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June 25, 2012
Andrew (14) and I spent the last three days camping at Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island, which is in the San Juan Islands north of Seattle). We had never been the Lopez Island before; we found this park through recommendations from friends on Facebook (search really is better with your friends...) Aside from a huge downpour that started right after we set our tent up, the weather was perfect -- sunny and warm.
The park has an odd very pointy beach, the result of alternating tides that have build sand up to form this point, aimed at the heart of the little nearby Frost Island.
We tried our hand at sea kayaking for the first time. We launched from the south side of the beach and circumnavigated Frost Island. We managed to successfully stay dry until a fell on my ass getting out of the boat, soaking myself in the process.
We spent a lot of time on the beach. Andrew loves driftwood beaches; he's always making stuff. Knowing this, I brought along some paracord (always useful and good to have around). Andrew used the paracord to fashion a hoe, chiseling holes through a shell and tying it onto a driftwood stick.
The shells made nice targets for our new slingshot, which we tried out for the first time. They exploded in a very satisfying way when hit, although we didn't manage to hit them directly too often since we were still learning how to aim the shots.
We also used some shells to boil seawater, in an experiment to harvest salt. After boiling off the water, we did manage to get a little salt in the bottom of the shells. I think we'd have to keep adding seawater to get enough salt to scrape out. Note: the shells can pop and explode, I'm guessing due to pockets of moisture in the shells. Andrew got hit by a "shell fragment".
Beyond our beach adventures, we played with a night-vision scope, which was much more fun in the woods than at home. We even watched a doe for a while through the scope. She didn't notice us (or didn't care) so we got to watch her feeding on the trail for a while. (No photos of this, unfortunately.)
Our campsite (#2) was pretty good. It got sun for a good part of the day and was conveniently located to the water, garbage, and restrooms. It was OK private, but a little noisy from the nearby group camping sites (although I'm not sure any sites would have been quieter). The park has a few walk-in camp sites on the beach, which would have been fun to try, although they're not very private and use a composting toilet instead of the nice clean flush bathrooms servicing the other parts of the campground. (They do have a cart at the parking lot to help you bring your gear down to the site, however.) It's also worth remembering that you can buy firewood at the campground for $5/bundle. (The "camp hosts" will even deliver it to your camp site); bringing enough firewood is always a hassle, so this is a nice perq, although I don't know if they have this service year-round.
We both really enjoyed the campout (and the visit to Lopez Village). Andrew kept saying "this is the life" and thanking me for taking him along. It was definitely a trip I'll always remember.
June 18, 2012
For quite some time I've been wanting to launch rockets with the boys. Finally, yesterday (Fathers' Day), I picked up an Estes Rascal & HiJinks Launch Set and took Andrew (14) and Michael (11) off for their first real rocket adventure. This kit was really pretty perfect for us. It came with two ready-to-fly rockets and the launch pad. I bought a few motors of different sizes and some wadding to complete the set up.
Even though I haven't shot rockets since probably junior high, it was really easy to set everything up. The only real hitch was that it was pretty windy. We aimed the rockets into the wind a bit and stayed with the lower powered A8-3 engines so the rockets wouldn't blow too far away.
Obviously, the guys (and I) thought this was great fun; we even got a round of applause from a family playing nearby. The wind carried our last shot onto a nearby roof, but fortunately the wind picked up the parachute and lifted the rocket back to the ground. Everything survived the three shots we made (it was too windy for more powerful engines, and I only brought three A engines.) We're definitely all excited to do this again.
Andrew installing the igniter.
Prepping the rocket for launch.
Blast off! (This was actually kind of a lucky shot from my camera phone since the rocket lifts off really fast.)
June 9, 2012
At last week's Seattle Maker Faire, Michael (11) became enamored with a Simon game, so we bought a kit to make one at home. (Those of you too young to remember, Simon was one of the first electronic games, introduced back in 1982. It had four buttons and would light one up. The player would tap it, then Simon would add another light to the sequence, which the player would then repeat, and so on.)
Today, Michael and I put the kit together. It was pretty straight-forward but it required some soldering. The last time I soldered was about five years ago when we built Herbie the Mousebot. Michael was really too young back then to solder, but today he did all the work. He seemed to really enjoy doing it and was very proud of his new game.
The Sparkfun Electronics "Simon Says" kit was very well put together -- good documentation and good quality parts. It cost about $30 at the show (although it's $24.95 on the website) and took us about 40 minutes to put together. We'll definitely get more kits. Hopefully, we can work up to Arduino stuff next.
Michael soldering the chip in place.
The proud Maker and his new Simon Says game.
Last weekend I took Michael (11) to the Seattle Mini Maker Faire. This is a smaller version the larger Maker Faire that Make Magazine puts on in the Bay Area. This is get together meant to inspire and connect "Makers" of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) technology projects.
The event was held at Seattle Center in a two rooms plus some outdoor space. The exhibitions were pretty wide-ranging from robotics to craft-stick bending to welding. There were lots of hands-on activities so Michael was pretty engaged throughout.
I was happy to see Microsoft had a big presence with our Robotics Developer Studio and the cool Mayhem project. Michael was pretty excited about Mayhem since he could potentially control his room lights with his phone or build a motion detector to keep Andrew (14) out, all with no programming. We'll be picking up some controllers and sensors for Mayhem so he can mess around with this.
I was also amazed by how many Maker workshops there are in the Seattle area from tool libraries to a "create space" (complete with 3D printer, laser cutter and other cool stuff) and even a robotics space. The show definitely inspired me to start building more with the boys.
Autonomous squirt gun robot. It would see people and shoot them. Michael kept hiding behind me, so I got a bit wet.
Michael experimenting with solar panels. He discovered (with the multimeter) that running two panels in parallel increased the amperage but running them in series increased the voltage (even the guy tending the exhibit didn't know.)
Michael playing a Lego robotics contest. He won handily.
An ambitious maker with a human powered cart.
A blacksmith demonstrated his craft outside the fair. Michael thought this was extra cool and wants to become a blacksmith now. I'm not sure how I feel about him with a hammer in one hand and a hot metal rod in the other.


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subset: commoncrawl


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In this blog post I'm going to revisit one of the older looks that I did all the way back in October of 2010. It was my 70's Afro Look and I did it for Halloween. It's been almost 2 years since then and it's not Halloween anymore but I wanted to reshare what was one of my favorite looks at the time. Especially since I never wrote an offical blog post. So here it is, my 70's Afro Look for Halloween blog post.
My sister in-law gave me the dress, the wig and idea of doing a makeup tutorial. Thanks sis, I still remember :)
Let me know if this is was one of your favorites looks too and you can show your support on Pinterest if it is <3
Here are the pictures I took:
Join my site for more dramatic looks with pictures & video :)


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Exclusive: CNN discusses being the first news program to debut a 'Social Encore' for 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown'
By Natan Edelsburg on April 24, 2013 3:53 PM
The Lost Remote Show continues to showcase the best of social TV. CNN, which recently took home the Shorty Industry Award for Best Use of Social Media for News for the second year in a row, just presented. Steve Krakauer, Senior Digital Producer for CNN just presented on the network's brand new show, "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown," which recently premiered. Here's what he discussed. Read more


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State CIO Paul Baltzell took the ice bucket challenge as part of the annual State Employees Community Campaign. Over the past 36 years, more than $27 million has been raised for charity. Paul issued the ice bucket challenge to all other agency heads.


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Sometimes, being hidden is difficult. I mean, we live in Charlotte, so hiding is not really something we place a lot of emphasis on. I mean, we have a giant light up penis in the middle of our city and radiant pink towers. We left subtle behind years ago. But sometimes, being hidden is to be desired. A few examples of how not to hide.
I only noticed the kid hiding underneath because he is not paisley-colored. And yes, I realize paisley is not a color. It's a colour. There is a difference.
I realize sometimes a call center has to stay hidden for security reasons. I mean, if I ever find out where Time Warner hides their employees… Or those fuckers at the Butterball Turkey Hotline who think they're better than me… But seriously… Putting 'Call Center' up on the doors doesn't help. Your employees know where you are. Other people don't. Put up something like Premier Worldwide Advantage, Inc LLC. No one knows what that shit means.
And ye shall know the Anti-Chhrist by the mark of the beast. And ye shall know where he doth park by the mark of the beast and the reasonable rates and affordable long-term options (call for details).


