text:
A newer version of OpenOffice.org is available.
Or, Learn More About OpenOffice.orgSpectacular
Full user review
"Works nicely, but be careful during installation!"
OpenOffice contains all of the software one would expect in an Office suite, and it all works very nicely. There is a bit of a learning curve if you're used to Microsoft Office or other software, but the software seems reliable and stable. And best of all, it's free!
There is an ABSURD amount of bloatware that the installer attempts to trick you into installing. And it's mostly shady stuff too. Be sure to carefully read every screen and corresponding buttons during the install process. Do not use the quick "next > next > next" routine that we are all used to doing when installing software. Also, despite the claims of compatibility between Microsoft Office, it is still not 100% compatible and probably never will be. It comes pretty close, but if you expect to share complex documents with several users whose main method of viewing/editing them is MS Office, then it would be best just to buy/use MS to begin with.
All in all, this suite is quite powerful and impressive and I use it quite frequently. I cannot officially recommend it to anyone, however, because I am concerned about the software its installer is bundled with.
1 reply to this review
Like others who have posted over the last few months, this WAS A GREAT freeware program that I used for my small business and personal computing. Regrettably, after the latest upgrade the program no longer operates as it did for more than a year and has caused me nothing but headaches. I keep praying the developers will read this feedback & fix the problems as I have many files I need to use to finish out my taxes for 2012. I am running out of time and guess I may need to reluctantly return to the behemoth -- Microsoft. Here's hoping Apache Open Office figures it out soon.


