverty is a production problem. What brings a person out of poverty is more wealth. If you want to see poverty end—and who doesn't?—then your main concern is to discover how poor individuals can produce more wealth for themselves.
But many people today treat poverty as a political problem to be solved by transferring wealth from people who have produced it to people who haven't.
Michael Katz is one of the leading authorities on the history of poverty and government anti-poverty efforts in America. The other day I started reading his book The Underserving Poor and quickly ran into this line: "But poverty, after all, is about distribution; it results because some people receive a great deal less than others."
Poverty is all about distribution? Were cavemen poor because animal skins and arrowheads were not evenly distributed?
The truth is, we are born into poverty. Poverty is man's natural state. He has to use his mind to discover the capacities of the raw materials he finds in nature and then exert productive effort to transform those raw materials into wealth. He has to learn that certain berries can be eaten safely, and then he has to pick them.
To be fair to Katz, he might concede that the cure for poverty used to be productive work. A few lines later he writes:
Poverty is no longer natural; it is a social product. As nations emerge from tyranny to subsistence, gain control over the production of wealth, develop the ability to feed their citizens and generate surpluses, poverty becomes not the product of scarcity, but of political economy.
Okay, he in effect says, maybe at one time poverty was a production problem. But now we have enough wealth for everyone, and yet some people have received a lot more than others, leaving many poor.
The problem is that Katz ignores or evades the fact the wealth is not an anonymous social product: it's created by individuals.
This is a point Yaron and I discussed in a past Forbes column. Although today's advanced division of labor economies are incredibly complex, underneath all the complexities, your standard of living is made possible by individuals engaging in the same two basic actions that sustained the cave man: thinking and producing.
Today, however, you don't wander through the woods picking berries. If you're in the food production industry, you play a small part in the process, say, by driving the truck that takes the berries to market. Unlike a caveman or a self-sufficient farmer, you don't consume what you produce: In return for your productive contribution you receive money, which you then exchange for what you yourself consume: the clothing, medical care, computers, soft drinks, and TV shows produced by others. The division of labor doesn't change the individual nature of wealth production—it merely makes it harder to see.
The reason some become rich, then, is not because they receive more than others but because they producemore than others. Our economy is not a collective pie, where a bigger slice for you means a smaller slice for me. Each of us makes himself richer by bringing new wealth into existence.
It's actually even cooler than that. In the process of enriching yourself under capitalism, you enrich others. Steve Jobs made billions, but he did so by creating revolutionary products like the iPhone: he made his fortune by making the rest of us better off, not worse.
Where does that leave us? The problem we have today is that America is not a capitalist country, but a heavily controlled and regulated one (and don't even get me started on the rest of the world). As a result, many Americans who would prosper in a free country are struggling to make ends meet. That is unfortunate, but the problem remains one of production. Only the barrier to production is not our lack of knowledge and wealth, as it was for our cavemen ancestors. The barrier is government intervention.


text:
|Water Resistant Details: Waterproof Backing On Certified Organic Cotton Cover
|Number of Coils: 190
|Assembly Required: No
|Product Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty to origninal purchaser
|Product Type: Standard Crib & Toddler Mattress
|Coil Gauge: 15.5-Gauge Coils
|Color: Ecru
|Border Rod: Yes
|ASTM Compliant: Yes
|CPSIA or CPSC Compliant: Yes
|Sixteen CFR Compliant: Yes
|Mattress Fill Material: Coir Fiber; Non-Allergenic Eco-Freindlier Foam; Cotton; Polyurethane
|Number of Items Included: 1
|Seating Comfort: Extra firm; Firm
|Non Toxic: Yes
|Hypoallergenic: Yes
|Green Guard Certified: Yes
|Antimicrobial: No
|Organic: No
|Lead Free: Yes
|Fire Resistant: Yes
|Odor Resistant: Yes
|Öeko-Tex Standard Compliant: Yes
|Bed Bug Proof: Yes
|Dust Mite Resistant: Yes
|Water Resistant: Yes
|Heat Tempered: Yes
|Dual Sided: Yes
|Mattress Air Vents: No
|Removable Cover: No
|Laminated Cover: Yes
|Coils: Yes
|Life Stage: Baby; Toddler; Kid
|Compatibility: Fits Standard Size Cribs and Toddler Beds
|Eco-Friendly: Yes
|Product Care: Spot clean with damp cloth and mild soap. Waterproof mattress cover recommended.
|Country of Manufacture: United States
Questions & Answers
Colgate Eco Spring 2-n-1 Dual Firmness Crib Mattress
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A short rib bourguignon soup with horseradish-chive bread to sop up all that delicious juice is just the ticket for these last few days in Texas. It has been drab, cold, damp and dreary to say the least! Not spring-like at … [Read more...]
Short Rib Bourguignon Soup with Toasted Horseradish-Chive Baguettes
Garnishing is simply any attempt to add color and/or flavor so as to accent or dress up a dish you are serving. A garnish ties everything together! Whether you are cooking at the White House or just at your house, it can go a … [Read more...]
Vegetable Stock Recipe
A vegetable stock has no animal products, therefore it has no gelatin content. Use a vegetable stock when preparing vegetarian dishes or as a lighter, more healthful alternative when preparing sauces and soups. You can use … [Read more...]
Tips for Cooking Lamb
When it comes to cooking lamb, I am always amazed at the number of people who automatically and fervently proclaim their distaste for the idea. All they know for sure is that they don't like lamb. Period. Every now and then, … [Read more...]


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MERRILL — Church Mutual Insurance Co.'s National Customer Service Center has been recertified as a Center of Excellence by BenchmarkPortal Inc. and The Center for Customer-Driven Quality founded at Purdue University.
The Merrill-based company is one of two businesses in Wisconsin to achieve the recertification.
To earn the designation, call centers must meet objective, quantitative criteria and pass audits conducted by BenchmarkPortal researchers.
"The (national call center) is an essential component of our value proposition," Church Mutual President and CEO Mike Ravn said. "It is the front line of service to our customers and represents our company well."
The call center in Merrill employs 85 people and became fully staffed in October 2007. It supports more than 90,000 of the company's customers in all but six states, handling more than 530,000 calls a year. Resolution of problems on the first call is 99 percent, compared with the industry average of 84.6 percent.
Church Mutual insures more than 100,000 religious organizations in the United States, leading the industry.
About BenchmarkPortal
BenchmarkPortal is the custodian of the Purdue University Center for Customer-Driven Quality database of contact center best-practice metrics, the largest in the world. Founded in 1995 by Dr. Jon Anton, it provides reports, products and services for contact centers in the areas of operational metrics, customer satisfaction measurement and agent satisfaction measurement. BenchmarkPortal's Web site can be found at: http://www.benchmarkportal.com
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A Professional Stained Glass Studio Located in London, ON.