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Our fourth annual Impaired Driving Awareness Week was launched with a ceremony - low-key but very well-attended by media and members of PAID/REID - at Edmonton City Hall on May 12.
IDAW was proclaimed on behalf of Mayor Bill Smith by Coun. Dick Mather. Coun. Larry Langley was also in attendance. Speakers for the launch were Eloise Leckie and Fern Jordan.
PAID/REID co-founder and current board member Gladys Armstrong presented the Operation Lookout Alvina Mechalchuk Memorial Award, given in memory of her daughter, to a member of the public who took action to prevent an impaired driving tragedy.
Fern's speech:
My daughter Leanne. her friend Susan, and Susan's parents all were killed nearly nine years ago. Gladys Armstrong, co-founder of PAID and REID, lost her daughter Alvina sixteen years ago. Eloise Leckie's son David was killed two years ago. Kevin, son of Joe and Markie Delany, was killed three years ago. Len Sager was killed sixteen years ago. Tammy Hodgess was killed ten years ago, Brooks Bunting five years ago, Chris Hoyt elevem years ago. Cheryl Rohr was injured ten years ago, Scot Fernets was killed two years ago. The families of these people are here today. And yesterday was Mother's Day, so this is a tough one for many of us.
With all the public attention - thanks mostly to the media - and all the discussions with private, corporate and government agencies - and all the slogging hard work that has been accomplished by valiant individuals and by PAID and REID - not ONE of us ever thought that we would have to stand here today and say that we are tired of waiting!!
We have been patient. We have been temperate. We have been accommodating and understanding. We have WAITED while our sensible and achievable proposals slowly make their way through the bureaucratic offices and halls of this Alberta government. We have believed that their public statements would come to pass. Now - we realize that we've been gullible and we've been stupid.
We KNOW that impaired driving can't be wiped out all at once.
We KNOW that it takes one step at a time. But we're not even taking those steps anymore.
As you can see from your list of PAID/REID objectives that HAVE been accomplished, a great deal of action was in fact taken from 1985 until around 1992, especially during the years when Ken Rostad and Dick Fowler were Solicitor General and in charge of Alberta's impaired driving programs.
Social attitudes towards impaired driving have changed for a large part of the population. But that needs continually to be addressed, as children grow up and start to drive and start to drink. And there are so many issues that many people still don't know about - specifically the legal, financial, social, emotional consequences of impaired driving, consequences for victim AND offender.
In the last few years, however, initiatives to prevent and reduce impaired driving have slowed to a dead crawl. PAID/REID, in conjunction with other well-respected stakeholders, has been proposing workable solutions for years. The Motor Vehicle Trauma Coalition formed in 1991 and was disbanded a year later after our proposals were ignored. The Hard-Core Drinking Driver Committee formed in 1993 and was disbanded two years later after our proposals were ignored. And most lately, the Enforcement Committee of the Traffic Safety Board's Traffic Safety Initiative, was launched with fanfare by Steve West one year ago. We and the other stakeholders have been kept quiet by attending meetings and writing proposals for an entire year. We are still stupidly waiting for the current minister to look at these proposals. What IS Minister Pazkowski doing these days?
Well, on April 30, he announced that he was going to be making darned sure that no truck wheels fly off and kill someone in his province. The Edmonton Journal quoted him as saying: "We're quite sincere in seeing that we're going to have safe roads. "I understand it's a very small minority of chronic problem carriers and we've got to clean that up because it's not right that a person drives down a road and has their life at risk even though they've done nothing wrong." No deaths due to flying tires have in fact occurred in Alberta. HOWEVER, every year, AT LEAST 150 deaths in Alberta are caused by impaired drivers. Since 1982, the year PAID/REID was formed, that adds up to 2,250 DEATHS. Add in the injuries - some of them excruciatingly severe - and we have tens of thousands of Albertans, from infants to seniors, DIRECTLY harmed by impaired drivers. Surely, if Mr Pazkowski can get excited about tires, he can also arouse himself to deal with a crime that takes place in Alberta SEVEN MILLION times each and every year. *
(Footnote: *The chances of getting caught driving while impaired in a jurisdiction with high rates of enforcement are one in 500. Which means, with 14,000 people charged each year in Alberta, there are 7 million impaired driving episodes (trips) each year in the province. Source: Traffic Safety Board, Traffic Safety Initiative, 1996-97.)
So, what is it exactly that we want?
First, we want Immediate Administrative Licence Suspension. We've been seeking that since 1989 - eight long years! It has been operational in Manitoba since 1989, where it is a PROVEN deterrent to impaired drivers. Since its introduction, there has not been one successful court challenge. Here in Alberta? Promises and excuses. Last spring, Transportation Minister Steve West announced that legislation for immediate suspension was forthcoming. Last fall, Justice Minister Brian Evans said the same thing. Do we have it? No we don't, even though the public has demonstrated overwhelming support for the program.
Second, we want more education, enforcement and preventive strategies specifically aimed at rural Alberta. Last spring, Dr West stated with passion that most impaired driving fatalities occur in rural Alberta, and that something had to be done in that area. Has anything happened there? Nope. In fact, just weeks after that speech, Dr. West announced that people could start carting around opened alcoholic beverage in their vehicles. Now THERE's a mixed message.
Third, we want Checkstop and Operation Lookout to be province-wide and high-profile. We want impaired drivers to KNOW that they're going to get caught. We want a high-profile, exciting Designated Driver Program in effect throughout the province - if every drinker used a designated driver, there would be NO impaired driving at all. We want the hard-core, impaired and high-risk driver - to be targeted, identified, apprehended and rehabilitated. There are numerous agencies - AADAC, Driver control Board, the AMA which administers Impact and Planning Ahead, the Department of Corrections, John Howard Society, and so many more - all of them are just waiting for the structure which can only be implemented by this government. We are not asking for money. We are asking for ENERGY and POLITICAL WILL - all of which cost nothing. We are asking for reallocation of resources. Spend some at the front end - on prevention and education, and on the apprehension and rehabilitation of identifiable offenders - and save A LOT at the back end. So much less will have to be spent on prosecutors and court proceedings and jails and hospitals and medical care and welfare for the families of victims as well as offenders. We know HOW all these things can be logistically accomplished and we know WHO is willing and able to do them. The support is there - from the stakeholders who have been working for so many years and from Albertans who want to walk, bike, boat, snowmobile, drive - and live - in safety.
It is ludicrous that we have had to wait so long. It is inexcusable. We want the lethargy, the foot-dragging, the cowardice, the lack of concern, the empty promises, to CEASE. What we DON'T HAVE - is COMMITMENT, LEADERSHIP, HONOUR, HONESTY AND POLITICAL COURAGE. And that is exactly what we want, what we insist upon, and what we expect. The credibility of this government with regard to action on impaired driving is close to zero. It HAS to make a move and it has to do it now. We say to them - Implement the proposals you asked for, keep your promises, get your act together. This is Impaired Driving Awareness Week. Be VERY aware.
(If you feel inspired by Fern's words to write the minister and ask him about the points she has raised, his address is: Transportation Minister Walter Pazkowski, Alberta Legislature Bldg., 10800 97 Ave., Edmonton, T5K 2B6.)
Eloise Leckie's speech:
In the early morning hours of April 3rd, 1995, my husband and I were awakened by two city police officers, who told us our only son had been killed instantly three hours earlier.
David was 24 years old, and was returning home after co-hosting the
radio program at CJSR at the University of Alberta. The driver of the other
vehicle immediately ran from the scene, and the police were still looking
for him. They caught up with him almost six hours later, so he was never
charged with a liquor offence.
A month after David was killed, we put his picture on his fatality sign. We hoped that by putting a face, a person, behind the fatality, it would make people more aware of their driving. We had numerous people say it made a great impact on them when they saw it. The sign was taken down though, due to a complaint.
The combination of drinking, speed and irresponsibility behind the wheel of a vehicle, leaves too many families left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives as they cope with the senseless loss of their loved ones. The saddest part of all this is, most of these tragedies can be prevented through responsible and aware drivers.
Once again, we had a tough time deciding on the recipients of the 1997 Len Sager Memorial Award. The recipient from northern Alberta is Rick S. Mayuk, a graduate of Father Mercredi Catholic Community High School in Fort McMurray. The recipient from the south is Sheila M. Burgoyne, graduate of St. Francis High School in Calgary.
Their accomplishments in the struggle to prevent and reduce impaired driving are impressive. We are grateful for the way they inspire and energize others, and we congratulate them for their achievements.
The Award is given to graduating Grade 12 students in Alberta and provides a plaque and $500.
From Jan and Ken Walker, April 7, 1997. They enclosed an article from the Feb. 28/97 issue of the Lethbridge Herald. The article is re-printed below.
Please find enclosed our membership renewal and a donation toward PAID
lobby efforts.
These are the types of legal decisions I hope your lobby efforts can change.
Best of luck.
Family decries Jetter verdict
The husband and mother of a Lethbridge woman killed in a late-night
crash lashed out Thursday at a justice system which acquitted the car's
(Editor's note: We would be interested to hear about any events following this case: was the case appealed, were there discussions in or about the crown prosecutors department, etc?)
From Cpl B.J. Manning, RCMP Edmonton Detachment. (Original sent to Gloria Ohrt, Alberta Justice.)
... at the Independent Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IIBAA)
meeting ... I found the booklet on Shattered Lives to be particularly interesting,
especially the article relating to Leanne Schmitz. I was the investigator
for this incident and as such had to deal directly with Kevin Konkolus.
It is worth noting that occurrences such as this have not been forgotten
and that this information is being made available to the people of Alberta
through Alberta Justice.
Each year we do something different for Darren's birthday and this year
we decided to enter The Great Human Race except we will be doing our running
on the beach in Hawaii and we will be thinking of you all. We will be walking
and running the full 5 mile stretch of Waiminalo Beach which is where we
are staying. I even managed to get some pledges from various parts of the
country, three different provinces, pretty good hey. Now I have to send
pictures to all of them to prove I was running.
Ontario won a reprieve for one of the toughest anti-drunk driving programs
in Canada.
Ontario: Automatic 90-day licence suspension for suspected drinking
driver and lifelong suspension for repeat drunk driver.
On Aug. 20, the B.C. government announced its latest weapon in the crackdown
on bad driving - lifetime bans for repeat impaired or dangerous drivers.
July 18, 1997: Peter Mulder, 57, chronic drunk driver, sentenced to 81¼2 years in Brockville, Ont. Licence revoked for life. Killed man and four-year-old son.
July 18, 1997: Matthew Brownlee, 24, sentenced in Ottawa to 7 years. Loses licence for life. Killed woman and 12-year-old son.
May 17, 1997: A 61¼2 year sentence given in Calgary as "a deterrent." Jason Todd Purdy, 23, prohibited from driving for 12 years. Three killed. Had recently got licence back after previous impaired driving conviction.
May 12, 1997: Jim Wallace of Gibsons, B.C., loses appeal of six-year sentence. Wallace killed one and injured three others. Third drunk-driving conviction.
April 18, 1997: Jean Lafortune, 32, sentenced to five years. Killed Ottawa woman. Third impaired driving conviction.
Jan. 31, 1997: John Henry Howes, 49, sentenced to seven years in Brampton, Ont., banned from driving for life. Used licence with fake name. Two previous drunk-driving convictions. Off-duty police officer killed. o o o
According to Statistics Canada the typical Canadian facing charges in
provincial criminal courts is a male, aged 25 to 34, accused of impaired
driving or common assault.
Studies done at trauma centre and emergency rooms in a number of states in recent years show that injured alcohol-impaired drivers are likely to avoid a drunken driving ticket or arrest.
A sampling:
- A 1990 study at two Chicago-area trauma centres tracked 139 drivers admitted to the centers who were legally drunk and 67 more who tested positive for drugs. Just 34, or 17%, were charged with driving under the influence.
- A 1991 study at a New Jersey trauma centre traced 78 injured-driver patients with blood alcohol levels greater than the legal limit. Eleven, or 14%, were convicted of driving while intoxicated.
- In a 1990-91 study of 187 injured drunken drivers brought to a North Carolina trauma center, 53 (28%) were charged with DWI; 32 (17%) were convicted.
- Four doctors who studied the records of drunken drivers admitted to
a Michigan trauma center between 1988 and 1990 concluded that "injury and
hospitalization for drunk drivers following motor vehicle crashes afford
protection from prosecution." They reported their results at a recent meeting
of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine.
Profile of a repeat offender
An article in USA Today in May said most repeat offenders are beer-drinking
Central Peace High School SADD:
From their report: On March 20 approximately 65 students went to the
CYAID (Canadian Youth Against Impaired Driving) conference.
Nicole Bergot of the Grande Prairie Herald Tribune reported on the trip:
Another submission from Central Peace HS describes an activity that took place last November:
It was dark and chilly on Nov. 29, 1996, at 6 p.m. For a few moments
all you could hear was the crunching of snow while 50 members from Central
Peace High School SADD, including Mrs. Mastervick our group leader, moved
slowly down main street.
During the week of May 26-31, 1997 the SADD organized a week full of
fun activities.
LORNE JENKIN HIGH SCHOOL, Barrhead
On May 15, 1997, the 1997 Grad Council hosted a school assembly to remind
their classmates of the very serious consequences of Drinking and Driving.
(Submitted by Martha Winchell, PAID member)
Just a Case
Mrs. M. Wegner
Someone from this school also sent in a poem, and they have dedicated it to the memory of Danielle and Dawn Hughes and Ricky Scott.
Precious Lives
Did you think it couldn't happen?
Talks and presentations
Here's a few highlights:
- Fern Jordan gave two presentations at Blueberry Community School near
Stony Plain, in May, at their annual Community Awareness Day.
The City of Edmonton has kept our Operation Lookout signs up for quite a while this time around. I think that's truly great and I hope you've noticed them around town. Operation Lookout continues to average about 550 calls per month to 911 to report an impaired driver, with an average of 45 people charged each month.
If you see an impaired driver in Edmonton call 911 and:
1. State you are following or have seen an impaired driver.
Armed with hundreds of Think and Drive bags, PAID brochures and Transportation
and Utilities brochures, our merry band of volunteers, led by Donna's favorite
cousin, Barb Weir (far right) and her trusty sidekick, Kris Pennycook (in
the PAID sweatshirt), got rid of all the goodies at a Trappers game on
June 27. Const. Greg Novak brought the Checkstop van to the park for that
extra message. We handed everything out and then, courtesy of the Trappers
ball club, all our volunteers watched the game, following which we were
entertained by the Turtles, a musical group Donna's cousin remembers. It
was a lot of fun for everyone.
Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31, the RCMP held a giant 24-hour Checkstop and invited PAID/REID and some SADD groups to participate. About eight of our volunteers worked the Checkstop for about six hours. We had a great experience and were treated very well by the RCMP officers we worked with.
June 14 and 15 in Edmonton: PAID had a booth at the Family Festival held at West Edmonton Mall.
If, in the future, you would like to come out to some of the events mentioned in the newsletter, please call the PAID/REID office and let us know you're interested.
There are a lot of positive experiences to be had when you come out with us.
Call 462-2426.