text:
Uses of GBIF in scientific research
Extracted from the Mendeley GBIF Public Library.
List of publications
Alonso-Redondo, R., De Paz, E., Alonso-Herrero, E., García-González, M., Alfaro-Saiz, E.
A new method for calculating Risk Tolerance in the assessment of threatened flora
Journal for Nature Conservation.
This paper reports on a proposed method for evaluating threat categories for regional flora, based mainly on phytogeographical data. The method involves the creation of current distribution maps, analysis of threat factors and use of the RAMAS Red List software to facilitate rapid and objective classification of taxa in accordance with 2001 IUCN criteria. In order to ensure a more objective approach by the assessor and reduce the range of uncertainty, an index was created for calculating Risk Tolerance (RT) that enabled adjustment of the results obtained and thus supplemented the software used. For trial purposes, the proposed model was applied to Spanish gypsophilous flora currently protected under Spanish regional legislation. When classified using the new model, the taxa in question were placed in very different categories, ranging from least concern (LC) to endangered (EN), indicating the need to redefine both their current legal status and recommended management measures. Use of this method will enable scientists to optimise available information on the geographical distribution of endangered taxa, and help governments both to optimise their financial investment in conservation and to define their priorities. The authors endorse the use of IUCN categories in legal protection texts, and advocate as essential a greater degree of coordination between scientists and governments.
Keywords: Conservation prioritization, Conservation status, Endangered species, RAMAS Red List, Risk Tolerance
Anadón, J., del Mar Mancha-Cisneros, M., Best, B., Gerber, L.
Habitat-specific larval dispersal and marine connectivity: implications for spatial conservation planning
Ecosphere 4(7) art82.
Connectivity via larval dispersal is an important ingredient in setting effective marine reserve networks. Simple guidance for establishing spacing between individual protected sites can provide reliable rules of thumb to help ensure connectivity. Spacing rules for protected network design are relatively new to marine spatial planning, though so far they have been generically and indiscriminately applied to all types of habitats based on a single range of distance values. Here we address the extent to which such rules capture subtleties associated with dispersal distances varying among species in different regions and habitats. We applied a 50–100 km global spacing rule (SRglob), also recently applied in the California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process and based on available global larval dispersal data, to a previously assessed network in the Gulf of California. Using larval dispersal data for species within this region (SRreg), we associated each species with eight unique habitats (SRhab*) and we evaluated connectivity by means of different spacing rules (SRglob, SRreg and SRhab*) using graph-theory. The existing spacing rule employed by the MLPA process (SRglob) was found to be robust and conservative when applied to the Gulf of California or to its different habitats (i.e., the lower limit for dispersal distance includes the distance for all species in the Gulf). We found that species in different habitats exhibit statistically distinct dispersal profiles. Therefore, some habitats could be evaluated with more relaxed spacing rules (i.e., larger distances), than those proposed by the rules of thumb. Our work identifies a conservation planning trade-off when implementing spacing rules: already proposed rules are robust but at the cost of efficiency. Habitat-specific spacing rules should be considered for more efficient marine conservation planning solutions.
Keywords: graph theory, Gulf of California, larval dispersal, marine connectivity, Marine Life Protection Act, marine protected areas networks, rules of thumb, spacing rules
Ballesteros, M., Foronda, A., Cañadas, E., Peñas, J., Lorite, J.
Conservation status of the narrow endemic gypsophile Ononis tridentata subsp. crassifolia in southern Spain: effects of habitat disturbance
(Journal name unavailable from Mendeley API. To be updated soon...)
Ononis tridentata L. subsp. crassifolia (Leguminosae) is a narrow endemic plant restricted to gypsum outcrops in south-east Spain. Its habitat and populations are currently threatened by anthropogenic disturbance. Because of the paucity of information concerning its distribution, abundance and response to disturbance, we assessed its status and evaluated the impacts of quarrying, ploughing, grazing and afforestation. Distribution and population size were estimated by field surveys, censuses and mapping. We measured cover, plant volume, fruit and seed production, seed predation and seedling recruitment to asses any effects of disturbance. The species' area of occupancy is 1.6 km2 and its extent of occurrence 337km2,in 29 habitat patches and 16 populations between 705 and 1,125maltitude, and its population sizewas estimated to be 531,605. Quarrying, ploughing, overgrazing and afforestation negatively affected the species, in this order. We recommend this subspecies be categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. A species recovery plan is required, and the ecological restoration of altered areas would mitigate negative effects on the species and improve the overall conservation of gypsum habitats.
Keywords: Conservation status, grazing, gypsophile, gypsum quarrying, habitat disturbance, narrow endemic, Ononis tridentata, ploughing
Benito, B., Cayuela, L., Albuquerque, F.
The impact of modelling choices in the predictive performance of richness maps derived from species-distribution models: guidelines to build better diversity models
Methods in Ecology and Evolution 4(4) 327-335.
1. The stacking of species-distribution models (S-SDMs) is receiving attention by conservation researchers because this approach is capable of simultaneously predicting species richness and composition. However, the steps required to build S-SDMs implies at least two choices that influence its predictive performancewhich have not been extensively assessed: the selection of themodelling algorithm and the application of a threshold to trans- form the species-distributionmodels into binarymaps to be added together to build thefinalS-SDM.Our goal was to provide guidelines concerning the best combinations ofmodelling algorithms and thresholds with which to build more accurate S-SDMs. 2. Wegenerated 380 S-SDMs of 1224 tree species in Mesoamerica by combining 19 distribution modellingmeth- odswith 20 different thresholds using presence-only data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.We compared the predicted richness and composition with inventory data obtained from theBIOTREE-NETforest plot database. We designed two indicators of predictive performance that were based on the diversity factors used to measure species turnover: a (shared species between the observed and predicted compositions), b and c (the exclusive species of the predicted and observed compositions respectively) and compared them with the Sorensen andBeta-Simpson turnovermeasures. 3. Our proposed indexes and the Sorensen index proved suitable as indicators of predictive performance for S- SDMs,whereas theBeta-Simpson turnovermeasure presented issues that would prevent its application to evalu- ate S-SDMs. 4. Some modellingmethods – especially machine learning and ensemble model forecasting methods performed significantly better than others in minimizing the error in predicted richness and composition. Our results also points out that restrictive thresholds (with high omission errors) lead to more accurate S-SDMs in terms of spe- cies richness and composition. Here, we demonstrate that particular combinations of modelling methods and thresholds provide results with higher predictive performance. 5. These results provide clear modelling guidelines that will helpS-SDMmodellers to select the appropriate com- bination of modellingmethods and thresholds to buildmore accurate S-SDMs, and thereforewill have a positive impact on the quality of the diversitymodels used to assist conservation planning.
Keywords: BIOTREE-NET, species composition, species richness, stacked species-distribution models
Blanco-Pastor, J., Vargas, P.
Autecological traits determined two evolutionary strategies in Mediterranean plants during the Quaternary: low differentiation and range expansion versus geographical speciation in Linaria
Molecular Ecology.
The evolutionary patterns of the Mediterranean flora during the Quaternary have been relatively well-documented based on phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses, but few studies have addressed the evolutionary traits that determined diversification and range expansion success during this period. We analysed previously published and newly generated sequences of three plastid non-coding regions (rpl32-trnLUAG, trnS-trnG and trnL-trnF), the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and a low-copy nuclear gene intron (AGT1) of Linaria sect. Supinae, a group of angiosperms that diversified in the Quaternary. The origin and recent colonisation dynamics of closely related lineages were inferred by biogeographic reconstruction and phylogeographic analyses, while breeding system experiments coupled with ecological and morphological data were used to test association with range expansion and diversification. A combination of traits, including selfing, short lifespan and the ability to tolerate a wide variety of substrates, were key factors underlying range expansion after long-distance dispersal throughout the Mediterranean basin. By contrast, self-incompatibility may have promoted higher diversification rates in narrow ranges of the Iberian Peninsula. We argue that a few traits contributed to the adoption of two contrasting strategies that may have been predominant in the evolution of Mediterranean angiosperms.
Keywords: breeding system, colonization, ecological requirements, Mediterranean, Quaternary, speciation
Brito, J., Godinho, R., Martínez-Freiría, F., Pleguezuelos, J., Rebelo, H., Santos, X., Vale, C., Velo-Antón, G., Boratyński, Z., Carvalho, S., Ferreira, S., Gonçalves, D., Silva, T., Tarroso, P., Campos, J., Leite, J., Nogueira, J., Alvares, F., Sillero, N., Sow, A., Fahd, S., Crochet, P., Carranza, S.
Unravelling biodiversity, evolution and threats to conservation in the Sahara-Sahel.
Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 1.
Deserts and arid regions are generally perceived as bare and rather homogeneous areas of low diversity. The Sahara is the largest warm desert in the world and together with the arid Sahel displays high topographical and climatic heterogeneity, and has experienced recent and strong climatic oscillations that have greatly shifted biodiversity distribution and community composition. The large size, remoteness and long-term political instability of the Sahara-Sahel, have limited knowledge on its biodiversity. However, over the last decade, there have been an increasing number of published scientific studies based on modern geomatic and molecular tools, and broad sampling of taxa of these regions. This review tracks trends in knowledge about biodiversity patterns, processes and threats across the Sahara-Sahel, and anticipates needs for biodiversity research and conservation. Recent studies are changing completely the perception of regional biodiversity patterns. Instead of relatively low species diversity with distribution covering most of the region, studies now suggest a high rate of endemism and larger number of species, with much narrower and fragmented ranges, frequently limited to micro-hotspots of biodiversity. Molecular-based studies are also unravelling cryptic diversity associated with mountains, which together with recent distribution atlases, allows identifying integrative biogeographic patterns in biodiversity distribution. Mapping of multivariate environmental variation (at 1 km × 1 km resolution) of the region illustrates main biogeographical features of the Sahara-Sahel and supports recently hypothesised dispersal corridors and refugia. Micro-scale water-features present mostly in mountains have been associated with local biodiversity hotspots. However, the distribution of available data on vertebrates highlights current knowledge gaps that still apply to a large proportion of the Sahara-Sahel. Current research is providing insights into key evolutionary and ecological processes, including causes and timing of radiation and divergence for multiple taxa, and associating the onset of the Sahara with diversification processes for low-mobility vertebrates. Examples of phylogeographic patterns are showing the importance of allopatric speciation in the Sahara-Sahel, and this review presents a synthetic overview of the most commonly hypothesised diversification mechanisms. Studies are also stressing that biodiversity is threatened by increasing human activities in the region, including overhunting and natural resources prospection, and in the future by predicted global warming. A representation of areas of conflict, landmines, and natural resources extraction illustrates how human activities and regional insecurity are hampering biodiversity research and conservation. Although there are still numerous knowledge gaps for the optimised conservation of biodiversity in the region, a set of research priorities is provided to identify the framework data needed to support regional conservation planning.
Keywords: Africa, biodiversity, climate change, conservation, deserts, distribution, diversification, phylogeography, Sahara, Sahel
Castilla, A., Valdeón, A., Cog, D., Gosá, A., Saifelnasr, E., Naimi, S., Al-Hemaidi, A.
First record of a gecko species to the fauna of Qatar: Hemidactylus persicus Anderson, 1872 (Gekkonidae)
Q Science Connect 1872.
We report the discovery of a gecko species, the Persian leaf-toed gecko Hemidactylus persicus Anderson, 1872 (Gekkonidae) in Qatar, found on Halul Island. According to the Qatar National Biodiversity Surveys and the available international literature H. persicus was not previously recorded in Qatar. Its known range covers the north east of the Arabian Peninsula, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and south western Asia. Our findings bridge the current geographic gap in the known distribution of the species from Saudi Arabia to Asia. We believe that the species could also be present in the Qatar peninsula. A thorough field survey is needed in order to map the range of this species in the State of Qatar.
Keywords: Africa, biodiversity, climate change, conservation, deserts, distribution, diversification, phylogeography, Sahara, Sahel
Figuerola, B., Gordon, D., Polonio, V., Cristobo, J., Avila, C.
Cheilostome bryozoan diversity from the southwest Atlantic region: Is Antarctica really isolated?
(Journal name unavailable from Mendeley API. To be updated soon...)
During the Cenozoic, the break-up of Gondwana was accompanied by a gradual separation of its components and the subsequent establishment of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, leading to a relative thermal and biogeographic isolation of the Antarctic fauna. However, the zoogeographical affinities of several taxa from South America and Antarctica have been subject to debate, bringing into question the extent of Antarctic isolation. Here we present new data on bryozoan species and their spatial distribution in the Argentine Patagonian (AP) region, as well as an analysis of the bryozoological similarities between deep ranges from Argentina and neighbouring regions. A total of 108 species of cheilostome bryozoans (378 samples), belonging to 59 genera was found. Five new genera and 36 new species were found in the AP region, while 71 species were reported for the first time from Argentina. The bathymetric ranges of 94 species (87 %) were expanded and a high proportion of the identified species (44.4 %) also had an Antarctic distribution. The bryozoological affinities found in the current study between the nearest geographical neighbours are in agreement with the hypothesis of the sequential separation of Gondwana during the Cenozoic. Moreover, a high number of shared species, mainly from the slope, were found in this study between the AP region and Antarctica, thus supporting the idea that the Southern Ocean may have been less isolated over geological time than once thought.
Keywords: Antarctic Polar Front, Falkland/Malvinas Current, marine invertebrates, Spatial patterns, Species richness, Zoogeography
Gaiji, S., Chavan, V., Ariño, A., Otegui, J., Hobern, D., Sood, R., Robles, E.
Content assessment of the primary biodiversity data Published through gbif network: status, challenges and potentials
(Journal name unavailable from Mendeley API. To be updated soon...)
With the establishment of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) in 2001 as an inter-governmental coordinating body, concerted efforts have been made during the past decade to establish a global research infrastructure to facilitate the publishing, discovery, and access to primary biodiversity data. The participants in GBIF have enabled the access to over 377 million records of such data as of August 2012. This is a remarkable achievement involving efforts at national, regional and global levels in multiple areas such as data digitization, standardization and exchange protocols. However concerns about the quality and 'fitness for use' of the data mobilized in particular for the scientific communities have grown over the years and must now be carefully considered in future developments. This paper is the first comprehensive assessment of the content mobilised so far through GBIF, as well as a reflexion on possible strategies to improve its 'fitness for use'. The methodology builds on complementary approaches adopted by the GBIF Secretariat and the University of Navarra for the development of comprehensive content assessment methodologies. The outcome of this collaborative research demonstrates the immense value of the GBIF mobilized data and its potential for the scientific communities. Recommendations are provided to the GBIF community to improve the quality of the data published as well as priorities for future data mobilization.
Keywords: content assessment, gap analysis, primary biodiversity data
García-Roselló, E., Guisande, C., González-Dacosta, J., Heine, J., Pelayo-Villamil, P., Manjarrás-Hernández, A., Vaamonde, A., Granado-Lorencio, C.
ModestR: a software tool for managing and analyzing species distribution map databases
(Journal name unavailable from Mendeley API. To be updated soon...)
The ModestR package consists of three applications: MapMaker, DataManager and MRFinder. MapMaker facilitates making range maps by drawing the areas, by importing existing data or using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility portal. It can discriminate between diff erent habitats, thereby making data cleaning tasks easier. DataManager allows the management of taxonomically structured databases for range maps. MRFinder supports querying ModestR databases to fi nd the species present in specifi c areas. Possible applications include the compilation and management of species distribu- tion databases, cleaning data and computing aggregated data to perform subsequent analyses in other packages thanks to emphasized interoperability.
Keywords: content assessment, gap analysis, primary biodiversity data