Since 1979, Sunrise Stained Glass has been providing stained glass and related services to churches, residences and businesses in Canada and the United States.
We offer the following services at our Wharncliffe Rd. South studio:
Please feel free to visit our studio from, Monday to Friday 9-5 pm and Saturday from 9-1 pm.
We do close Saturdays of long weekends.


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Police cars go down the street, signaling the end of the parades, and then street cleaners follow. Danny is sweeping the porch, and he voice-overs that "Mardi Gras brings out the beast and the animal" and he's "glad it's over with." Yeah, you and thousands of other New Orleans residents, I'm sure. The phone rings in the background, but Danny continues by saying that Paul can overlook people doing dumb things because he knows it means nothing. In case you didn't get it that time, we see Danny on the phone with Paul saying that it meant nothing, and it was just Mardi Gras bullshit. Paul says he's not upset (!), and then mumbles something about "something wrong." I can never understand what these two are talking about. Danny says that if it upsets Paul, he should say something. Paul says he knows where Danny's heart is. Paul is the most forgiving person on the planet. I would have ripped Danny a new one. In a confessional, Danny says that he's thankful that Paul is cool with it and not upset, and that he's lucky because if he were on the other side, he'd be upset with Paul. Doesn't that kind of say that Danny lost some respect for Paul over this incident? I think it does. Back on the phone, Paul asks if jealousy is bad. Danny says that it's natural, until you cross a line where you don't trust the other person. Paul says he trusts Danny with all his heart. We see Danny symbolically sweeping the last of the garbage away. See, garbage equals Mardi Gras equals Danny's evil, cheating side. And Danny is metaphorically sweeping away his bad cheating side just as he literally sweeps away the Mardi Gras debris. Can you tell I was an English major?
Next week: Danny says that a line is drawn between David and the rest of the house. They learn they are going to South Africa on vacation, because apparently we haven't discussed racial issues enough this season. Julie points out that all of them together all the time is going to be "hairy." Someone dangles from a ledge and screams. I hope it's Matt.
Over the credits, Matt and Danny discuss how they had to piss in a bottle while on the float, and people wanted them to throw beads, and they couldn't because they were pissing. Danny caps off the conversation by saying, "Thank God, no one had to take a dump." What can I add to that? Nothing.


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Has anyone here tryed out the new "free to play" age of empries released last week?
I've sunk a few hours into the free side of it and its pretty good, very strange having an MMORPG style RTS but it works!
The question is, will I pay for the premium/extra content, its around £23 for the two civilisations and all their units and its a one off payment, im yet to get far into the game and the free campain is said t o take near 30hours to do and thats without the PVP and maxing out all the tech trees, if Im not bored by the time I reach around level 15 I will buy it I think, its not a cheap and badly made free to play like oh so many out there are its a fairly polished product and still in early days, the developers have spent time on this and If I do enjoy it like old AOEs then I think its only fair I have to pay for the better content and more PVP options. Ok it might not be as good as previous AOE's and the in game chat might be full of kids saying "this is a WOW clone" but its worth a go for the free content at least if your an RTS fan :)
Home Page | Age of Empires Online


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The excitement over the first game of the year is almost as palpable as the nervousness going against the Jets. Believe me, I understand, every one of us is beyond ready to see our Boys hit the field after the longest offseason ever. But, there is a lot of worrying going on over the likely scenario of losing our opening game. Let me tell ya, this is one of a few games that if we lose its far from the end of the world. Just like Tyron Smith's knee injury is not the end of the world. However, if we should win, it could mean everything.
It's ok to lose against the Jets this sunday. I'm not going to lie, as soon as the schedule came out and I saw we'd be playing them right off the bat, I certainly penciled in a loss. Theres nothing wrong with that either. The Jets are a tough tough team to have to play much less right out of the gate. They've been to the AFC Championship game the past 2 years, which many have pointed out dozens of times. They probably are at least the 7th best team in the league right now. I don't think anyone should feel bad about losing to a team of that calibre. I mean how many teams wouldn't lose to them in their first game? The basic point is that it should not be unexpected. If we were to lose to anybody the Jets would be a good choice. This is a far cry from our opening game from last year. There were several reasons why I thought the Redskins wouldn't be a very competitive team before the start of last season, and it really showed in that first game. Their offense didn't score a touchdown on us, and their defense was nothing to brag about either. However, losing to a team like that just showed how good we really were going to be that year. It was certainly something to panic about, if you can't beat the Redskins, who can you beat?
Against a team that should have been inferior, the Cowboys were undisciplined. Sure, it might have gotten them down mentally, but more than anything it was a forecast for the 1-7 start that they would meet by midseason. Sloppy play, penalties, it was all there to see. Now, there is something to be said for being competitive while still losing. But, in my opinion that only counts when you're going up against a quality opponent. Having a close game against the 'Skins? That really doesn't give you much to hope for. However, against the Jets, remaining competitive will mean a whole lot.
Obviously the big story out of this game is the Ryan brothers. Moreover, its all about the defenses. The best asset the Jets have is their corners a part of one of the better defenses in the league. For the Cowboys its more about Rob Ryan than the Jets is about Rex. Can the Cowboys stop Mark Sanchez? Well, he's a decent quarterback, but he's got some good receivers. This is an offense I think this defense can beat in general. But, on opening night? Thats really hard to say. I believe this defense will be a work in progress over the season. Its reasonable to think they'll be playing much better by midseason than they will in this first game. I expect them to be competitive, just like the offense, but if they end up being the real cause of us losing this game, I don't think its something to really worry about.
Really the only concern any of us should have about our offense is of course the new, youthful offensive line. Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, and Felix Jones are all A-OK. Probably more than ok. Like the defense, the OLine will be a work in progress. I fully expect them to get better game over game as the season progresses. There is even the possibility that Tyron Smith misses out on this first game. Unlike a few people, if he does miss the game I think that really does hurt our chances. But, even if he plays and we get beat, how much can we really say about him and the rest of the line? Against one of the better defenses in the league? They will struggle, probably badly at times. But, is that really unexpected in the rookie's first starts of their careers? Oh, but what will a loss do to the mental makeup of our team? Hopefully not much. Jason Garrett holds the reigns, and he will keep them rallied and motivated. Heck, Rob Ryan will too. If Wade were here? They might just lose all hope entirely, I know I would.
Alright, so there's a good chance they lose this game, due to new pieces of this team starting cold. But, what does it mean if they win? A whole lot. Winning this tough game right out of the gate bodes extremely well for this season. Much like losing to the Redskins last year and thinking 'who can they beat?', beating the Jets now should scream the question 'who can't they beat?' If the Cowboys offense overruns their defense, that's going to say a lot about some of the more notable opponents they'll face later this year. Like a certain team who decided they wanted to have some of the best corners in the league. If we outplay Revis, there's all the reason in the world to believe we can do the same to Nnamdi. If our defense manages to hold off Sanchez, there's good reason to think we can do the same to a majority of our opponents this year.