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Darrell Evans is one of the founding partners of Yokel Local Internet Marketing, Inc. a fast growing online marketing firm based in Las Vegas, NV. As entrepreneur since the age of 19, Darrell Evans's career has touched marketing/sales (online and offline), sales management, company ownership, home based business, and motivational speaking. His unique consulting style is not only inspirational but transformational for his clients in the areas of business, sales, marketing and personal development.
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Sam and Dean infiltrate the world of LARPers as they work a regular monster-of-the-week case that reconnects them with Charlie from Season 7's "The Girl with the Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo." Yes, live action role-playing is the name of the game and Supernatural went all out to bring it to life. Time for a trip to Moondoor.
Charlie isn't the only one to make a return engagement in "LARP and the Real Girl" (although it was really great to see her working with the boys once again). We were also reunited with Adorkable Dean. Emphasis on "dork." Well, emphasis on "adorable" too. I love, love, love that he's able to channel his inner geek and tap into his fun side for this case. At first, you can tell this Larping thing intrigues him but he keeps his interest on the down low. He has a rep to protect, after all. Soon, he's giving Charlie some strategy advice and when he dons that handmaiden outfit, it's all on.
What else is great is that I don't feel the need to rock the analysis (too much) with this episode except to say that Sam's feeling the effects of ending his relationship with Amelia. He's down about it and Dean's being really supportive of the whole thing, which is very cool. But does Sam realize that Dean made a sacrifice as well? I'm not sure I could tell from this episode. When Sam admits to Dean they both need some fun in their lives, I'm wondering if that's his concession to what his older brother's going through. I still would like him to say some words to the effect of "I know what you gave up too. And I appreciate it." Or something like that.
But Sam, Sam, Sam, I love you for finally letting go and joining Dean in that Braveheart moment that freeze frames before going to credits. So many times, he'll maybe crack a smile at something Dean says. But usually he's forgoing a drink at the bar. Or not getting into the fun of a situation. I was really worried that Jared wouldn't get to sport any sort of Renaissance gear so I'm beyond happy he got the chance to suit up.
Plus, Sam hasn't lost his mojo, that's for sure. When in the tech tent, he enlists the help of a beautiful Larper. Let's just say she has no problem offering her theories to the hot guy playing "genre mash-up." Little did she know Sam's investigation was for real.
Felicia Day can come back anytime as far as I'm concerned. And while I always thought Charlie (who's been going by Carrie Heinlein) had more in common with Sammy, I love how the Queen of Moons connects with Dean. He's able to open up to her about what has transpired since she saw the Winchesters last. When she explains how she loves being a hero in her little Larping world, Dean explains to her that she was a hero in the real world too. She helped them take down Dick Roman. That's nothing to sneeze at.
Man, Charlie's such a refreshing presence on this show. She interacts effortlessly with Sam and Dean. She's fun, she's ridiculously smart, and yes, she's into girls. I love how she relishes being the Queen, that title gives her some serious game. In fact, she hooks up with the beautiful fairy — the one the bad guy forces to do his evil bidding. So happy Charlie gets to save the day along with the brothers Winchester.
Before parting ways, Charlie offers her services to the Winchesters should they need her again, which is much better than what happened the last time they met up. I'm feeling the need to nominate her for induction into Team Free Will. Hope you all agree, because I just love her in this universe. And as someone pointed out to me on Twitter, this group's missing a fierce female.
I feel like things have been so dark and depressing on this show as of late, we needed an episode like this. It brings the brothers together a little more. And we get to witness Charlie help liven things up. The particulars of the case are almost inconsequential to me. I simply love that I got the chance to sit back, relax, learn about Larpers and laugh out loud at so many great moments and awesome dialogue.
Random Thoughts
-The very first death of the episode was gruesome.
-The Doobie Brothers' "China Grove" serenaded the boys while they were in the Impala.
-Another mention of Garth. When are we going to see him again?
-Sam and Dean's FBI aliases are Taggart and Rosewood: two cops in the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy.
-Jensen's facial expressions in this episode are classic.
-I think the guy who plays the Sheriff is awesome.
-I love how Charlie calls Sam and Dean "bi-ches." In turn, it's great how Dean is so protective of Charlie, like she's a little sister.
-Jensen's a trooper. The crown on the head; the handmaiden outfit; the long, blond wig -- it's all so crazy and hilarious.
-Dean taking out Gerry was pretty awesome too. Just not as awesome as Charlie getting rid of the book of magic and saving the beautiful fairy.
-I kind of love Sam's hair pulled back like it was in the last scene.
-"The Real Ghostbusters" was a fun episode. But I think I like this episode even more.
-Did they change the font for Robert Singer and Jeremy Carver's credits to match the style of the episode?
-There's a nice (badass) moment in the tent when both Sam and Dean pull their guns out at the same time.
-Love that Gerry called the boys out on their fake FBI ids.
-A fairy was present -- should she have known who Dean was from his "abduction" in Season 6's "Clap Your Hands if you Believe...?"
-Happy Supernatural Birthday to Dean Winchester (and Jessica too). I still think it's odd that Jess and Dean share the same birthday: January 24.
And for this episode, some favorite lines (courtesy of writer Robbie Thompson):
Sheriff: "These kids today with their texting and murder."
Lance: "He was Lancelot to my Merlin."
Dean: "This could be 50 Shades of Greyfox for all we know."
Dean: "Uh, you are a Larper, yeah?" Gerry: "I prefer the term interactive literaturist."
Charlie: "But a buddy of mine was into larping. Went for him, stayed for the chicks."
Charlie: "Look, I am not really a queen. I'm just an I.T. girl, standing in front of a monster asking it not to kill her..." (Notting Hill reference)
Sam: "But the medical examiner said his body showed clear signs that he was killed by belladonna." Dean & Charlie (at the same time): "The porn star?" Sam: "The poison."
Dean: "I'm noticing a lot of these maidens checking you out." Charlie: "What? I can't shut this down. It's good to be queen."
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3 people found this helpful
"I loved Medpace "
- Comp & Benefits
- Work/Life Balance
- Senior Management
- Career Opportunities
I worked at Medpace
Quick career progression and support from managers. I was promoted very quickly when working at Medpace and was always given the opportunity to progress.
Unmanageable workload. As the company got busier and busier, everyone's workload increased exponentially and there was really no work/life balance and that is what prompted me to look elsewhere.
Please work on ensuring that the employees are not overloaded with work, especially the Clinical Research Associates, who have to travel frequently.
38 Other Employee Reviews for Medpace (View Most Recent)Sort: Rating Date
2 people found this helpful
"Medpace - A place to start.... "
- Comp & Benefits
- Work/Life Balance
- Senior Management
- Career Opportunities
I have been working at MedpacePros
Well regarded in the industry, willing to take on new hires with little to no experience. Excellent training program. Multiple protocols to work on.Cons
Large variation in management styles and expectations. Inconsistent treatment of employees from managers and different departments. Lack of confidence or job security is a common theme among many employees of the clinical operations department.Advice to ManagementAdvice
Become standardized and fair in the treatment of employees. Be respectful of employees and do not treat employees as if they are trying to scam the systems in place if they have made an honest mistake. Support and back employees in difficult situations.Doesn't RecommendDisapproves of CEO
I have been working at MedpacePros
Mostly good workers, seem to get the really bad ones out fast.Cons
Management doesn't seem to feel a need to communicate with lower staff.Advice to ManagementAdvice
Be more open, attend social events.RecommendsDisapproves of CEO