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Great 4 night stay in 3 bedroom apartment on Cockburn street (2 adults and 3 children). Spacious, modern apartment in fantastic location. Very comfy beds. Owner extremely helpful and nothing was too much trouble. His shop "Mamma Said" just opposite and perfect for stocking up the kitchen etc as well as for key collection. Definitely hope to be back!
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Priceline so you can book your Myedinburghapartment reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
- Myedinburghapartment Edinburgh, Scotland


text:
Latest Research
Browse by Author
Browse by Topic
Health Policy Center
Income & Benefits Policy Center
International Development and Governance
Justice Policy Center
Labor, Human Services, & Population Policy Center
Low-Income Working Families Project
Metropolitan Housing & Communities Policy Center
Nonprofits & Philanthropy
Urban–Brookings Tax Policy Center
Urban Institute E-mail NewslettersSubscribe to receive the latest news on topics of your choice.
URBAN INSTITUTE 2100 M Street NW Washington, DC 20037 Contact Us | Careers
The nonprofit sector in the Baltimore–Washington region is undergoing a profound, albeit quiet, revolution driven by demographic change. The people and communities that nonprofits serve increasingly reflect a multiracial and multi–ethnic world, and a new generation of leaders will soon emerge as baby boomer executives retire. This report examines whether the Baltimore–Washington region's nonprofit sector reflects the new demographic realities. The report, based on a representative sample of 501(c)(3) organizations, documents the extent to which the region's nonprofit boards, staff, and executive leadership are racially and ethnically diverse. It also analyzes diversity by the organization's size, type, and geographic location, and examines how the sector has been affected by the current economic downturn.
The text below is an excerpt from the complete document. Read the full report in PDF format.
The nonprofit sector in the Baltimore–Washington region is undergoing a profound, albeit quiet, revolution driven by demographic change. First, the people and communities that nonprofit organizations serve increasingly reflect a multiracial and multi–ethnic world. No longer is the region primarily a white–black society. It now has residents from all parts of the globe that bring different cultures, languages, and values to the region.
Second, nonprofit–sector leadership is beginning to move to the next generation. About a quarter of all nonprofits in the Baltimore–Washington region are led by baby boomer chief executives. As these leaders retire and phase out of active roles, a new cadre of leaders will take up the sector's reins and direct its work. How ready is the sector to address this important transition?
To learn whether the Baltimore–Washington region's nonprofit sector reflects current demographic realities, the Baltimore–Washington Regional Nonprofit Racial Diversity Collaborative (the Collaborative) commissioned the Urban Institute's Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy to survey nonprofit organizations in the region and study the diversity of nonprofit executive directors, governing boards, and paid staff.
The Study's Questions This report addresses four questions:
The findings of this study provide a valuable baseline for understanding how racially and ethnically diverse the nonprofit sector in the Baltimore–Washington region is. The findings also give an important context for the Collaborative's efforts to promote diversity and strengthen the skills of minority leaders.
About the Survey The survey is based on a representative sample of 501(c)(3) organizations in the Baltimore–Washington region. The sample was stratified by counties within the region, type of nonprofit, and size of organization to ensure good representation of nonprofits across the region. Hospitals and higher education are excluded from the sample. Data were collected using a mixed–mode technique (e.g., by mail, web, and telephone). The survey resulted in 283 usable responses, yielding a response rate of 32.6 percent. Further detail on regional definitions and the types of nonprofits in the study can be found in the appendices.
(End of excerpt. The full report is available in PDF format.)
Measuring Racial-Ethnic Diversity in California's Nonprofit Sector
Topics/Tags: | Nonprofits | Race/Ethnicity/Gender | Washington D.C. Region
Usage and reprints: Most publications may be downloaded free of charge from the web site and may be used and copies made for research, academic, policy or other non-commercial purposes. Proper attribution is required. Posting UI research papers on other websites is permitted subject to prior approval from the Urban Institute—contact email@example.com.
If you are unable to access or print the PDF document please contact us or call the Publications Office at (202) 261-5687.
Disclaimer: The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. Copyright of the written materials contained within the Urban Institute website is owned or controlled by the Urban Institute.