Out of any of our first four opponents before the bye, the Jets are the ones we shouldn't feel bad about losing to. Same goes for most of our games this year really. Who would feel utterly down about their team losing to the Pats? I guess you could say as far as evaluating our team its a low risk, high reward game to play. There seems to be a chicken little mentality floating around here this whole offseason and even up to now as well. Everyone needs to just calm down, take a deep breath and enjoy this game. Win or lose, the Boys will be alright.


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Free Admission Day - Sept. 9
September 9
Eureka! Free Garden admission!
Celebrate California Admission Day with free admission to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden—California's native garden!
California Admission Day commemorates the anniversary of California becoming the 31st state on September 9, 1850.
Bring the kids and play all day or find a bench and enjoy a quite moment with a good book overlooking 86 acres of native California beauty.
And enjoy this special membership offer for September 9!
Purchase a new membership on September 9 and receive EXTRA guest passes so that friends and family can enjoy the benefits of visiting Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden!
Here are the membership levels and numbers of guest passes you'll receive:
Individual Membership: 2 Guest Passes (2 Extra!)
Family Membership: 4 Guest Passes (2 Extra!)
Gold Card Membership: 8 Guest Passes (4 Extra!)
Acorn Membership: 12 Guest Passes (6 Extra!)
Purchases must be made in person on September 9 at the Admissions Kiosk.
Extra guest pass offer is for new membership purchases only.
Free Family Bird Walks sponsored by Pomona Valley Audubon Society
September through June; First Sunday of each month, beginning 8 a.m.
Free reservation; CLICK HERE to make your free reservation.
Family Bird Walks are free to the public courtesy of our sponsor, Pomona Valley Audubon Society. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring any bird guide books you have and binoculars. Limited loaner binoculars may be available to use during the walk.
Take a leisurely walk through the Garden to see and hear the numerous bird species that migrate through the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Beginning and experienced birders are welcome to help find birds in the Garden. Our collaborative efforts usually produce a good variety of local birds, and we always have a great time!
Family Bird Walks are sponsored by the Pomona Valley Audubon Society. There are no admission fees, but a free reservation is encouraged. Visitors need not be an RSABG member to participate!
Also check out our popular Family Bird Festival held in February.
For more information about birds and birding visit Pomona Valley Audubon Society and Audubon and Cornell Lab of Ornithology's ebird.org.
Art Exhibition by Pamela Burgess: August 2 - November 2
Pamela Burgess:
Cross Sections of a Landscape - a photographic series
Detail shots of native flora transformed into images of otherworldly, macro landscapes. Right: Hora de Oro (Golden Hour of Light) archival pigment print.
Burgess comments, "Intellectually, my work is located at the intersection of art, botany and conservation biology with a focus on drought-tolerant California native flora. Although not overtly political, my work raises questions about habitat conservation and water as the new black gold. I am deeply involved in the California native plant movement."
Exhibition runs August 2 through November 2, 2014
Gallery open to the public daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission to the gallery is included with standard admission or membership. The gallery is located just east of the Gift Shop in the main administration building. Click here to download the artist's statement.
Selected images from the exhibition are below.
Vermilion, archival pigment print
Orange Puff, archival pigment print
Crystalline, archival pigment print
Garden Walking Club - Saturday Mornings
Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.
Relieve stress, boost energy levels, improve health, track progress and enjoy the beautiful scenery of California's native garden on your own or with the group. Participation is free (Garden admission fees apply); register at the admission kiosk.
"Although I have been visiting the garden for many years, the Saturday walks are the best experiences I've ever had here."
~Ruth Crandall, San Dimas
About the Garden Walking Club
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden's Walking Club was created to provide members and frequent visitors with the opportunity to participate in a safe, healthy and educational walking experience while enjoying social enrichment, community building, and the wonders of the Garden.
Walking club promotes:
- Physical and mental health
- Enjoyment and appreciation of our natural environment
- Awareness of one's surroundings, as well as ourselves
Walking club is free to join and participate in; register at the admission kiosk. Garden admission fees apply if participants are not RSABG members.
Track your route and distances using the guide and map available at the admission kiosk, as well as trail markers located around the main pathways of the Garden.
The Garden is laid out in three distinct areas:
Indian Hill Mesa Loop Trail: 0.5 mile around
(Or 0.7 mile total roundtrip distance from admission kiosk)
This loop trail highlights Indian Hill Mesa a large flat-topped hill of dense clay soils, heavily planted with mature cultivars and wild species of native plants. Traveling counter-clockwise along the trail you'll pass the California Cultivar Garden, north mesa restrooms, Walter and Gracie Lantz Outdoor Classroom, California Natives Container Garden, Benjamin Pond and the California Garden Gift Shop and RSABG administration building.
East Alluvial Gardens Trail: 0.9 mile total roundtrip
(or 0.45 mile one direction)
This 'out and back' trail travels north from the admission kiosk along the East Alluvial Gardens found at the base of the eastern edge of the Indian Hill Mesa and includes the Desert Garden and the Coastal Dune and California Channel Islands collections. The trail passes the Tongva Village interpretive site and the Majestic Oak before terminating at the Plant Communities Loop Trail.
Plant Communities Loop Trail: 1.0 mile around
(Or 1.7 miles total roundtrip distance from the admission kiosk via the Indian Hill Mesa Loop Trail) (Or 1.9 miles total roundtrip distance from the admission kiosk via the East Alluvial Gardens Trail)
This loop trail is accessible from either the Indian Hill Mesa Loop Trail or the East Alluvial Gardens Trail. The northern 55 acres of the Garden are home to the Plant Communities with displays of some of our most impressive specimens in the entire collection. The large serene grove of Four-needle Pinyon, the spring-blooming California Flannel Bushes and distinctive jmlhua trees are found here.
Plants Interact! Exhibition - July 19 to Nov. 16
Plants Interact! Exhibit
Saturday, July 19 through Sunday, November 16
Gold Card Member Opening, Friday, July 18
Free with Garden admission or membership.
The Container Garden's new exhibit is an inspirational fusion of horticulture, science, and art that focuses on plants' interactions with their environment.
Step off the mesa path and learn about plants' interactions: reproduction and fruiting, grasses and wind pollination, succulents and water storage, and summer flowering plants. Each room in the Container Garden will focus on a different type of interaction with interpretive signage.
Upcycle: The Sculpture of LT Mustardseed - April 5-September 28
April 5 through September 28, 2014
Included with standard admission or membership. Sculptures are exhibited throughout the grounds.