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|21 Mar 2010
Windows 7 stuck on welcome screen?
Windows 7 stuck on welcome screen after installing VMware Workstation 7 ?
I have Win 7 x64 and I have one account on it without any passwords.
I've just installed VMware Workstation 7.0.1 Build 2276000, after that Win 7 stuck on welcome screen and I have to click on the user image to continue.
Before that because I have just one account Win7 just showed welcome screen for a minute and then it went to Win7 desktop automatically, but now I have to click on my account image to continue.
Something that I've done :
Start >> Run >> Msconfig
Services Tab >> Checked Hide all Microsoft Services
Disabled all services except Eset Services (Anti Virus)
Unfortunately the problem haven't solved yet
How should I fix it?
|My System Specs
|21 Mar 2010
Go to Start and type in "netplwiz" (without the quotes) and press Enter
Left click once on your profile name
Remove the checkmark from the "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." box
Click on Apply, enter and confirm your password when asked
Click OK to exit the dialogs
Reboot and check to be sure it works.
|My System Specs
|22 Mar 2010
yeah, it works.
Thanks my friend.
We also can use "control userpasswords2" instead of "netplwiz".
|My System Specs
|22 Mar 2010
control userpasswords2 works on my Vista and XP systems - but not on my Win7 systems.
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An Outdoor Living Preview Event --- See you again in January 2015! --- Wooster, Ohio
Warm Up to Outdoor Living!
Make plans for an 'Ultimate Backyard' with your outdoor living experts during June in January 2014!
June in January is an outdoor living preview event featuring local, Wayne County businesses. With last year's attendance topping 700 guests, the show has expanded in 2014 to include an additional Saturday. During the event, expect to explore new and creative displays of outdoor living spaces, learn helpful and relevant ideas during your choice of free seminars, and enjoy a variety of June in January specials and discounts from all of the participating vendors.
This year's event will feature 'The Ultimate Backyard' - a fully landscaped and coordinated outdoor living environment completely housed inside Buchwalter Greenhouse.
Make plans to get your outdoor living area ready for summer now, and save!
Watch for weekly giveaways on our Facebook page starting January 13th!
Be sure to stop and enter to win our toasty grandprize of a FREE Vacation Getaway to Florida! This year's trip is for a 5-night stay at Pointe Estero Beach Resort on sunny Fort Meyers Beach. More information here.
Congratulations to our 2013 vacation winner, Joe Pollick of Wooster!


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My Father owns a 30 acre piece of property that is mostly a semi swamp area. Any ideas on what I might be able to plant to attract the whitetails and give them food in the area. There are some dry spots but alot of swamp where there is little patches of dry (almost little humps . Thanks
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11/13/11 The September Monthly Activity Report for the Marshall County Sheriff's Department was released on Wednesday. The average daily inmate count continues to increase. In January it was 94.2, February 78.4, March 92.9, April 89.5, May 93.5, June 105, July 110. August 113, and September 115.8.
The Top Ten Offenses for September arrests were in 10th place Battery, 9th Resisting Law Enforcement, 8th Marijuana, 7th Purchase of Precursors, 6th Probation Violations, 5th Possession of Controlled Substance, 4th Driving While Suspended, in third place Thefts, 2nd place Failure to Appear and the number one reason people were arrested in September – Operating While Intoxicated.Â
179 people were incarcerated last month, Argos had 4 males and 2 females, Bourbon 10 males, Bremen 10 males and 2 females, Culver 1 female, Indiana State Police 6 males and 2 females, Sheriff's Department arrested 52 males and 9 females while Plymouth officers arrested 56 males and 25 females.
Officers with the Marshall County Sheriff's Department investigated a total of 52 accidents in September. 42 accidents were property damage and 10 ere personal injury. 164 cases were filled with the Sheriff's Department and 7 citations were issued.


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Welcome to the Vaile Mansion
Built in 1881, the Vaile stands as one of our nation's premiere example of Second Empire victorian architecture. But that is just the beginning of the story of over a century of history that has unfolded in this house.
Upcoming Events
November 28th through
December 30th
"Victorian Christmas Magic"
Tour the elegant rooms with marble fireplaces and crystal chandeliers decorated with elves, pixies, snowmen, and fairies in a magical setting.
Mansion Open:
Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM
Sunday 1 PM - 4 PM
Adults $6, Children $2
And while in Independence...
Rich in history, Independence offers twenty heritage attractions from the Civil War to President Harry Truman. Add in great shopping, restaurants, lodging and a special event at the new Independence Events Center. For more information see www.visitindependence.com.


text:
One City One Hire is an innovative economic development strategy that serves as a catalyst to jump-start the Mayor's pledge to put all unemployed District residents--in every Ward of the city--back to work.
2008 District of Columbia Annual Economic Report
Monday, July 9, 2012
2008 District of Columbia Annual Economic Report
[PDF] This document is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). A PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF Reader or learn more about PDFs.