text:
- About Us
- Meditation Retreats
- Teachers
- Generosity
- Resources
Three-Month Retreat (84 days)
September 12 – December 5, 2015 (Saturday to Saturday)
This retreat is full with a waitlist. To be added to the list, submit a registration and deposit.
All scholarship funds for this retreat have been awarded.
This three-month course, including its six-week partials, is a special time for practice. Because of its extended length and ongoing guidance, it is an opportunity for students to deepen the powers of concentration, wisdom and compassion. Based on the meditation instructions of Mahasi Sayadaw and supplemented by a range of skillful means, this silent retreat will encourage a balanced attitude of relaxation and alertness, and the continuity of practice based on the Buddha's Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
Silence and renunciation are at the heart of any IMS course, and a sincere commitment to honoring them has a direct and profound bearing on our deepening in meditation. The teachers of this retreat request, for the sake of your practice and your fellow retreatants' practice, that you participate in the entire course, without leaving and returning (except in the case of emergencies or medical needs).
The teachers also request that you agree, on registering, to refrain from using cell phones and other communication devices for the duration of the retreat. This includes phone calls, emails, texts and other internet use. (Please notify our Front Office if arrangements need to be made for messages to reach you 24/7 from dependent or fragile family members. You can reach our staff at 978-355-4378 or at firstname.lastname@example.com.)
To further protect your retreat time, please also make sure that you schedule any medical appointments, fill prescriptions, and take care of financial or other arrangements before your course gets underway.
Prerequisite is two retreats of a week or more with recognized insight meditation teachers. Please document this experience, including teachers' names, dates and length of courses when registering. You will also need to submit a questionnaire when signing up – your course participation cannot be confirmed until this is received and approved.
Special fees and deadlines apply for cancellations or date changes. 3MO and Part 1: up to July 19, 2015, $100; afterwards, $400 for 3MO and $250 for Part 1. Part 2: up to August 30, 2015, $100; afterwards, $250. Please note that these amounts will apply for any date change within this three-month period.
Joseph Goldstein
Joseph Goldstein has taught Buddhist meditation worldwide since 1974. A co-founder and guiding teacher of IMS, he also helped envision and establish BCBS and IMS's Forest Refuge center. The author of One Dharma, his latest title is Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening.
Listen to one of Joseph's talks: Liberation Through Non-Clinging given at IMS on November 19, 2008 – 61 minutes, 28.2 MB (Download, Stream)
Guy Armstrong
Guy Armstrong has practiced insight meditation for over 40 years, including training as a Buddhist monk in Thailand with Ajahn Buddhadasa. He began teaching in 1984 and has led retreats worldwide. He is an IMS guiding teacher and a governing teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
Listen to one of Guy's talks: Working with Difficult Emotions given at IMS on October 2, 2009 – 62 minutes, 42.5 MB (Download, Stream)
Kamala Masters
Kamala Masters, an IMS guiding teacher, began practicing in 1975. Trained by Anagarika Munindra and Sayadaw U Pandita, she offers the dharma in the US and abroad. She is also a co-founder and guiding teacher of the Vipassana Metta Foundation on Maui.
Listen to one of Kamala's talks: Three Pillars of the Dharma given at IMS on August 14, 2009 – 56 minutes, 38.3 MB (Download, Stream)
Sally Armstrong
Sally Armstrong began practicing vipassana meditation in India in 1981, and started teaching in 1996. She is a co-guiding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and has also led Spirit Rock's Dedicated Practitioners Program for 12 years.
Listen to one of Sally's talks: What is Mindfulness? given at IMS on September 12, 2011 – 57 minutes, 39.6 MB (Download, Stream)
Rebecca Bradshaw
Rebecca Bradshaw is the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, MA. She leads vipassana retreats, including Spanish language courses, emphasizing embodied clarity and kindness. She holds a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, and also serves as an IMS guiding teacher.
Listen to one of Rebecca's talks: Happiness of Equanimity given at IMS on June 10, 2009 – 57 minutes, 38.5 MB (Download, Stream)
Annie Nugent
Annie Nugent has practiced since 1979 and was an IMS Resident Teacher, 1999-2003. Her teaching style aims to reveal how all aspects of our lives can help us come to a clear and direct understanding of the Truth.
Listen to one of Annie's talks: Trust in the Unfolding Process of the Dharma given at IMS on February 28, 2008 – 55 minutes, 23.2 MB (Download, Stream)
Greg Scharf
Greg Scharf has practiced with Western and Asian teachers in the Theravada tradition since 1992, and has been teaching residential retreats since 2007. His teaching emphasizes the confluence of love and wisdom on the path to liberation.
Listen to one of Greg's talks: Renunciation given at IMS on April 8, 2011 – 54 minutes, 37.6 MB (Download, Stream)
Andrea Fella
Andrea Fella has practiced insight meditation since 1996, studying with both Western and Asian teachers. With an emphasis on clarity and practicality, she teaches at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA, and nationally.
Listen to one of Andrea's talks: Dependant Origination given at IMS on October 10, 2013 – 61 minutes, 43.2 MB (Download, Stream)
Bonnie Duran
Bonnie Duran, Dr.P.H., began Buddhist meditation practice 30 years ago. She is currently participating in the IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Training and is a dharma leader at the Seattle Insight Meditation Society. An associate professor of public health, she directs the University of Washington's Center for Indigenous Health Research.
Brian Lesage
Brian Lesage has studied in the Zen, Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism since 1988. He has taught meditation across the US since 2000 and currently teaches in the vipassana tradition. He also has a private Somatic Experiencing® practice.
Max Erdstein
Max Erdstein, a current participant in the IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Training, has practiced meditation since 1999. Mentored by Gil Fronsdal, he teaches at the Insight Meditation Center and the Insight Retreat Center in CA. He is a husband and father of two girls.
Vance Pryor
Vance Pryor, Psy. D., began insight meditation in 1998. He spent time as a monk with Sayadaw U Tejaniya and continues to make regular practice trips to Myanmar. He is currently being trained as a teacher by Steve Armstrong and Kamala Masters.
Sara Schedler
Sara Schedler has practiced insight meditation for 15 years, and has undergone long-term training in both Asia and the West. She has taught at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center for the past two years.
Jill Shepherd
Jill Shepherd is a participant in the current IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Training. She divides her time between the US, Australia and New Zealand, teaching insight meditation retreats and offering study and practice groups focused on bringing the dharma into daily life.
Deepen tranquility, wisdom and compassion
Explore, discover, learn
Support and serve


text:
Power-One Updates Outlook For Fourth Quarter Of 2012
- Expects revenue of $190 million to $195 million and a net loss for the quarter
- Earnings release date set for January 31st
CAMARILLO, Calif., Jan. 17, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Power-One, Inc. (Nasdaq:PWER), a leading provider of renewable energy and energy-efficient power conversion and power management solutions, today provided an updated outlook for its fourth quarter 2012 financial results. The Company expects to report fourth quarter revenue of $190 million to $195 million, which is below the previously estimated range of $210 million to $230 million. Softer than expected market conditions in the Renewable Energy business, primarily in Italy and Germany, driven by reduced feed-in tariffs and a difficult financing environment, led to lower sales in the quarter. As a result, the Company expects to report a net loss of $12 million to $15 million for the quarter due to lower than expected gross margins resulting from the revenue shortfall and new product ramp-up costs. Included in the expected results is a loss, net of tax, of approximately $6 million on foreign currency remeasurement due to the strengthening of the Euro versus the dollar late in the fourth quarter.
"Greater than anticipated weakness in key European markets was the chief contributor to revenue being below our expectations," said Richard Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Power-One. "We continue to believe that Europe will be a major market for solar power over the long-term, however, near-term demand will be more volatile as the market adjusts to the recent changes in PV incentives."
Power-One will report its fourth quarter 2012 financial results on Thursday, January 31, 2013. In conjunction with its financial results announcement, members of the public are invited to listen to the company's live quarterly conference call on the Internet on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time/5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will feature Richard Thompson, Chief Executive Officer and Gary Larsen, Chief Financial Officer.
Check Out Our Best Services for Investors
Action Alerts PLUS
Portfolio Manager Jim Cramer and Director of Research Jack Mohr reveal their investment tactics while giving advanced notice before every trade.
Product Features:
- $2.5+ million portfolio
- Large-cap and dividend focus
- Intraday trade alerts from Cramer
Quant Ratings
Access the tool that DOMINATES the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500.
Product Features:
- Buy, hold, or sell recommendations for over 4,300 stocks
- Unlimited research reports on your favorite stocks
- A custom stock screener
Stocks Under $10
David Peltier uncovers low dollar stocks with serious upside potential that are flying under Wall Street's radar.
Product Features:
- Model portfolio
- Stocks trading below $10
- Intraday trade alerts
Check Out Our Best Services for Investors
Dividend Stock Advisor
David Peltier identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
Product Features:
- Diversified model portfolio of dividend stocks
- Updates with exact steps to take - BUY, HOLD, SELL
Trifecta Stocks
Every recommendation goes through 3 layers of intense scrutinyquantitative, fundamental and technical analysisto maximize profit potential and minimize risk.
Product Features:
- Model Portfolio
- Intra Day Trade alerts
- Access to Quant Ratings
Options Profits
Our options trading pros provide over 100 monthly option trading ideas and strategies to help you become a well-seasoned trader.
Product Features:
- Actionable options commentary and news
- Real-time trading community