CLICK HERE for photos of LT Mustardseed and samples of her work
The Garden is thrilled to welcome the art and sculpture of LT Mustardseed for this special exhibit! LT Mustardseed is a full time working designer and sculptor native to Los Angeles. She has successfully created numerous public and private art commissions. LT's sculptures will be on display throughout Garden grounds April 5 through September 28 for our members and guests to enjoy.
Sculptures range from a gigantic, 20-foot Dragonfly and massive Demoiselle to a 6-foot hummingbird, larger-than-life "Harley Bird", mechanical passion flowers (pictured above, in detail), fire-breathing pitcher plants, whimsical animals and fanciful creations.
April 4, 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. RSABG Member Preview and Reception with LT Mustardseed.
Sponsored by Some Crust Bakery.
Artist notes and statements:
"When appropriate I recycle everyday objects into bold, colorful and playful images. Nature themes are often re-occurring in my work. I love working with various types of metals, the metallurgy, the material, its movement and form.
My use of machinery and custom paint finishes honor the traditions of our past generations, as well as creating unique works of art that represents our own time and place. I like to integrate industrial design elements such as artistic site furnishings, creative bike racks, and lighting. I have experience working with the best design teams in Los Angeles, including Structural Engineers, Architects, Landscape Architects, City planning, and the MTA.
Design aesthetic, long-term durability and quality are paramount to my process.
I have full fabrication capabilities in studio and am a licensed LA-City Certified welder. Possibilities of creations are endless. I am Veteran of Desert Storm and a self-taught, non-institutionalized artist.
I have been practicing artistic expression since childhood. At age 5 I wanted to be a photographer then a painter. Meanwhile collecting tools from Grandpa Mason, building anything and everything; each summer was a new conquest.
It wasn't until my late 20's that Artistic expression became full time. Designing and creating is what makes me the most happy, from then on I believed in realizing my dreams are possible."
"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." -Matthew 17:20
-LT Mustardseed
Things That Go Bump in the Night - October 17 and 18
Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, 2014, 5:30 until 9 p.m.
Friday, October 17 is RSABG members-only night!
Purchase Tickets for Members-Only Night Here
Purchase Tickets for Saturday, October 18 Here
Come to Things that Go Bump in the Night and meet the owls, opossums, spiders and plants who rule the Garden at night!
Things that Go Bump in the Night is a fun evening family event to observe and learn about plants and animals that are most active at night. Visitors follow Garden paths with a passport to visit interactive stations exploring the nocturnal world and its amazing critters.
This year's highlights include:
Wild Wings of California with several raptors including live owls! Please note Wild Wings of California will be onsite until 8 p.m. each event evening.
Marshmellow the opposum and her wildlife rehabilitator Janet Chaney - Because, of course, 'possums are awesome!
The World Famous Spider Show - In this very entertaining comedic "bug" show, children of all ages learn all about how spiders have adapted to catch their prey in different ways. Then, the kids' acting skills will be tested as some of them will become the spider and prey in a hilarious group of interactive theatrical "skits." This is fun for the whole family.
Kimmi Kraus returns with Project Wildsong to dispel myths and misinformation by providing interpretation and education about their live wolves, Ambassador Wolf Damu and Ambassador Wolf Cael, inspiring visitors with their beauty and with truth.


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- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Samsung Focus
- Windows Phone 7
- 4"
- 1 GHz
Released November, 2010
Rated 76% by by c|net (May, 2012)
Beyond the budget price is a nice 4-inch Super AMOLED display, a 1.4GHz processor, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, and a front-facing camera.
Conclusion Check out the Samsung Focus
First reviewed December, 2011
Features Key features of the Samsung Focus
Rated 76% by by c|net (May, 2012)
A 4-inch Super AMOLED display greets you on the phone's face, with a 800x480-pixel (WVGA) resolution that's pretty standard for a screen this size.
screen size
Focus by c|net (Oct, 2010)
Within each hub, you will find a panoramic user interface with bold, attractive text splashed across the top to identify different subsections (aka Pivots) that you can swipe across and in some cases, a small contextual toolbar along the bottom of the screen to help you perform specific tasks to the app.
Focus by c|net (Oct, 2010)
It was only when we pressed the volume rocker by accident that a small toolbar dropped down from the top of the screen to expose the media buttons.
screen resolution
Focus by c|net (Oct, 2010)
You can also bookmark sites, and if you feel like it, you can pin pages to the Start screen for easier access.
Focus by c|net (Oct, 2010)
You can also "pin" new tiles, but to do so, you must first navigate to the list of apps (press arrow to the right of the Start screen) or the People hub, find the item that you want to add, and then pin it to the Start screen.
Focus by The Verge (Nov, 2011)
Virtually the same Mango experience as its more expensive brethrenThanks in large part to its 1.4GHz processor and 512MB — more or less the same internals that the other Mango devices have — the software runs just as smoothly as its competition.
camera resolution
Focus by The Verge (Nov, 2011)
The back is plastic with a strip of faux sheet metal — for as best as I can tell just an aesthetic look — and above that there's a 5-megapixel camera with adjacent LED flash.
Focus by c|net (Oct, 2010)
Starting with the basics of the phone, the Samsung Focus offers quad-band world roaming, a speakerphone, conference calling, voice dialing, text and multimedia messaging, and the full range of wireless options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G, and GPS.
clock speed
Performance Real world tests of Samsung Focus
browser benchmark
Focus by c|net (Oct, 2010)
There's some consolation in the fact that Adobe did say at Mobile World Congress that it's working with Microsoft to bring Flash to the browser, but it just won't be in time for the holiday launch.
Focus by c|net (Oct, 2010)
For the most part, you can access most of the information you would see on Facebook from within the People hub, but if there is something requires you to go outside the hub, you have to sign into your account via the browser, as the dedicated Facebook app isn't available yet.
talk time
390 min
900 min
690 min
Focus by c|net (Oct, 2010)
Microsoft stripped away all unnecessary information (almost too much, actually-the status bar displaying battery life, signal strength, and so forth goes into hiding after a couple of seconds) and soft buttons, and created a Start screen that consists of "live tiles," which are essentially dynamic widgets to your favorite apps, contacts, and hubs and also display alerts, such as new e-mail and missed calls.
Focus by c|net (Oct, 2010)
Windows Phone 7 also allows for Wi-Fi syncing, so you can drag and drop files to the phone icon on the desktop client, then the next time you plug the phone in for a charge and it detects your preferred Wi-Fi network, it will wirelessly sync the new files.
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
prosSortable isn't aware of anything this item excels at.
1 GHz
Reviews Word on the street
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
Many of the apps, such as Twitter, Slacker, and IMDb have adopted the same type of panoramic interface found in the hubs, so you already get a familiar feel as you're using the apps.