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when you give a guy oral sex while giving him a hand job at the same time
I gave a guy a blow torch
by katalina November 16, 2003
This is an AM radio station of 50,000 watts.
I work for a blow torch station. 50,000 watts baby, Anchorage to Anaheim.
by slightly askew May 09, 2009
The act of lighting a girl's hair on fire with a lighter while she performs oral sex.
Sally! what happened to your hair!
I was giving jeff head and he blowtorched me.
I was giving jeff head and he blowtorched me.
by AndrewJF May 05, 2008
Being given oral sex by a ginger
Person 1: i had a great blowjob yesturday
Person 2: was she a ginger?
Person 1: yes
Person 2: you got a blowtorch dude
Person 2: was she a ginger?
Person 1: yes
Person 2: you got a blowtorch dude
by razorblade12 January 30, 2009
When a girl eats some jalapeno peppers then proceeds to give you a blow job
That bitch last night didn't tell me she had been eating jalopenos before she blew me, it was one hell of a blow torch
by Crucian January 11, 2009
Receiving head from a red head i.e. a ginger.
Mack gave me head last night, i called that shit a BLOW TORCH.
by PIMPKINS January 23, 2012
The process of ejaculating when you have an orgasm. It is when you "blow"/spew forth your seamen from your "torch"/penis.
That lady is so beautiful. I can't even imagine what a blow torch with her would be like.
by Panchoman November 30, 2006


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Product: Photo > Digital Cameras > Galaxy Camera > EK-GC110
Your Samsung Galaxy Camera™ supports video capture at resolutions up to 1080p at 30 frames per second (FPS). To change the resolution of the videos you capture, from the camera application, touch > Movie size. The icon shown in the movie size location will change based on the last selected resolution.
Not all video sizes are shown when you use certain shooting modes. To access all of the video resolution sizes, touch Mode > Expert > Manual camcorder . The following resolutions will now be available to you in the movie size setting:


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- Home
- Jpop
- Denkishiki Karen Ongaku Shuudan
- Sudden Death R99
Win $10 in the Anime Wallpapers.Com August 2013 Wallpaper Contest or Origami Sticky Notes!
Sudden Death R99
Album / Collection: Karenteki Ongakushuu (Aoban)
Track # 13
Description: Full Metal Box IN
Written by Karen (Denkishiki Kare Ongaku Shuudan)
Composed, Arranged by Denki (Denkishiki Karen Ongaku Shuudan)
Performed by Karen (Denkishiki Karen Ongaku Shuudan)
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As of Monday, May 6, 2013
© Copyright 2014 Albany Herald
ALBANY, Ga. — Westover Comprehensive High School Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) students attended the state leadership conference at Rock Eagle April 24- 27. Six students competed at the conference with two students taking first place in their events.
Britavian Hightower placed 1st in Health Care Science and Keyanna Seide placed 1st in the area of Catering and Table Setting. The theme for the conference was "Leaders United."
During the conference, there were several leadership sessions in which students could obtain skills that will help them in pursuing careers after graduation.
Georgia CTI is designed to support students with disabilities enrolled in Career, Technical and Agricultural Education classes. The goal is to provide these students with job-entry skills at the completion of the CTAE experience. The role of the career and technical instruction coordinator is to provide resource assistance to students with disabilities served under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in the CTAE program and to coordinate the services needed for the learner to acquire his or her goal of job placement. Kimberly Preyer is CTI coordinator at Westover High.
Robert Cross Academic Bowl Team qualifies for nationals
The Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet School Academic Bowl Team will participate in the National Academic Quiz Bowl to be held May 31- June 2 in Washington D.C. The team qualified for participation by winning the regional competition and placing third in their state division.
Academic team members are Yi Jian Ma (Captain), Ryan Thomas, Ryan Moore, Kevin Sejour, Myles Sejour, Scott Dawson, Ikenine Ochie, Joshua Breasette, Shannon Mosley, Mauricio Recendez, Talia Griffin, Sarah Perry, and Yasmine Jones. Coaches are Ethelene Kimber, Jann Lockhart, Carla Anderson, and Fleta Collier.
Westover Student Achieves Perfect Score on National Latin Exam
The National Latin Exam Committee recently informed Principal William Chunn of Westover Comprehensive High School that freshman, Juliette Hu, achieved a perfect score on the National Latin Exam.
Only 792 students out of more than 140,000 who participated in the exam attained this distinction.
Brian Burton is Latin teacher at Westover.
Monroe Student Chosen to Attend National Youth Leadership Forum
Monroe Comprehensive High School rising junior, Seiviven Jenkins, was recently chosen from among the nation's top students to attend the Forum on National Security in Washington, D.C next fall. In collaboration with George Mason University, Seiviven will receive college credit while exploring courses and seminars in American diplomacy, intelligence, and defense.
In choosing students to attend the Forum, leadership potential is the foremost consideration. The National Youth Leadership Forum seeks to recognize promising students who will contribute to the strength and character of the Forum.
Jenkins is an accomplished student. He is currently on honor roll, is sophomore class president, a member of the football and track teams, an airman with AFJROTC, Drama Club sound technician and actor, as well as member of the student council.
Upon graduating, he plans to attend the U. S. Air Force Academy and become a Combat Control Officer.
Sister_Ruby_Two 1 year, 7 months ago
I am SOOOOO thankful for Westover HS!!!
FryarTuk 1 year, 7 months ago
Applause all round. Very nice achievements for these hard working students, parents and staff. Good luck on future academics and life direction. Juliette Hu achieved a perfect score on the National Latin Exam and she's a freshman. WOW! Young lady, you have a gift and apparently are using it very well. People in this community are your admirers and supporters for years to come. Our country's future depends on youth such as yourself.
MRKIA 1 year, 7 months ago
bubbasmithredneck 1 year, 7 months ago
Wow...a positive story on education by the Albany Herald....I bet "TERRY THE TERRIBLE" HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!!!!
Terry.Lewis 1 year, 7 months ago
You might be surprised.
chinaberry25 1 year, 7 months ago
Good for YOU!!
waltspecht 1 year, 7 months ago
I am glad this is happening, and being recognized. Now to really rate the schools. Way back inancient history, the late fifties and early sixties, schools showed how good they were by the amount of schlorship money their graduating seniors received. Plus the number headed to college, when colleges actually rejected people. This was indeed a comment on the overall success of the schools academics.
bubbasmithredneck 1 year, 7 months ago
Terry is not interested in DCSS progress and feel-good stories. He does not like it when they do good....He does not regularly report stuff like that. He prefers the gutter..He likes scandal and attempting to destroy the reputations of educators with exaggeration and bull.......Where is Ethan Fowler? He needs to come back and do educational stories. He was a better reporter and editor......
saveourcity 1 year, 7 months ago
Nice to hear some good news.
And, thanks to Terry.......his reporting is factual, fair and accurate.
Sister_Ruby_Two 1 year, 7 months ago
Thanks Terry for shining a 17 Trillion Watt searchlght down the.......well y'all know the rest by now.
bubbasmithredneck 1 year, 7 months ago
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO........ so not true....
waltspecht 1 year, 7 months ago
Have you seen where even Westover ranked compared to the rest of the State on the new score card?
Terry.Lewis 1 year, 7 months ago
I just finished writing a story about the new CCRPI results. Westover graded out at 68, the state average for high schools is 72.6.
HMann 1 year, 7 months ago
The state high school number is 72.6, not 78.
Terry.Lewis 1 year, 7 months ago
I'd already corrected that number.
HMann 1 year, 7 months ago
I saw that you did after I posted. That's why I asked for these to be removed.
bubbasmithredneck 1 year, 7 months ago
see.....more errors!!!!
Terry.Lewis 1 year, 7 months ago
I corrected it before you posted.
bubbasmithredneck 1 year, 7 months ago
doesn't matter....get it right!! Ask Ethan Fowler to proof read and check your facts first.....
HMann 1 year, 7 months ago
Read good news like this every week in the DCSS Update e-newsletter. Subscribe online at www.docoschools.org
bubbasmithredneck 1 year, 7 months ago
I feel sorry for the children who read this paper and have to comb through the garbage before they can read a decent story about their own school system. They know their own local paper is against them. They probably think the only way they can get in the paper is through scandal,crime, and lies. Not hard work and determination......Thanks a lot Terry!
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More like this story
- Dougherty County School System Education Notebook ( March 8, 2014 )
- Dougherty County School System Notebook ( May 24, 2014 )
- Dougherty County School System Notebook - Sept. 14, 2014 ( September 13, 2014 )
- Dougherty County School System Notebook ( February 8, 2014 )
- Dougherty County School System Notebook - May 11, 2014 ( May 10, 2014 )


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Definitions for practical joker
This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word practical joker
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
prac′tical joke′(n.)
a playful trick, often involving some physical agent or means, in which the victim is placed in an embarrassing or disadvantageous position.
Origin of practical joke:
prac′tical jok′er(n.)
Princeton's WordNet
prankster, cut-up, trickster, tricker, hoaxer, practical joker(noun)
someone who plays practical jokes on others
practical joker(Noun)
someone who instigates practical jokes
Find a translation for the practical joker definition in other languages:
Select another language:
Discuss these practical joker definitions with the community:
Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:
"practical joker." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2014. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/practical joker>.