text:
In some states, like Virginia, you COULD be charged with "Brandishing a Firearm" however if the pistol is kept in the holster it probably would not fly.
Your best be is just to turn around and leave.
This is a discussion on Is this a right thing to do? within the Carry & Defensive Scenarios forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; In some states, like Virginia, you COULD be charged with "Brandishing a Firearm" however if the pistol is kept in the holster it probably would ...
In some states, like Virginia, you COULD be charged with "Brandishing a Firearm" however if the pistol is kept in the holster it probably would not fly.
Your best be is just to turn around and leave.
The gun stays hidden and holstered until you are willing to use it. That doesn't mean that you have to shoot when you pull it but it does mean that you must believe that using deadly force is justifiable at that moment.
Pulling the gun earlier could set you up as the agressor because after all you were the one who threatened somebody with a deadly weapon. Sure it might scare them off or it might cause them to bring out their own weapons. They might also back down and then be able to call the cops and say quite truthfully that you threatened or pulled a gun on them. It's your word against theirs and depending on the story they tell you could find yourself in a lot of trouble.
"Friend, I would not harm thee for all the world, but thou art standing where I am about to shoot."--Unknown Quaker
I have a friend whos first husband was killed with 1 punch.
A group of guys were being rude to the girls in my friends group (3-4 girls and 3-4 guys). My group did everything they could to just ignore them. For reasons I cant remember it got more physical. My friends husband was blind sided. He was punched, with a bare fist, in the temple area and fell dead right then. So YES 1 punch can KILL you. Would I draw just cuz some idiot wanted to kick my donkey? probably not. But I would be ready to if I could not avoid the situation.
One thing that does worry me is....what if I end up in a fist fight, even though I tried to avoid it, and my gun falls to the ground or he has found it during the scuffle? Now HE has a gun and I dont. That one Darn good reason to do everything you can to avoid a fight or to defuse the situation.
Ride hard and Shoot safe
The first rule of gunfighting should be to know when the gunfight starts - being the last one to get the news certainly won't put the odds in your favor.
Reading through some of these post, and the original post brought to memory [U]"In The Gravest Extreme"[/U] by Massad Ayoob. It's a great book for all to read.
I have an update on this scenario.
The reason I asked my second question was because I was going to leave my pistol locked in a safe at my brothers house while I was at college, because I cant carry on campus.
He lives right off campus so I figured I would go there to get my gun when I needed to go into town. It turns out that one of the people he is living with (Who is on the lease) is a felon. (Took a relatives car when they said "No" and they reported it stolen and pressed charges)
So, is it alright to have it locked in a safe, bolted to the floor, with no one in the house knowing the passcode or that it is even there (Except my brother) while there is a felon in the house?
Thanks for bringing this up....
I have thought about this a lot and I have to agree. Fist fighting and rolling around on the ground with a firearm present is automatically a potentially lethal situation.
I think the best remedy is to carry mace and disappear into a cloud of it. I intend to get some and always carry it when carrying my weapon....
Barring this, I am personally in favor of showing the holstered weapon while leaving and dialing 911 to report. Now if you are attacked by more than one person then disparity of force show be a good defense to brandishing. BUT state law could disagree.....
Finally if you have done anything to instigate this mess that will certainly be an aggravating factor.
Just my opinion NOT based on legal knowledge or advice so take it at that. Like a previous poster said "you can have your pride or carry your gun - but not both" That said, I think rolling on the ground with an attacker while armed should be avoided at all cost.....
Last edited by Mad_Max; August 17th, 2007 at 01:35 PM.
A woman must not depend on protection by men. A woman must learn to protect herself.
Susan B. Anthony
A armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one has to back it up with his life.
Robert Heinlein
In response to the situation you have presented, I thought I would share 2 situations that my mother, who for many years was a CCW Permit Holder, ran into.
My mother worked for a food distributor and on a daily basis called on stores that were her clients. As most of you can imagine, not all gorcery stores are in the best of neighborhoods and as luck would have it, a couple of her clients were in pretty bad neighborhoods.
Situation 1
After completing an order in a grocery store my mom was in the process of leaving when a customer at the store started asking her for a date and the so on. After politely refusing the guy, my mom walked out of the store. The guy began following her and started getting more demanding in his comments. My mother, having worked in a LAw Enf agency in the past knew better than to try and get in her car with this guy so close behind. My mother reached into her briefcase and pulled out her S&W snubby, while at the same time turning around to face the guy. The gentleman stopped dead in his tracks and went back in the store. My mother got in her car and left quickly.
In this situation, I think my mother handled the situation completely appropriately. She was ready to use the gun but gave the BG every opportunity to avoid being shot and lucky for him, he did so.
Situation 2
Mom again at a clients store in one of the less desireable parts of town. As she is leaving the store she passes through the first set of doors that goes to a "lobby type area, and proceeds to go out a second set of doors that go outside. As she steps out the second set of doors she is immediately surrounded by several men who are blocking her path. My mom, again draws her weapon, this time taking a serious defensive posture. Like the red sea, the men part and she slowly and carefully makes her way to her car and they chose not to follow.
In this particular case I don't know if I like the way my mother handled the situation. As she told the story the number of men were between 6 and 8. Her 38 only had 5 shots. Big problemo if they don't back off. I guess all of them wouldn't have stuck around if she started firing, but if they were stupid enough to engage after she had drawn her weapon, you just never know. I think I would have preferred her retreat back into the store at this point and put some distance between her and the BG's. BTW both of these took place prior to the day of the cell phone.
Lex et Libertas Semper Vigilo, Fortis, Paratus, et Fidelis!
"Not only do the people who put their lives on the line to protect the rest of us deserve better, we all deserve better than to have our own security undermined by those who undermine law enforcement." -Thomas Sowell
New guy here, just finished reading the first 25 pages of this forum...no kidding. I was going to start a thread with basically the same question as this one. Maybe I'm missing the point but I'm more curious about the *LEGAL* ramifications of displaying your firearm, not necessarily if it's a 'good idea' or not. I think every situation requires it's own evaluation and some may turn out worse just by showing a weapon.
For example, say you're pumping gas and some idiot at the gas station for whatever reason wants to fight you. He's screaming and yelling, maybe not directly saying "I'm gonna kick your arse" but is clearly irate and heading towards you. For me it would be just as tempting to leave as it would be to stick next to my car. I wouldn't mind backing off in, say, a 20ft circle around my car but I can't imagine hi-tailing it down the street a few blocks and leaving my car to be keyed or whatever. After trying as hard as I can to diffuse the situation (you're right, I'm a jerk, very sorry, don't want trouble)
****Would I be justified in going from CC to OC? If he continues towards me, could I draw?
Let me also say that I'm a firm believer that EVERY fight while carrying a weapon is a potentially lethal situation. I could imagine if I was mad enough at someone to up and punch them, if they fell down and I saw they had a weapon. Holy crap I just punched a guy with a weapon, I have no idea how he'll react, I BETTER GET THAT GUN! Then what? Adrenaline running, the guy is already mad enough to have hit you, and now he's holding your gun. This becomes especially true because I'm not a fighter and will certainly let him make the first move. I'm not a small guy, but you can't build muscle around your brain so I'm not too big to admit one hit from even a small guy can easily knock me down and present a deadly situation.
Please, for the sake of argument for whatever reason you're not able to fully leave the situation. He's blocking your car, you still have to go in and pay, your wife is in the car, whatever.
WELCOME DrJay!!!
a car beig keyed is not worth the jail time thats what cops and insurance are for.
Nothing I own is worth a lethal confrontation. My life however is differant. While in some states you don't have a legal requirement to retreat, If it is an option I will do so.
The response that i would give I guess is, "I'm sorry to have offended you sir, I appologise and don't want a fight," while backing away and asking someone to call 911. If the threats continue; "Please sir, I don't want to have to defend myself but I will if I have to, you are scaring me". While still trying to back away increasing distance. At this time if it still continues I would consider presenting the weapon at low ready.
You now have attempted to diffuse the situation, You have expressed your fear/concern for your safety, and you have requested law enforcement. In a public situation these steps will likely help you alot in the legal situation that follows.
As with every "Scenario" that we post here, there are always differant variables. Who you are with, The aggressiveness of the "BG", the surroundings and the ability to back away. And while these are great excercises to help refine our responses to differant situations, it is very difficult to give a black and white response to any of them without actually being there.
It comes down to knowing the laws surrounding your situation when you are there, and trying to make the right decision about when to take someones life or not.
If he is blocking your car I would be on the phone to 911 Very quickly. I would not get out even if having to pay. That can get resolved at a later point in time after the threat situation has been removed. If he is breaking windows in the car, something is going to get rammed. Him, or the vehicle blocking me in.
All this said, I will defend my spouse MUCH more aggresively, than I would myself. It's just the way I am.
To those that paid for my freedom,
As with all statements I've made and All that I will make, please check your local laws to verify accuracy. (and if i'm wrong let me know as I like to be right in the future) After all I'm just some goofball posting on an internet forum.
For fight over BS, you need to be like BRUCE LEE.
De-escalation is the key
Thanks fknra!
Very true, trying to avoid confrontation is always key. In Georgia we adopted the 'stand your ground' law but I'm not sure that applies to a fight. I'm just curious if the law does protect you if you go OC or draw over someone picking a fight. Obviously it would depend on a few things, but if you could somehow be certain you were about to get punched, would the LAW allow you leeway?
I'm referring to the last 10 seconds before you're certain to be punched, not at the first sign of a confrontation. I'm not looking to be trigger happy and frankly would be rather embarrassed about the whole situation. Frankly I'm probably going to do it anyway because as I mentioned letting an angry guy get my gun is the last thing that's happening. What's that quote, "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6" Cliche, but true.
[QUOTE=Slash Dragoon;456915]
The reason I asked my second question was because I was going to leave my pistol locked in a safe at my brothers house while I was at college, because I cant carry on campus.
One of my children living at home was put on probation. The parol officer said the child could not live where there was a gun or serious weapon. I was concerened since I had several firearms/weapons. The P.O. told my child that if there was an inspection my child would be inviolation of his parol. I would not be in any trouble. So to allow my child to continue to live at home I packed up all my guns/weapons, put them in a locked box, and stored them elsewhere. Which, BTW, could have created another problem for the owner of the premises where they were stored.
.......for whatever it is worth.