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
All synchronization and content management between your device and your computer will be handled through the Zune software; there's no more Exchange ActiveSync, and we can't that we're sad about that fact.
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
We didn't have any issues download attachments, but be aware that initially you have to manually sync your folders.
Operating system
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
That said, it'd be nice to have better player control when multitasking.
Samsung Focus | Rated 71% by by The Verge (Nov, 2011)
Microsoft is continuing to evolve the OS in all the right ways, but it still hasn't quite matched the functionality of its iOS or Android peers.
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
The Windows Phone Connect to Mac desktop client is pretty bare-bones, but at least it provides you a way to sync iTunes and iPhoto with your phone.
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
You can also easily create new appointments using the contextual toolbar at the bottom of the screen and set such options as a reminder, occurrence, and status, but we weren't able to access our corporate directory to add attendees, only those listed in our contacts list.
Samsung Focus | Rated 71% by by The Verge (Nov, 2011)
That said, provided external light sources don't catch and bounce off the screen, both the horizontal and vertical viewing angles are quite impressive.
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
You can rearrange the order of the tiles and remove them by doing a long press on the screen.
Operating System
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
Like many other smartphone, Windows Phone 7 is able to merge contact information from different e-mail accounts and social networking sites, but it's a bit limited in scope and capabilities right now.
Samsung Focus | Rated 71% by by The Verge (Nov, 2011)
In fact, if your only concern is finding a cheap device that runs Windows Phone 7.5, you can't do much wrong here.
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
The Samsung Focus is similar to the Galaxy S series in design.
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
In Samsung's case, it chose to go with all touch-sensitive buttons on the Focus.
Samsung Focus | Rated 80% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)
Of course, as an AT&T phone, the Samsung Focus also comes preloaded with a number of carrier services, including AT&T Navigator, AT&T Radio, and AT&T U-verse Mobile, which allows you to download TV shows via Wi-Fi onto the phone.
Competition What else you should consider
|LG Optimus G Sharpest screen LG Optimus G vs Samsung Focus
|Nokia Lumia 822 2-way tie: Fastest processor Nokia Lumia 822 vs Samsung Focus
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
Editions Editions of the Samsung Focus
|Clock speed
|232 ppi
|1 GHz


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Sometimes we come across a home remedy that seems so preposterous it hardly deserves a second thought. That happened to us nearly a decade ago when readers of this column started telling us that they were putting soap under the bed sheet to prevent nighttime leg cramps.
One reader was very cautious about trying this approach: "Under the cover of darkness (so my husband, who is an M.D., wouldn't see), I slipped a bar of soap under the sheet on my side of the bed. For two nights I continued to have mild leg cramps but by the third night they were gone. I have not had them since."
Over the years we have heard from hundreds of people who have been astonished that this simple remedy helped ease a chronic problem for which there was no other treatment. Others were skeptical, suggesting that any benefits were due to the placebo effect.
Because the soap story seems so implausible, many doctors scoff. So do some readers: "You folks are ridiculous, superstitious and ignorant. How can you recommend a bar of soap under the bottom sheet for leg cramps? It's just plain dumb. Please spare us such silliness."
Others started wondering whether there might be a plausible explanation for this phenomenon. A chemist at North Carolina State University analyzed the outgassing of several brands of soap mentioned frequently in our reader testimonials. He discovered a volatile compound used as a fragrance common to the most popular soaps.
An anesthesiologist was intrigued enough by soap testimonials to conduct some experiments using crushed Ivory soap. Dr. Yon Doo Ough and his colleagues placed their homemade skin patches over muscle cramps and found that the pain was relieved (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, July, 2008).
Dr. Ough speculated that the scent of the soap was responsible for the benefit. He tested soap-scented oil (SSO) in a skin patch for the relief of fibromyalgia pain. He reported: "It was found that the SSO skin patch consistently and adequately relieved muscular pain" (Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, Sept. 2008).
Although most people associate the soap remedy with nighttime leg cramps, Dr. Ough reports that a soap skin patch helps with muscle spasms such as menstrual cramps or intestinal cramps. We have even heard from people who find that holding a bar of soap is an effective way to banish hand cramps:
"I am prone to very painful hand and finger cramps. When they strike, I massage them or run hot and cold water over the hands, but nothing works but time.
"Today my left hand was in terrible pain that wouldn't cease. I went to the Internet and looked up Home Remedies for Hand Cramps. I saw the suggestion on your website, PeoplesPharmacy.com, about holding a bar of soap and immediately opened a new bar. When I held it in my aching hand, POOF -- the pain went away within seconds. It seemed like a miracle."
Until Dr. Ough's imaginative research there was no explanation for this effect. Now we have some science to suggest how the soap might be working to ease muscle cramps and pain. The herbal oils in the soap scent may have antispasmodic action. We don't know of a more affordable remedy for such common problems.
We suspect that many different kinds of soaps (except the fragrance-free) would benefit those afflicted with nighttime leg cramps. We have, however, created a flat bar that is less disruptive to sleep. You'll find it in our store listed as Bed Soap, and that is how it is intended to be used. Of course, once the aroma has dwindled, it is good in the shower or bath as well.
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Recent Comments:
Antonio Banderas absent for part of Melanie's battle with addiction
Sep 23rd 2011 1:14PM Sadly it is these same docs that won't allow someone with chronic pain, someone that NEEDS the meds, to remain on them for fear of this very problem. People that have become addicted to pain meds and the docs that enabled it are the problem certainly, but that small percentage has hurt medical care for the ones that need it ongoing@!
Would You Choose Your Pet Over Your Partner?
Jan 28th 2011 5:26PM If your child were sick and costing you thousands would you put him/her up for adoption?
Would You Choose Your Pet Over Your Partner?
Jan 28th 2011 5:18PM Actually, many dogs can indeed be trained how to call for assistance and many can even alert people that something is amiss long before a human would. There are dogs that can tell someone is GOING to have a seizure, not just having one; even the kind called complex partial seizures which, unlike grand mal and petit mal, are hard to notice because there are no physical symptoms during a seizure. People know how to dial 911 and call for assistance because they were trained how to do so. Animals can be like trained and be even better at it than humans can.
Would You Choose Your Pet Over Your Partner?
Jan 27th 2011 2:05PM I DID choose my Lab over a relationship. Now granted it was already struggling a bit but when the choice came down to it, the dog won. funniest part? The dog was originally bought for my partner to replace one lost to death.
Sinful, however, chose me. I am not normally a 'dog' person although i can love them and care for them, I never really got as deep down attached to dogs as I did to cats. With Sinful, though it was love at first nip for both of us! (As a puppy in a large litter he got my attention by nipping my shoestring and ankle)
My partner saw that and was good enough and smart enough to realize it and hand over the reigns. It did sorta hurt them though when it came down to choosing Sin over them! Ah well, it is for the best as we are all now happy and remain friends.