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My god, a lot of men in the office hate this movie. They just loathe My Big Fat Greek Wedding, a harmless comedy about funny girl Toula (Nia Vardalos) and her loudmouthed family. Maybe what eats at them is Toula's wet-noodle fiancé, Ian (a walruslike John Corbett), who endlessly humiliates himself to win over her family. Or maybe it's Ian's bland parents -- simple, cruel WASP caricatures. Or maybe it's the overused gag about Windex being a Greek cure-all. Or maybe they just expected a movie that made more than $200 million to be better than cute.
''Any minute now, he's going to look at me and go, 'Huh, right! You're so not worth this.''' Toula's worrying about Ian, but one can imagine Vardalos -- whose screenplay is based on her one-woman stage show about her own extended brood -- wondering the same thing about her audience. The actress, who looks more like the girl next door than Meg Ryan or Sandra Bullock ever has, is worth all the fuss. With her hearty charisma and terrific comic timing, she deserves, and is probably capable of, better material. Too bad her big fat box office has already handcuffed her Toula character to a TV show. For better or worse, you guys are stuck with her.


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Datapipe Managed Cloud
Today we launched Datapipe Managed Cloud for Amazon Web Services. It's a pretty big deal and here's why:
The demand for elastic computing and on-demand provisioning of infrastructure is growing. Amazon Web Services provides businesses with the largest and most successful infrastructure cloud in the industry. Amazon Web Services' innovation cycle and service offering is driving enterprise adoption. According to Gartner's Lydia Leong, "Amazon is already used by the enterprise — a lot. Not necessarily always in particularly "official" ways, but those unofficial ways can sometimes stack up to pretty impressive aggregate spend."
As adoption grows, so does the need for enterprise-grade architecture, management, support, and operations to fully realize the power of cloud computing. The solution? Datapipe Managed Cloud. Datapipe is the first Managed Services Provider of significant scale and size to offer Amazon Web Services to enterprise clients in a comprehensive, all-inclusive managed services program.
How does it work?
Let's start with management. It's the part of cloud deployment that makes a lot of people cringe. It's labor intensive and not part of the core strength of most enterprises. That's where Datapipe Managed Cloud comes in. Our team of proven experts delivers an all-inclusive service offering based on our award winning managed services model. Ben Kepes wrote this morning, "Datapipe is doing much more than simply automating and centralizing cloud deployment, they offer a high service offering that includes architecture and design, forklifting, ongoing monitoring and management, patching and OS maintenance, and change management." The bottom line? Datapipe Managed Cloud clients get it all: end-to-end service, on a highly elastic cloud computing platform.
Related to management, and equally as challenging, is governance in the cloud. With various business units all using cloud services individually, the C-Suite is left in the dark in terms of budgeting, access management, and strategy. As we previously blogged about, a major roadblock to widespread cloud computing adoption is the inability to demonstrate ROI because of limited accounting and a lack of understanding around the business value of flexibility versus TCO in the long-term. Datapipe Managed Cloud solves that problem with two powerful tools.
- Simplified billing based on solution budgeting to enable cost control
- Customizable dashboard management tool that controls and monitors server access and reports on cloud infrastructure enabling a single window into spend and services
Streamlined process? Check. Actionable insight for planning, budgeting and accounting? Check. Datapipe's Managed Cloud clients can realize demonstrable efficiencies and value under the umbrella of consistent governance.
To ease the adoption of AWS, Datapipe has developed an innovate set of Cloud Accelerators. Look for a future post from our cloud architecture experts who will discuss the ideation behind these tools.
In pre-launch briefings, the response from industry analysts and writers was overwhelmingly positive. We're excited about how Datapipe Managed Cloud is impacting cloud computing and the way enterprises around the world will do business.


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greek yogurt s'mores
I'm a big fan of dessert. I've heard there are people out there that don't like sweets but I've never met any (and I'm not sure I want to). When you have a sweet tooth as pervasive as mine, it's important to figure out ways to moderate your dessert consumption. My biggest issue with dessert is sheer volume. I've had my fair share of nights that involved a bottle of wine, Netflix and an entire bags of chocolate chips.
I wish I was kidding.
So as I bump along this curvy and unpredictable path called "healthy living", I've started to realize that my relationship with dessert is healthiest when my desserts have two qualities—cleaned up and inherently portion controlled. I'll never quit loving sweets, but by making sure I make them as clean as possible and keep my sweet eating to a reasonable level, desserts can be part of my everyday healthy lifestyle. If chocolate is wrong, I don't want to be right.
This s'mores recipe is another in a long line of cleaned-up desserts in my repertoire. By pairing lighter desserts like these s'mores with a nice stash of high-quality dark chocolate to snack on during the week, I can pretty much starve off any chocolate chip and wine binges. Those often came when I forced myself to have no sweets for days at a time, and then, as it always did, the boomerang came back three-fold and I found myself at the bottom of a yellow Nestle bag. It can be so hard to believe when you are living in the midst of disordered eating, but moderation really is the key to everything.
These s'mores definitely aren't the sticky, sugary sweet treats you remember from your childhood camping trips. Those definitely have their place in a lifestyle of moderation, but this version is what I call an "everyday dessert". A special treat that you could eat nearly daily without messing up your healthy lifestyle.
The Greek yogurt in these makes them so interestingly tangy! And the combo of that tang with the peanut butter and chocolate is absolutely incredible. Enjoy!
Greek Yogurt S'mores
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Makes: 4 s'mores
- 8 graham cracker squares, divided
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Preheat broiler to high. Spread 1/4 of the peanut butter on each of four graham crackers, set crackers on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt and honey. Divide yogurt evenly between the four graham crackers.
- In another small bowl, whisk together cocoa and milk until smooth. Divide evenly over yogurt on graham crackers.
- Place under preheated broiler for about 5 minutes until everything is melted and warmed. Place remaining graham crackers on top and serve immediately.
What's your favorite healthy-ish, everyday dessert?
7 Comments
WOW these look amazing! A friend recently made something similar: mash up a banana, mix with chunky peanut butter, put between graham crackers and freeze. So good.
Genius! These look delicious and nice and messy too. I usually mix up some PB2/peanut flour and mound it on top of a square of good dark chocolate….that's my version of a cleaned-up Reese's cup. I'm also a fan of TJ's mini ice cream cones.
Omg. As a vegetarian, there is nothing I miss more than s'mores. You have saved me. THANK YOU!
Mmmmm…I never would have thought to put this together, but it looks really delicious. I love having a few bites of really dark chocolate. I also make a lightened up fruit crisp, which is mostly fruit sprinkled with oatmeal, stevia, and a little butter, then nuked in the microwave and topped with Greek yogurt.
Hm, I leave this until both daughters come home on vacation from their respective Colleges – and we will make this together.
No greek yoghurt here in our part of the world – will try with thick curd (yoghurt). Ciao Carina
This looks so good! I made smores this past weekend with my cousins and had to send that rest of the fixings home with them. I'm going to have to try this so smores can be in my life more.
These look deliciously messy :). And, I love s'mores, so I've got to try this recipe! How I typically eat my "s'mores" is I just put one roasted marshmallow on one a small square of rich, dark chocolate and I ditch the graham cracker. The chocolate and the mallow are my favorite parts anyways. Can't wait to try these, though!


text:
55 Watt T5 Circline
Price: $56.00100% Price Match
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Made for the Zaneen T5 Circline light.
55 Watt fluorescent lamp.
2Gx13 base.
Lamp Type: FLUORESCENT
Model(s): CLT5HO55
From the onset of Zaneen Lighting in 1981, their goal has been to provide discriminating clients with high quality lighting from European crafters. To this end they continue to introduce unique new models in a variety of styles while maintaining a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
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Book your room at Windy Shores II
Please enter your travel dates.
3-star condo near the beach
A stay at Windy Shores II places you in the heart of North Myrtle Beach, convenient to Hawaiian Rumble and Azalea Sands Golf Club.
This beach condo is within close proximity of Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and House of Blues Myrtle Beach.
Make yourself at home in one of the air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with refrigerators and microwaves. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include phones, as well as sofa beds and irons/ironing boards.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a garden. Additional amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access and tour/ticket assistance.
Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator (lift).Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
At your hotel
At your hotel
Windy Shores II features an outdoor pool, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden. Public areas are equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. This beach condo also offers laundry facilities and an elevator (lift).
- Elevator/lift
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Garden
- Outdoor pool
Stay connected
Available in all rooms: Free Wi-Fi
Available in some public areas: Free Wi-Fi
In your room
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Kitchen
- Private bathroom
- Iron/ironing board
- Television
- Sofa bed
- Separate living room
- Free Wi-Fi
The fine print for Windy Shores II
When you arrive
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
When you leave
Check-out time is 10 AM
How you can pay
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Deposit: USD 100.00 per stay (for stays between 1 January - 31 December)


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A 38-year-old man was injured and arrested on suspicion of DUI after crashing into a Newport Beach home Sunday night.
Video: Man crashes into Newport Beach home
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|Man crashes into Newport Beach home
A man drove through an intersection and crashed into a Newport Beach home Sunday night. Video by Mark Eades & Richard Koehler, ocregister.com. 02/11/13
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Who do you think looks best today? (5 photos)
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Shaky Ground for Housing
The Mortgage Bankers Association says of all the homes in the country, nearly 2 1/2 percent of them are in foreclosure. Illinois's foreclosure rate is even higher --- the 7th highest in the nation. Home foreclosures also appear to be on the rise in the Champaign-Urbana area. But as AM 580's Jim Meadows reports, it may not have reached the crisis level ... yet.