text:
Thursday, February 13, 2014
A Suffolk brewer's research has revealed the nation's favourite chat-up line.
A questionnaire on behalf of Bury St Edmunds-based Greene King found the "did it hurt when you fell from heaven" line was the most popular among almost 2,000 people asked to name their favourite. Other popular lines were found to be "hello gorgeous", "can I buy you a drink" and 'get your coat, you've pulled".
Greene King's Mark Blythman said: "It is hard for many people to make that first approach, so a chat-up line can really break the ice."
Out of the thousands questioned, 42% admitted that they actually liked chat-up lines, and almost a third (31%) said that chat-up lines had worked on them in the past.
Detractors of chat-up lines may be surprised to know that 58% thought they actually worked in person, whereas only 35% said they worked online or by text.
The influence of social media could be seen in the survey's top 10, with "WhatsApp" – a popular phone messaging service – featuring as the nation's sixth favourite pick-up line.
The rest of the top 10 was made up of "how you doin", "haven't I seen you somewhere before", "how do you like your eggs for breakfast", "do you come here often", and the classic "you must be tired – because you've been running through my mind all night".
The survey was commissioned to mark the launch of Greene King's Love Inn Day in May, when free dating events will be held across the country.
1 comment
How about, "Let's get out of this Greene King pub and head for somewhere that sells Earl Soham Beer instead"?
Thursday, February 13, 2014


text:
In turn, Evol Egg Nart not only releases records by the Curious Hair but also by many other local artists. "I used to pay for everything," winces Rollason. "Nowadays money's supertight, so the artists usually rise to the occasion and pitch in."
Rollason has released 36 recordings via EEN since its birth in the summer of 1996, explaining that the only reason EEN exists is "to spread music." It's a destination that seems very comfortable for a musician who would rather flip a finger at the music industry than join it. "Evol Egg Nart isn't a business," Rollason explains. "It's an antibusiness. We give almost everything away, so it's not like there's a real flow coming in that helps pay for future releases. The profits are nonexistent, but we've distributed probably somewhere around 15,000 copies of our releases to cool music lovers all around the world. Not all the releases are Miami folk, so I guess EEN is the public display of the many recording projects I've stumbled into. It's like I'm documenting the music I think is good and doing what I can in a grassroots kind of way so that as many people hear it as possible."


text:
Sanducci's Trattoria Menu
Italian | River Edge Dinner Menuromaine lettuce, tomatoes, roasted peppers, red onions, celery, topped with crumbled blue cheese, oil, lemon, garlic dressing
mesclun salad crumbled blue cheese, cranberries, walnuts, honey mustard dressing
fresh vegetables, homemade mozzarella in a dressing of oil, lemon, garlic & herbs
(fresh tomato sauce, fresh basil, mozzarella)
(fresh tomato sauce, prosciutto, onions, peppers, mozzarella)
(fresh tomato sauce, mixed fresh vegetables, mozzarella)
(fresh tomato sauce, broccoli, artichokes, mushrooms, tomatoes, mozzarella)
(sauteed with lemon, butter and white wine)
(coated with parmigiana cheese, in a lemon, butter, garlic, white wine sauce with shitake mushrooms & sundried tomatoes)
(sauteed with sausage, peppers, mushrooms, garlic and onions)
(sauteed with shiitake mushrooms, diced tomato scallions, garlic and balsamic vinegar)
(sauteed with sausage, shallots, mushrooms, roasted peppers, topped with seasoned bread crumbs in a chablis wine sauce)
(sweet, medium or hot)
(calamari, shrimp, mussels and clams simmered in white wine, garlic, scallions, diced tomato, butter and consomme)
(littleneck clams with marinara sauce or white wine & garlic sauce)
(mussels with marinara sauce or white wine & garlic sauce)
(shrimp sauteed with garlic and plum tomatoes)
Disclaimer: Always check with the business for pricing and availability of menu items. SinglePlatform is not responsible for menu or pricing changes, but the information is believed to be accurate when posted. Listing of a menu does not mean that there is any affiliation, endorsement or sponsorship between SinglePlatform and the listed business.