The Secret Banks Don't Want You to Know About Prepaid Cards
Dec 10th 2010 5:33AM Well, this is what you do, find out your actual balance and go to a store that will split the total, (Like Walmart) have them take your balance off the card and pay the balance with another means, such as cash. WAHLAH instant zero balance.
The Secret Banks Don't Want You to Know About Prepaid Cards
Dec 10th 2010 5:25AM except they do not even USE Vaseline, it would cost them money!
The Secret Banks Don't Want You to Know About Prepaid Cards
Dec 10th 2010 5:22AM OMG TFF THE scam and cheat company extraordinaire running a clean bank MWAHAHAHAHAHA. If Sam could see what has become he wold roll over in his grave ... TWICE.
The Secret Banks Don't Want You to Know About Prepaid Cards
Dec 8th 2010 6:39PM OK, so here is the thing NOT everything is listed in those disclosures! Sorry to burst your bubble but it is indeed true! How do I know this? Because I am one of the rare birds that DOES read them and I STILL had an issue that wasn't covered in them!
The Secret Banks Don't Want You to Know About Prepaid Cards
Dec 8th 2010 6:37PM Well, sometimes carrying cash around is begging for trouble and believe it or not some places now are not accepting cash! My last residence the landlord would only take money orders or a credit/debit cards.
BTW I have had reason to research and use a few of these prepaid cards and there are a LOT of things not covered here, like that if you use one to pay at the pump for gas, the store can hold some ridiculous amount like $150.00 pending on your card until they submit and receive the actual amount!
While there are a lot of other issues, if you do need to use one, I strongly suggest the MIO card. It has a long and honorable history and has NO monthly fees! You can use the credit feature for no per incident fee and even the debit part is only $.50.
I am not associated with MIO card or any of it's subsidies in any way, I am simply a satisfied customer of +5 years.
My Unemployed Life: The Forgotten Woman, But Now Not Alone
Nov 27th 2010 11:57PM Any chance you have office work that can be done at home for a disabled person TRYING to get off of disability?


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Houston Texans
Ed Reed - #20 - S
|5' 11"/ 205 lbs.
|St. Rose, LA
|Miami (FL)
|Years played
|2002, 1st round, 24th pick by Ravens
Chargers TE Gates could miss Sunday's game
Chargers TE Antonio Gates popped the plantar fascia in his right foot. Combined with the toe and ankle injuries he has in his left leg, his status for Sunday's game vs. the Texans is not looking good.
Texans waive DE Ogunleye
The Texans placed veteran DE Adewale Ogunleye on waivers on Tuesday and replaced him with practice-squad LB Tim Jamison.
Colts beat Texans 30-17, take division lead
Peyton Manning threw for two touchdowns and Mike Hart ran for a career-high 84 yards as the Colts held on for a 30-17 victory over Houston.
Monday-night inactives
The following players are inactive for the Monday-night game between the Texans and Colts.
Saturday injury report for Texans-Colts
Here is the injury report for the Week Eight Monday-night game, Houston at Indianapolis, showing the status of each injured player and to what degree each participated in his team's practices.
Colts RB Addai doubtful; Brown should return
The Colts don't expect to have starting RB Joseph Addai for Monday night's game against the Texans.
Texans searched players' lockers for banned substances
Concerned that some of his players might be using illegal substances, Texans owner Bob McNair instructed team staffers to search the players' lockers and remove any substances not approved by the league.
Ward earns more playing time with Texans
In his brief time with the Texans, and in limited work, reserve RB Derrick Ward has produced in a big way, rushing for 141 yards and three touchdowns — including bursts of 33 and 38 yards — in 17 carries in four ...
Texans move Cushing to MLB; sign DT Lewis
The Texans made some defensive changes on Monday, a week before they return to the gridiron in a Week Eight Monday night game against the Colts.
Texans left to replace ever-dependable Ryans
The loss of star MLB DeMeco Ryans to a season-ending Achilles tendon injury weakens a Texans defense that is struggling in multiple areas.
Texans lose MLB Ryans for the season
The Texans scored a big comeback victory over the Chiefs in Week Six, but lost MLB DeMeco Ryans for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles' tendon.
Johnsons late TD lifts Texans past K.C.
Matt Schaub threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson with 28 seconds left to give Houston a stunning fourth-quarter comeback in the Texans' 35-31 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Fired Minnesota coach Brewster could return to NFL
An NFL insider has told PFW that Tim Brewster, who was fired Sunday as head coach at the University of Minnesota, could resurface in the NFL as an offensive assistant.
Texans' Jackson getting tough on-the-job training
Committing to young corners has worked before for Houston, but the Texans have yet to see the payoff with rookie Kareem Jackson, who's been targeted by opposing offenses and has been beaten numerous times, in various ways.
Texans' pass defense, pass rush issues to watch
As the Texans seek to play steadier after some up-and-down play early in the season, here are a few areas to watch.
The nine-time Pro Bowl safety signed a contract with Houston on Friday, a week after leaving town with no deal in place.||||||| The Texans did not disclose terms, though the Houston Chronicle reported it was a three-year deal worth $15 million, with $5 million guaranteed. The move is another blow to Baltimore, where Reed played his first 11 NFL seasons.
Reed is back at Reliant Stadium for more meetings with the Houston Texans.||||||| The 34-year-old Reed arrived in Houston on Thursday aboard team owner Bob McNair's private jet and had a full day of meetings. The team announced on its Twitter site Friday morning that Reed was back in its offices at Reliant.
Reed intends to return next season.||||||| There was speculation that the 34-year-old Reed might retire after the Ravens complete their Super Bowl run next Sunday. But Reed said Thursday, "I'll be playing next year."
Reed avoided a one-game suspension for late hits after an appeal. He instead will be fined $50,000.||||||| Reed was suspended for one game without pay on Monday by NFL vice president of football operations Merton Hanks for his third violation in three seasons of the rule prohibiting helmet-to-helmet hits against defenseless players. The third violation occurred in Sunday night's game at Pittsburgh: Reed's hit to the head of receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Reed appealed the ruling in phone session Tuesday morning with NFL hearing officer Ted Cottrell.
Reed has been suspended for one game by the NFL for repeated violations of rules prohibiting hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players.||||||| The 11-year veteran will miss Sunday's game against San Diego. Reed is suspended for three violations of the player safety rules in the past three seasons. The latest came in Sunday night's 13-10 victory over Pittsburgh when he was penalized for unnecessary roughness in the third quarter for a hit to the head of receiver Emmanuel Sanders.