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Lower Mainland: Local News / Sunshine Coast
2014 News & Deals: Lower Mainland
Last Updated on Sunday, 09 February 2014 19:07 Sunday, 09 February 2014 18:35
Furry Creek
As part of the 2014 Vancouver Golf & Travel Show, Furry Creek's GM Paul Nijjer will be offering a special promo code, for online bookings only, valid for 20% off the green fee. The code is for the readers of this program and Inside Golf magazine and consists of a 20% off discount with no booking restriction in March, April, and May. Just book your tee time online at golfbc.com and enter in the promo code INGOLF for 20% off your green fee March through May.
Political Pundit Les Leyne Predicts B.C. Election And Its Effect On Golf In The Province
Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 April 2013 05:29 Tuesday, 02 April 2013 05:18
Alfie Lau (Contributing Writer)
Victoria Times-Colonist political columnist Les Leyne is one of the most respected voices in the Victoria legislative press gallery, but what he's really passionate about is the sport of golf.
Leyne, who's part of a regular Saturday morning foursome at Cordova Bay in Victoria, gave a spirited talk at the 2013 Allied Golf Association of British Columbia State of the Game symposium at the University Golf Club where he predicted what the future of golf will look like come May 15.
AGA-BC State Of The Game Symposium Wrap-Up
Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 April 2013 05:33 Tuesday, 02 April 2013 05:02
Alfie Lau (Contributing Writer)
The message was clear at the AGA-BC symposium at the University Golf Club on March 25: work smarter, provide better value and create your own brand.
As the golf industry tries to work its way through a world of declining rounds, declining yields and increased costs, it would seem there's little room for optimism.
But listen to speakers like Jim McLaughlin, Ian Robertson, Andy Hedley and Jim Lee, and you get the sense that there is room for growth and profits, provided you work smarter and roll with the times.
British Columbia: A One-Stop Golf Playground
Last Updated on Sunday, 24 June 2012 21:45 Sunday, 24 June 2012 15:59
written for Tourism British Columbia
by Sue Kernaghan
Sunshine Coast Local News 03.24.08
Last Updated on Saturday, 22 March 2008 07:09 Saturday, 22 March 2008 05:36
The Sunshine Coast G&CC will be holding their Ladies Challenge Golf Tournament on May 23rd.
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Home > Masks and Wigs > Wigs
Gene SimmonsÕ skull spaghetti is as iconic as any of the kabuki-style makeup they where or the blood pumping riffs that have cascaded KISS from the mean streets of New York City directly into our hearts and minds. That's where the Child KISS The Demon Wig comes in. It says "I know IÕm going to die and I donÕt care, so I might as well dress right for Halloween and rock that whole holiday right down to its foundations." In so many words. ThatÕs what rocking and rolling all night does, it destroys all things that are not built up to rock code.
The Child KISS The Demon Wig is the ultimate accessory in the field of Gene Simmons technology. ItÕs the perfect item to top off any KISS fanÕs outfit this Halloween.
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It's an old Southern standard– if it moves and shouldn't, duct tape; if it doesn't move and it should—WD-40. These days, duct tape has more versatility than nearly any product made. You can't be without a roll of it around the house, in the shop or in the garage. So how can it be used in the world of parks and recreation? In more ways than you would originally consider! A Product Is Born Duct tape got its start prior …
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Inside the Minds of the Bankers
What those who are trying to regulate banking don't fully grasp, is the kind of person who tends to reach the top of finance, often has a particular attitude to money, liable to land it in trouble.
What those who are trying to regulate banking don't fully grasp, is the kind of person who tends to reach the top of finance, often has a particular attitude to money, liable to land it in trouble.
A French Psychoanalyst, Dr Thierry Lamote, claims in a book that L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the religious group, The Church of Scientology, suffered a psychotic episode, which appears to be the foundation for the multi-million pound worldwide movement.
Andy Murray will be remembered for crying after his Wimbledon Final just as much for his gutsy tennis. He said, through his tears, he was getting closer to eventual victory - but is his emotional reaction revealing the real truth of the matter?
It's not just numbers killed which creates a psychological and moral conundrum, but the manner of the killing in many cases which appears utterly baffling, given these atrocities are being committed by what would be considered large numbers of otherwise psychologically normal individuals. Yet they go on to perform gross 'overkill'.
Is it not possible that many families would find it easier to confront the problems of drug abuse and be more likely to obtain medical help, if there wasn't the taboo associated with criminalising these substances?
There are many who will be furious at the attempt to diagnose mass killers, believing this is a way of them 'getting off' or of eluding responsibility. But since the vast majority of those diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder are not violent, personal responsibility probably still has a role to play, even if psychotic processes can be found in these killers.
New research about to be published by a team of Canadian psychologists suggests that Team GB may suffer a significant psychological disadvantage from competing in front of wildly supportive home audiences.


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HanesBrands To Highlight Innovate-to-Elevate Strategy And Use Of Free Cash Flow At Investor Day Meeting
HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI), a leading marketer of everyday branded basic apparel, will highlight its margin-enhancing Innovate-to-Elevate strategy and expected use of free cash flows in 2014 and beyond at the company's investor day meeting, Thursday, Feb. 28.
Hanes' Innovate-to-Elevate strategy integrates the company's brand superiority, industry-leading innovation and low-cost supply chain to provide higher valued products while lowering production costs. The company's Tagless apparel platform, Smart Sizes bra platform and ComfortBlend fabric platform incorporate big-idea innovation to span brands, product categories, business segments, retailer and distribution channels, and geographies.
The Innovate-to-Elevate strategy provides the company the opportunity to increase its annual operating margin into the range of 12 percent to 14 percent over time.
Hanes today also is reaffirming all of its full-year 2013 guidance issued Feb. 5, 2013, including expectations for net sales of approximately $4.6 billion, operating profit of $500 million to $550 million, EPS of $3.25 to $3.40, and free cash flow of $350 million to $450 million.Hanes expects to continue to generate significant levels of free cash flow with normalized annual free cash flow of approximately $400 million increasing as profitability rises. Regarding uses of free cash flow, the company is developing a cash deployment strategy as it completes its planned debt reduction in 2013. While the company has not determined specific details or timing, Hanes expects its cash deployment strategy will include a mix of dividends, low-risk bolt-on acquisitions and share repurchases. "Leveraging our consumer franchise, driving our margin-enhancing Innovate-to-Elevate strategy, and being good stewards of our cash flow should allow us to substantially increase earnings per share over time and drive superior shareholder returns for many years to come," Hanes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Noll said. Management will also discuss at its investor day meeting tactics to return International segment growth to historical levels over time.
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|Since 1999, the Lord Jesus Christ has given
me a great love and a special calling to the
people of Germany. In God's providence
and calling He has enabled me to learn the
German language and lead many Germans
to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
My vision is that many more German and
U.S. Military souls will be saved,
independent Baptist churches planted, and
Please pray with me concerning the spiritual
state of Germany, that the Lord God would
give me wisdom to accomplish the vision He
has given me.
|"that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"
|Praise God for his goodness; Praise God for the Family
| Your Missionaries
and Friends