text:
More visuals from Chris' The Re-Introduction tape.
PREVIOUS: Young Chris – Base 2 Ya Face
Posted in Hip Hop, Video | Tags: emjay, rico love, young chris, youtube
i'd smash that.
2dopeboyz stays with the exclusive! NICKI MINAJ SEX TAPE LEAKED!! http://www.loot6.com
Great track Chris. Ii would still like to see him use Chad Wes a little more. I understand that Rico is probably telling Chris that he should use his formula but I like when Chris gets gritty too.. Just sayin'
I hope this joint makes it to the radio. Young Chris is that dude.
Im fucking tired of every motherfucker naming themselsves lil, big, or young. its fucking unoriginal and i just skip over any 18 year old with any of these prefixes, not a glance(except here apparently).
Glad Chris made a video for this cause it's 1 of my favorites from the mixtape! Ashanti Toi looks absolutely gorgeous as the lead in it too!


text:
Shop Online
Create Account Forgot Password?
Regulatory Burden
CU in Denver 2015
National Credit Union Youth Month™
HR/TD Council Conference
As it considers legislation to reduce regulatory burden on credit unions and community banks, the Senate Banking Committee has requested credit unions to provide concrete examples of how rules and regulations increase costs or reduce service for members.
1) Advocate for our 100 million members2) Hear from renowned keynote speakers 3) Attend hot-topic breakout sessions 4) Network with nearly 5,000 credit union influencers 5) Attend the NEW! Sunday ED (Filene) Talk with Gen. Stanley McChrystal USA (Ret.)
CUNA and the World Council of Credit Unions are pleased to announce Luke Williams as a keynote speaker at the co-hosted America's Credit Union Conference and the World Credit Union Conference. Williams will connect with Credit Unions through disruptive innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural change.
Encourage your members to get "Wild About Saving™" this April. This year's extended celebration gives you additional time to attract new members and make an even bigger impact in young financial lives.
Don't miss the premier learning and networking event for credit union human resources, training and development professionals, April 22-25 in Hollywood, CA. Interact with influential speakers and industry experts during informational sessions and fill knowledge gaps to keep you up-to-date with industry trends.
See All News Now
CUNA-backed MBL bill reintroduced to raise cap to 27.5%
CUNA welcomed the reintroduction Monday of a bi ...
Bill to codify CU Advisory Council, create small biz panel is introduced
A House bill was reintroduced Monday that would ...
2014 CU loan growth reached a 9-year high: NCUA 4Q numbers
Loan growth at federally insured credit unions ...
On CUNA's radar: CFPB report to Congress, cybersecurity
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director R ...
FASB credit-losses proposal most-read Feb. News Now article
An article reporting that the Financial Account ...
League-backed PLS, ATM bills become law with stroke of Va. gov.'s pen
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe last week signed ...
Cornerstone in 2014: $9K in savings per member
Consumers from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas who ...
Ihrig named new chief compliance officer at CUNA, Thompson retires after 35 years
Jonathan "Jared" Ihrig has been promoted to chi ...


text:
A new era for South Washington County schools
As director of District 833 legal services and human resources, Mark Porter made no secret that he was applying for superintendent jobs in other districts.
After being a finalist several times, he finally reached the top in his home district and officially took over the job from retiring Tom Nelson on July 1.
"It feels awfully right," he said in an interview July 1. "In many ways, it's my dream job and the one that makes the most sense."


text:
If you are going for a glamorous Hollywood starlet look for prom, this strapless mermaid gown will have you ready for any red carpet. A long formal dress from JVN by Jovani with radiant jeweled accents and romantic lace fabric creating a stunning silhouette that highlights your curves. A full mermaid skirt with stunning layers and mesh inserts give this prom gown an award winning style that is sure to let you take home the tiara.
Style: | JO-JVN-JVN92846 |
Closure: | Side Zipper |
Details: | Lace, Jewel Detailing |
Fabric: | 100% Polyester, Lace on Tulle |
Fit: | The model is 5' 9" and wearing 4.5" heels. |
Length: | 58", hollow to hem 60" |
Neckline: | Strapless Sweetheart |
Waistline: | Natural |
This item is final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.
$378.00 $227.00


text:
Complex systems
The Complex Systems research theme brings together leading academics and professionals to develop holistic approaches to the coordination and management of large-scale complex systems. This includes social, organisational, biological and living systems and covers a wide range of applications – from disaster recovery management, disease outbreak coordination, fraud detection, human and computer interactions, and organisational risk management.
The Complex Systems Research Group has a strong focus on theory and covers such areas as social networks, self-organisation, complexity in organisations and chaos theory. The Group uses methods and analytical techniques from mathematical sociology, social anthropology and computer science to explore coordination problems in a dynamic, distributed and complex setting.
Solutions developed from this research are applicable to a wide range of environments across diverse industries, including property development, mining, water, health, energy, IT, banking and finance, government and the not-for-profit sector.
Members of this research area have also been involved in the development of two innovative new project management degree programs - both based on a complex systems approach:


text:
Audrey: "Are you my boyfriend now? PS, my ankle's doing great."
Julian: "Are you asking me out?"
Audrey: "Yes. I already made reservations for us, despite knowing that you have a family function tonight on which your career pretty much rests. Isn't that strange? Maybe you should just take me as your date. To that shareholder meeting for a company I'm trying to destroy."
Julian: "Not even I, Julian Bowers, would do such a thing. Besides, I already did exactly that last week. I think you're forgetting that I have been living with Joanna for at least sixteen hours, and thus am madly in love with her."
Audrey: "So Lyritrol's back on track? That's good news!"
Julian: "Hanging up now. We'll bang, okay?"
Audrey: "Sounds like they bought off the FDA or something, Frank."
Frank: "Why am I not on this show all the time? I am amazing. Anyway, go find another way. Everybody's moving in with Julian, have you tried that?"
Will: "Nicole, thanks for starting a firefight for no reason."
Nicole: "Okay but now I know she's a cop, so..."
Will: "I can't talk to you right now, I have to be weird with Joanna."
Joanna: "Russian mafia we're dealing with now? This show just won't quit."
Will: "Well, hopefully the one I didn't shoot in the head was confused about whether or not you were a cop or why the other guy was shooting at you or whatever. Maybe he'll just be like, Same shit different day. Probably this won't come back to haunt us."
Joanna: "Thanks for shooting that dude in the head, bro."
Will: "Thanks for letting me invade your personal space and kiss you."
Joanna: "I'm okay with it."
Will: "I mean it didn't mean anything, you're nothing. I was just glad you didn't die."
Joanna: "You know just what to say."
USB.D.E.: "This USB drive has like twenty files on it! That'll cost you extra."
Edward: "Just confirm for me that Vivian was right, and a bunch of Thai families got paid off to hide the deadliness of my brother Julian's cancer drug."
USB: "I can do that. But also, that money came from an offshore shell corporation run by your father called Zonocorp. What I'm saying is, your father is killing everybody."