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2013-14 - SOPHOMOREStarted all 35 games ... averaged 8.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steal per game ... tied for first on the team with 43 3FGs ... hit at least one 3FG in 26 games and had 13 games with multiple 3FGs ... recorded 13 double-digit scoring games ... averaged 13.3 points in the three Big Ten tournament games, hitting seven three's ... scored a career-high 29 points in the win over FAU; added four assists and went 13 of 19 from the line ... scored 24 points and tied a career-high with four 3FGs in the upset win over No. 11 Penn State in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals ... scored 10 points and hit two 3FGs in the loss at No. 25 Iowa ... career-high five steals and scored 11 points at No. 25 Michigan State ... career-high four 3FGs in the win over No. 17 Purdue, scoring 15 points ... scored 12 points vs. MSU in Columbus ... 11 points, two 3FGs and three steals on the road at Wisconsin ... scored 15 points and grabbed a career-high eight rebounds in the season-opening win at West Virginia ... 14 points and six boards in the win over Lehigh ... had 11 points in the loss at No. 8 Maryland and 10 in the loss at UC ... scored 12 in the win over UT Martin.
2012-13 - FRESHMANPlayed in 14 games with one start ... received her first career start at No. 12 Purdue, playing 51 minutes while scoring five points and recording three steals, three assists and five rebounds ... hit two 3FGs off the bench at Wisconsin ... saw her first collegiate action vs. Wright State, hitting her very first FG attempt on a 3-pointer ... scored five points in the win over Evansville ... hit a third 3-pointer in the win over Lafayette and a fourth in the win over VCU ... also had two assists in that game ... played minutes off the bench in the home loss to Illinois ... scored three points off the bench at Minnesota.
HIGH SCHOOL 2012 Ohio Division III Player of the Year ... averaged 21.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.3 steals her senior season ... led the Blanchard Valley Conference in scoring her senior season ... 2011 and 2012 First Team Division III All-Ohio selection ... led Liberty-Benton to an outright Blanchard Valley Conference title and three OHSAA state tournament berths in four years ... 2011-12 District 8 Division I-II-III Player of the Year ... averaged 21.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 5.4 steals as a junior ... named MVP of the 2010 Division III state tournament in leading the Eagles to a state championship ... surpassed 1,000 points in her junior season ... helped the Eagles to their first state appearance as a freshman while averaging 9.2 ppg ... averaged 17.6 ppg as a sophomore while breaking the school's three-point shooting record along the way ... National Honor Society ... carried a 4.0 grade-point-average ... sister of Aaron Craft on the Ohio State men's basketball team.


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Nearly 250 cyclists pedaled for more than 100 miles all day Saturday in support of those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, or MS.
Saturday morning, Bike MS kicked off it's "Ride the Rim" event. Those cyclists started at Buffalo Sports Park in Canyon, rode through the West Texas A&M University Campus, around town and then through Palo Duro Canyon.
These dedicated bikers weren't stopping at 100 miles though, they'll continued 'Riding the Rim" Sunday as well, to help raise money and awareness to help fight multiple sclerosis.
"We are also taking steps to help people who have MS today," said April Brownlee, Sr. Development Manager for Bike MS. "We can't cure MS right now so we are always working to do things to make their lives better today. So we have a direct financial assistance program to help offset the outrageous cost of this disease, it costs about $70,000 per person, per year"
So far this year, the group has raised about $130,000 to support the some 800 people in our area suffering from MS.
Physical Address:
11320 West County Road 127
Midland, Texas, 79711
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 60150
Midland, Texas, 79711
Newsroom Phone: (432) 567-9991
Business Offices: (432) 567-9999


text:
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Sinai Says: Goldhar's roadmap truly coming to fruition at still-peaking Maccabi Tel Aviv
05/07/2014 03:42
Their biggest concern should surely be that this is only the beginning. The beginning of a period of potentially unrivaled dominance in Israeli soccer.
Maccabi Tel Aviv owner Mitch Goldhar uncharacteristically allowed himself to celebrate after his team clinched the Premier League championship on Saturday night, but he already has his sights set on lifting many more titles.
Photo: ASAF KLIGER
Their biggest concern should surely be that this is only the beginning. The beginning of a period of potentially unrivaled dominance in Israeli soccer.
Maccabi is a long way from equaling Hapoel Petah Tikva's run of five consecutive championships (1959- 63). In fact, since those great Petah Tikva sides, only Maccabi Haifa has managed to claim three straight league titles (2004-06).
But Maccabi Tel Aviv has every intention of being the next to do so next season. Maccabi has proven that it is head and shoulders above the rest of the league in the past two campaigns, claiming the championship with four matches to spare last season and with three games to play this term.
However, as wide as the gap is from the rest of the pack at the moment, Maccabi plans to widen it even further in the coming years.
After seeing his team clinch the title with a 2-1 win over Hapoel Beersheba at Vasermil Stadium on Saturday night, Jewish-Canadian owner Mitch Goldhar made sure the players understood he is still far from content.
"Individually you are obviously amazing but together you are wow," he told the jubilant players in the dressing room. "But it's just started. I really feel that we have just started the job."
After wrapping up the championship last season, the club's first in 10 years, there was one word that kept resurfacing when Goldhar shared his thoughts with the media.
"Everything is a process," he explained. "This is the result of the process."
Time and again, Goldhar emphasized the challenging process the organization had to endure before ultimately tasting glory, as well as the ongoing development at Maccabi.
To someone watching Goldhar for the first time, he seemed almost like a man obsessed. But Goldhar has been preaching about the process since day one and he finally held a piece of silverware in his hands to prove his vision was correct.
"I really was more concerned with how we developed as an organization and as a club," said Goldhar. "I always felt it is a process and it still is a process.
It's not over. And if we stick to the process we will eventually slowly emerge as a force."
Maccabi ensured it had continuity working in its favor by holding on to as many pieces as it could in the summer.
Coach Oscar Garcia may have left, while top scorer Eliran Atar and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama also moved on to Europe. But crucially, sports director Jordi Cruyff stuck around and ensured the club remained on course.
When Cruyff joined the club, Maccabi had won just a single league title in the previous 16 seasons.
The yellow-and-blue hadn't won the championship since the 2002/03 campaign, with its last significant title coming back in 2005 when it lifted the State Cup.
Despite a massive investment, the club looked to be treading water in Goldhar's first three years as boss since he took control in the summer of 2009.
Those seem like distant memories now.
The departure of Oscar after just a single season as coach could have rocked the club, but Cruyff ultimately secured the signing of successor Paulo Sousa, who was always his first choice for the position.
Despite falling short of a place in the Champions League group stage, losing to FC Basel in the third qualifying round, Maccabi advanced to the knockout rounds in Europe for the first time in club history, reaching the Europa League round-of-32.