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The Spider Assassin (Archaeidae)
As the sun sets, the high pitched buzz of cicadas winds down and a chorus of frogs greet the night. An array of insects and animals with adaptations and appearance so bizarre as to be almost incredulous emerge. Amongst the oddest are the Archaeids.
These strange spiders go by a variety of names which reflect their form and behaviour, though they are most commonly referred to as spider assassins and pelican spiders. The former epithet refers to their araneophagic diet, while the latter pays homage to their morphologically unique 'necks' (actually an extension of the cephalothorax). Despite the natural interest which these spiders garner by their looks alone, little is known about their natural history which can be explained by a variety of factors; their diminutive size (2-8 mm), nocturnal habits, location under foliage suspended head down, or by their short-range endemism. Not to mention that their cryptic colouration, browns and greys, which facilitate their camouflage as they drop evasively to the leaf litter. As a result, these spiders are poorly represented in the scientific literature, leaving it up to the imagination of the reader or better yet, the observer to fill in the details of their lives.
Even scarcer are images, most of which show specimens preserved in amber from up to 50 million years ago. These relictual specimens from the Mesozoic era bear an unmistakable resemblance to present day Archaeidae, demonstrating a remarkable conservation of phylogenetic traits. These archaeological findings elucidate a former range which extended up into the sclerophyll (woody stemmed plants with evergreen leaves) forests and mesic (moisture-rich environment) heathland of the European Baltic (1), mirrored in the present day ecology of the Austrachaeidae of Australia, to Burma, Kazakstan and the Xunan province, China.
Though no longer present in Europe, recent findings have shown an extended range in Australia from montane to tropical rainforests (2).
As one recedes further and further in geological time, one can observe a progressive shortening of the 'neck' and chelicerae until they resemble more and more the infraorder of Mygalomorphae (Orthognathae). The chelicerae now appear to move from side to side rather than up and down as in the Araneomorphae. Therefore, it may be inferred that the length of the neck has evolved hand in hand with the length of the chelicerae. Otherwise as the former lengthens, the distance between the mouth and the chelicerae becomes too great to efficiently transfer the food from one to the other.
Not only can we see a change in this morphometric ratio through time, but also across the various species and genera. Even within the monophyletic graciliosis group (Eriauchenius), the evolution of appropriate 'neck' and chelicerae ratios appears to have evolved as two separate events, an interesting example of convergent evolution.
Phylogenetic analyses have placed the Arachaeidae in 3 genera (Eriauchenius, and Afrarchaea [Madagascar, Africa], and Austrarchaea [Australia]) with a combined total of 37 species. Most species can be separated based on gross morphological features present in the pedipalps, the differences in 'head' and 'neck' (based on various morphometric ratios), eye positions and surface details of the haplogyne (female) genitalia. However, more discerning methods include the use of genetic markers such as mitochondrial c cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and the adjacent COII genes in combination with 12S and 16S mitochondrial DNA (4).
Despite the genetic approach being extremely helpful in clarifying genealogy (found at the base of the Araneomorph lineage, close to where they diverged from the their sister clade, the Mygalomorphs), the deconstructionism of phylogenetic and morphological analyses can only yield helpful insight into the function accompanying the form of preserved specimens. Therefore, the natural history can often only be determined by field observation. Up to this point there is only a small representation of live Archaeid photos which best represent our knowledge of in situ behaviour, and those that exist are divided between the Archaeidae and the sister family Mecysmaucheniidae. The latter being better represented in the literature and having an extended range from Southern South America to New Zealand. Additionally, these spiders lack the araneophagic diet of the Archaeidae and behave more like other generalist spiders. The Archaeidae on the other hand are found in Australia, South Africa and Madagascar with the latter two comprising the lion's share of the research (this is perhaps due to the relative abundance of specimens in these countries compared to Australia which may have more Archaeid predators).
Bearing this in mind, an excellent dichotomous key with some distinguishing morphological characteristics (the colour of the bars represents the mean morphometric 'neck'/chelicera ratios) has been created for 15 species of the Eriauchenius genus.
Perhaps the most striking features of this family are the elongated 'neck' and slender chelicerae (jaws) with recursive fangs, which together with the head comprise the seemingly teetering cephalothorax. Of note are also the long delicate legs with modified tarsi that enable the legs to extend beyond even the chelicerae. Each of these features; however seemingly bizarre has a specific purpose essential to its predatory, araneophagic diet. The aptly named spider assassin, nomadic in nature and lacking a web of its own can often be found in the leaf litter foraging for prey. As it navigates this landscape, the spider assassin is particularly attuned to finding the draglines of other spiders (a silken line which serves as a safety line) by mechano- and perhaps chemosensory means. With its long forelegs, it traces the path like a skilled hunter until it happens upon its hapless prey and spears it with its long forceps-like chelicerae.
However, Archaeids may also go so far as to invade the webs of other Araneomorphs. With its anterior legs barely touching the outermost draglines of another spider's web, it may strum the silken lines like a siren, its deadly tune irresistible to its prey. Archaeid pattern recognition of spider-prey courtship web strumming has not yet been been thoroughly investigated. As such there is no evidence that it approaches the complexity of the Portia spp. jumping spiders' remarkable interspecies differentiation. However, like the Portia they appear to be quite adaptable and opportunistic. This is demonstrated by their boldness in plucking prey right out of their own webs. They achieve this dexterous act of negotiating their prey's web thanks to the length of their legs, which essentially act as shock absorbers. Simply put, this aspect of their morphology minimizes the amplitude of disturbance such that it is no greater than that normally attributed to more benign natural causes (wind, rain, etc.).
Due to the relatively poor eyesight of most Araneomorphs, the Archaeid is able to approach within striking distance without alerting its prey. Thanks to its disproportionately long chelicerae, it impales its prey without exposing itself to collateral damage. Able to move both horizontally and vertically, the jaws close upon the prey like a vice. The fangs pierce the exoskeleton, and venom is pumped into the other spider. As the poison circulates in the hemolymph, the prey struggles even more violently but the hooked fangs remain embedded. Next, in a still unexplained behaviour, one chelicera lowers 90 degrees in a stereotyped action. Meanwhile the other chelicera holds the prey at a safe distance as it continues to thrash about in its death throes. Minutes pass and the struggling becomes weaker and weaker until it stops entirely. There may be a sporadic jerk, autonomic neurons releasing their final action potentials. But it is now safe to consume. The Archaeid lowers its meal to its mouth and feeds. The proteolytic enzymes in the venom have had time to work, and have broken down the internal organs, rendering them sufficiently liquid to imbibe.
The concomitant lowering of a single chelicera with feeding as aforementioned has yet to be explained. However, a couple plausible theories might account for this behaviour: 1) lowering one chelicera minizes the risk of injury from the potentially dangerous flailing movements of the dying prey or 2) conservation of energy (imagine holding 1 arm out in front of you instead of two).
[Please note that these conclusions are drawn from my own field experience and observations, though I did find a corresponding lecture video seen below (as presented by researcher Hannah Wood) which corroborates my own reasoning. Unfortunately there seems to be a dearth of readily available information with regards to the natural history of Archaeidae.]
At rest, Archaeids dangle head down under leaves or between branches with a dragline or two to support them. This position seems to be the most comfortable to accomodate their unique form (Nb. most online photos have been rotated for easier viewing, often without mention that this is not the in situ behaviour).
Even more poorly understood is the courtship and mating behaviour of Archaeids. The extent of my personal experience is the observation of a single female holding an egg sac well above her head with one of its mid-legs. She was able to maintain this posture while galloping along the bottom of a leaf.
Their cryptic nature and seemingly low abundance have kept Archaeids as one of the best kept secrets of the arachnid world. Fortunately, recent photos (J. Miller, 2008) have spotlighted this fantastic creature, which has since appeared in diverse fora easily accessible to the public. Hopefully this newfangled celebrity will encourage further study and illuminate the many mysteries surrounding one of the strangest spiders on the planet.
As more information becomes available, I will update this Article.
1) Penney D. Afrarchaea grimaldii, a new species of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber. Journal of Arachnology 2003: unit 31: pp.122-130. doi:10.1636/0161-8202(2003)031[0122:AGANSO]2.0.CO;2
2) Michael G. Rix, and Mark S. Harvey.Australian Assassins, Part I: A review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae, Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia. ZooKeys 123: 1–100, doi: 10.3897/zookeys.123.1448. http://www.pensoft.net/journals/zookeys/article/1448/australian-assassins-part-i-a-review-of-the-assassin-spiders-araneae-archaeidae-of-mid-eastern-australia.
3) A revision of the assassin spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group, a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae: Archaeidae). Hannah, Wood. 2008. The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 152, 255–296. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2007.00359.x/abstract
4) Wood HM, Griswold CE, Spicer GS. Phylogenetic relationships withing an endemic group of Malagasy 'assassin spiders' (Araneae, Archaeidae): ancestral character reconstruction, convergent evolution and biogeography. Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2007 Nov;45(2):612-9. Epub 2007 Jul 19. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17869131.


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Make your guys stand out with the latest groomsman trends. Here are five of the best.
In the dark about which tuxedo style will make you look your best? Here's help.
Is there such a thing as a junior groomsman? My fiance and I want to involve my younger twin brothers (who will be 15 at the time of the wedding), but he doesn't want them to be groomsmen. I think they could be wedding ushers, but someone told me there isn't a difference between an usher and a groomsman. Is this right?
The usher-groomsman thing can be confusing. Some people use the terms interchangeably to refer to the men in the wedding party who stand up on the groom's side. This is probably because groomsmen (the guys who stand next to the groom at the altar) often double as ushers (the guys who seat guests as they arrive at the ceremony). But you can choose to have guys who are not in the wedding party seat guests -- making them ushers and not groomsmen. Your 15-year-old brothers could serve as ushers, seating guests (including your mom, directly before the ceremony begins), or they could be junior groomsmen, which means they'd basically be groomsmen, only younger. They would wear the same style of tuxes as the other guys, stand at the altar, and even escort bridesmaids or junior bridesmaids. They can also double as junior groomsmen and ushers. They can either stand with the wedding party or take their seats in the first pew with your parents -- any of these options will work. Perhaps you should talk with your fiance and your brothers and see what will work best for you.
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