Maccabi finishing the season prior to Cruyff's arrival in sixth place, missing out on European qualification for the first time since the 2009/10 campaign.
For a second straight season, Goldhar had sacked a coach during the campaign, showing Moti Ivanir the door less than a year after having fired his predecessor, Avi Nimni.
Maccabi is a model of stability now, and should remain so for as long as Cruyff remains at the club.
He indicated on Saturday that he plans to fulfill the third and final year of his contract, although he did reveal that he has received offers from clubs across Europe.
Cruyff, son of all-time great Johan, and a former Barcelona and Manchester United player himself, has never hid his ambition to ultimately move on to bigger clubs.
"For me this is an important step up, but I hope that in 10 years time everyone will also look back at my experience here as a positive one," he said in his first press conference in Israel.
The evolution of the club under Goldhar may have taken longer than expected, but by the process of trial and error, Maccabi finally found its way.
And unlike the likes of Arkadi Gaydamak - the prototype of foreign owners in Israeli soccer who, like Icarus, flew too close to the sun due to hubris - the level-headed Goldhar has proven that he has a clear plan for the club and he intends on sticking to it.
Maccabi may have won a record 20th championship on Saturday, but it has claimed just three league titles since 1996 and only six in the last 35 years.
Goldhar wants to build a dynasty in Tel Aviv and the past two seasons give him the foundation to do so.
While Bloomfield has its charm, as well as a long history, Maccabi has looked into building a new stadium over the past year, understanding that it needs a bigger and better home in order to increase its revenue and continue to evolve as a club.
Maccabi took another small, yet significant step, last Thursday when it opened its new merchandise shop on Dizengoff street in Tel Aviv after years of selling goods from a caravan beside its training ground. The club believes the store will help double its current income from merchandise and reach around NIS 6 million a year.
Step by step, the yellow-and-blue is strengthening its stranglehold on local soccer.
Maccabi continues to raise the bar, and only time wil tell how high it can take it.
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What is the estimated delivery time?
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Why does the estimated delivery time vary for each seller?
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|Model Name
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I haven't purchased this set of pencils yet (my set is getting over), I had merely inherited it from an aunt who had bought the set herself.
I have used charcoal pencils before, quite a bit in fact. I have used Camlin (don't even go there), Koh-i-Noor and Cretacolor (v good) and General's.
I like the fact its a set of just what you need - 3 blacks, a white and an eraser.
The pencil's are a dream to work with, don't powder as much as I thought they would (I find that to be a good thing). I end up using the 4B for almost all my work.
As for the white, I have only two white charcoal penci... (Expand)
the quality is very good. the different grades of shade works perfectly fine while drawing. all in all a good product and may help you get an appreciation if your drawings good
I REALLY LOVE THIS PENCILS THEY ARE JUST AWESOME . This is for Artist not for beginners . looks expensive but they are not because of there results . this is the best charcoal pencil you can buy today , you can make it very sharp laid will not break . i also did a video on you tube of a still life using this pencils . if you want to see result search Still life demo by Artist Jaspreet Singh on you tube . you can also search Charcoal Drawings by David Jon Kassan . this is one of the best charcoal pencils , if you are not getting good result may be its you falt you have to do more practic... (Expand)
This is not even real charcoal and it is very expensive.it doesnt even spread as charcoal should.i dont think this is a good buy
Good charcoal, but the both Derwent charcoal pencil and Faber Castell charcoal pencils are as good as this . No even better than General charcoal pencils, and their cost is very very less than this.


text:
Earlier this year I received an email from one of my voiceover agents in the UK asking me to run a test with them on a new internet based ISDN replacement technology called ipDTL. All I needed was a good microphone, a decent internet connection and a chrome browser. The session went smoothly and my agent was pleased that I was able to achieve ISDN level quality on a wireless connection on my Mac Mini.
Ever the inquisitive type I decided to read up on this ipDTL (If I could get the letters in the right order) and decided that there wasn't enough material to sate my curiosity. On an impulse I visited the website for the company behind ipDTL (a UK startup called In:Quality) and sent them off a message. CEO and founder of In:Quality Kevin Leach was kind enough to get back in touch with me forthwith and agreed to an interview that I present to you kind folks of the Voiceover inclination.
If this is the first time you've been to the Emporium then let me introduce myself. My name is Mahmoud Taji, I am a voiceover artist based in Cairo, Egypt and for those that haven't been following recent world news that basically means that all hell has broken loose around me.
I'm not Egyptian but I've lived here on and off for 18 years… almost half my life. I went to high school here, I graduated university here, got my first job here, got married here, and both my children were born in the land of the Pharaohs and now this is the country that I will be leaving for the sake of my family's safety.
A month or so back I came across a posting by a member in one of my online casting groups in Linkedin. The post was about a new Remote recording service called SoundStreak. This intrigued me and upon spending a few minutes on their website I was pretty excited about both the service and the idea of talking to the team behind this service directly.
Shortly after contacting the SoundStreak folks I was pleasantly surprised to hear directly from CEO Dan Caligor who was nice enough to get in touch and answer a few questions for me. I have yet to use the Sound Streak system since my recording setup is a windows one and the Sound Streak software currently only supports Macs. But Dan assured me that they will be releasing a windows beta for their software very soon.
Also once the stars align and I am able to test the system I will be posting a detailed description of how the session went and what my thoughts were on it.
So what is Sound Streak? and how is it the Next Generation of Remote Recording? How can voiceover folk like us benefit from it? and what's the catch… if any?
Answers to these questions after the jump!
I'm going to let you in on a little secret, its a little stupid, but hey if you've made it to this page and are reading these words then its not that big a deal. So yeah, the secret is that I would probably post more on my blog if I didn't have to come up with a customized image for each posting.
See… I told you it was stupid.
Today's post, (and so soon since your last one too taji) is a bunch of brain farts and things that I wanted to put out there and discuss with my readers.. or myself, out loud.
I don't think anything is scarier to a young parent than the day their child goes to school for the first time. The idea of giving up this child that you've been taking care of 24 hrs a day 7 days a week for 3 or 4 years to strangers is just, well, unsettling.
I've never been the careful calculating type. The stitches all over my head, as well as my parents, can attest to how lacking in fear I was. This of course changes when you become a husband, then a father. You don't fear so much for yourself as you do for those you might leave behind.
This is not to say that parents are Wusses, bringing a life into this world and nurturing and committing to it on such a primal level, through sickness and through health. You can't really be called a coward and have that much responsibility on your shoulders.
A couple of weeks ago I took the plunge. No one expected it, except maybe my wife, we've been talking about how unhappy I've been. My friends were the ones that had the hardest time believing I did what I did.
But, you're the level headed one! You're the one we come to for the most practical and thought out advice. How could you take such a rash decision?
The truth is, I did it for my family.