text:
What's New
Improved controlsApp Description
From the creator of "Slender-Man" comes an all new survival-horror game featuring Slender man.Can you find the hidden tapes before Slender Man gets you?
Don't forget to check out the new Slender Man games: SLENDER-MAN XMAS, SLENDER-MAN and STREETS OF SLENDER, too!
App Changes
November 10, 2012 New version 1.2
October 30, 2012 New version 1.1
October 19, 2012 Initial Release


text:
Motion Video work:
Filming: £50 an hour, 3 hours for example £150, 2 hours £100, etc
Video Edit: £200, 3-5 minute video, simple cinematography, transitions, basic 2d titles, intro, outro. I will edit and go through 2 hours or less worth of footage, if it goes over, itll be £25 every hour on top, so if i have to edit 2 hours or less, £200, 2-3 hours, £225, 3-4 £250, etc. You get 1 free minor revision, for example changing a few clips, some minor effects (like color grade, transition, exposure), however if it requires changing a song, sync, things that may take a long time to re-adjust everything, that will cost extra.
Tracking, adding, removing objects, Rotoscoping work, ie transitioning a cut, removing parts for composition, £40 upwards
3D Titles tracked to real life footage and composited, £50 upwards, depending on the detail.
3D Work, £25 upwards, depending on the detail and the ammount of work, modelling, shading, lighting, texturing, animation, rigging, prices vary, contact with details for a quote
The following for example would involve a process of blueprints, modelling, shading, filming, tracking, compositing, rotoscoping, masking. As you can see, it can get pretty complex and in depth, and for a big job like this you are looking at an average around £300.
Composites Digitalally layered art motion video, £100 upwards, contact with details for a quote.
Camera Raw Video. Dual Iso (Cinema Quality). Double the price of Filming/Video Edit
Current Gear:
Canon 5D Mark III (Shooting Camera Raw Video)
Canon 24-105mm F4
Samyang 14mm T3.1
Matte box, field monitors, filters for filming rig
3 x Yongnuo YN560 II Flash Speedlite
Various Umbrellas
White, Black, Green Backdrops
2 x 400Watt Constant Flood Lights
1 x 200Watt Constant Flood Light
Various Tripods and Heads
Lots of data storage devices, fast CF cards for raw video, SDD's, HDD's, dozens of terabytes
Main Desktop running on 2 x OCZ Vertex 3 Max IOPS Edition SATA III SSD on raid 0
AMD FX8350 Black Edition 8 Core Processor
Sapphire Ati Amd Radeon HD 6970
Patriot 32GB DDR3 Viper 3 Mamba Quad Channel
Studio Videography (Lighting, Backdrops) £50 per hour
Smoke/Fog £15
Make up £25 upwards (contact with details for a quote)
Extras/Models (contact with details for a quote)
Studio/Outdoor work, £50 per hour, 3 hours for example £150, 2 hours £100, etc, standard retouching, processing
Studio Examples: tomasmascinskas.deviantart.com…
Photo Manipulation £15 upwards (contact with details for a quote)
Digital Design, Logos, 3D Work, etc
Pricing £40 upwards
Studio Photography
Examples: tomasmascinskas.deviantart.com…
Audio, Music, Soundtrack, Composition, Remixing, Recording, Mixing, Mastering
Team of two: Tomas Mascinskas, and Rob Power
contact with details for a quote


text:
Monthly Archive for September, 2009
Quillinan tied for second at State Senior Amateur
Joe Quillinan of Troy is tied for second after the first round of the New York State Golf Association Senior (ages 55-older) Amateur at the Stafford Country Club. The 54-hole tournament runs through Thursday. 1 Matthew Haefele Stafford CC 34-36–70 -2 T2 James Burns Wild Wood CC 37-35–72 E T2 Joe Quillinan Country Club of […]
[Read More]
Pohle earns two-stroke victory in NENYPGA Pro Classic 5
Rick Pohle of Taconic was the only player under par, whooting a 1-under 70 today to record a two-stroke victory in the Northeastern New York PGA Pro Classic 5 at Fox Run in Johnstown. 1st Rick Pohle Taconic Golf Club 36 34 70 -1 $280.00 2nd Glenn Davis Albany Country Club 39 33 72 +1 […]
[Read More]
Wheeler wins CRAGA Classic 3 title
Mike Wheeler of Shaker Ridge edged John Vaccaro of Wolferts Roost by a stroke today in the Capital Region Amateur Golf Association Classic 3, played today at Fox Run in Johnstown. There were only five entrants. 1st Michael Wheeler Schenectady, NY 37 35 72 2nd John Vaccaro Albany, NY 37 36 73 3rd Chris Tallon […]
[Read More]
Amateur point standings (9/14/09)
Results from the weekend's Wolferts Roost Invitational are included. For questions, correction or comments, please e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
[Read More]
Hayes-Russo team wins Roost Invitational in playoff
David Hayes (Schuyler Meadows) and Dan Russo (Rolling Hills) won the Wolferts Roost Invitational in a playoff on Sunday. Hayes and Russo saw an eight-shot lead evaporate when John Vaccaro (Wolferts Roost) and Chuck Connolly shot a 61 best ball in the final round of the 54-hole event, but Russo birdied both playoff holes to […]
[Read More]
Amateur point standings (9/13/09)
Standings are updated through today's Rensselaer County Amateur:
[Read More]
Ryan wins Rensselaer County Amateur
First-round leader Patrick Ryan shot a 1-over-par 72 and cruised to a four-stroke victory in the 44th Rensselaer County Amateur, completed today at Frear Park. Tom Volpi won the senior division. The scores:
[Read More]
Ryan leads at midway point of Rensselaer Amateur
Pat Ryan shot a 3-under-par 68 Saturday to take a one-stroke lead over Gary Grimaldi halfway through the Rensselaer County Amateur at Frear Park. The 36-hole tournament concludes today. The first-round scores:
[Read More]
Turning Stone (finally) announces early player commitments
Officials at the Turning Stone Championship, a PGA Tour "Fall Series" event to be played Oct. 1-4 at the Atunyote Golf Club in Verona, has made its first annoucements of player commitments for the event. Defending champion Dustin Johnson already has committed. Among the 132 players also in the field will be Robert Allenby, Stuart […]
[Read More]
Rensselaer County Amateur tee times
Dan Ireland (open division) and John Buono (senior division) are back to defend their respective titles in the Rensselaer County Amateur, to be played Saturday and Sunday at Frear Park. Saturday's tee times:
[Read More]
Show More


text:
KNIFE RIVER CORPORATION- NORTH CENTRAL (Contractor)
Total # Contracts: | 3 |
Total $ Contracts: | $18,000,840 |
DUNS: | 006962286 (what's a DUNS) |
Address: | PO BOX 80066,BILLINGS,MT, 59108-0066 |
About This Data
Note: To build this database, ProPublica obtained two sets of records from the U.S. Department of Transportation. We cleaned it to remove duplicates and other discrepancies, but it may have mistakes we didn't catch. If you find one, please let us know and include any information that may help us verify the correction. Also, the federal data is based on the states' monthly reporting and may not be up-to-date.
First, we received an updated copy of the national database of stimulus road and bridge projects as of Sept. 25. Separately, we obtained data that states filed to the federal government as part of the stimulus legislation's reporting requirements. These data list which contractors had been awarded particular projects. We were able to trace more than 90 percent of the funds to individual counties. In a few other cases, projects are statewide and cannot be narrowed to county or serve multiple counties. We've indicated those cases in the data.
Wherever possible, we matched DOT projects to state recovery filings. They did not match in every instance. The DOT projects, which total $19 billion, include hundreds of projects not yet associated with a contractor. The contractors' data totals about $13 billion in obligated funds. In a few cases, state contractors did not match a DOT project. Some projects also have multiple contractors. When there is no matching contractor information for a project, searches and lists will return a blank.
We're trying to make this information as accurate as possible, so if you see something that needs to be corrected, please let us know.
Read more...
Running a background check
Start with the DUNS Number, a 9-digit number that serves as a unique identifier for the company. (If it's not listed above, then we weren't able to find it during our own research).
Has the company been suspended or disbarred?
The Excluded Parties List System is a database of companies that have been barred from working with the federal government. POGO's Federal Contractor Misconduct Database covers only the largest contractors, but has a more thorough listing of histories of misconduct.
What's the company's workplace record?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a Web site where you can search for inspections and violations.
What's the company's environmental record?
The Environmental Protection Agency has a one-stop shop for pollution checks if you know the company's facility identifiers.
Did the company hire a lobbyist?
You can query the Lobbying Disclosure Act Database to see if the company hired a lobbyist for stimulus work. Put a check in the box for "client name" and type in the company's name to do the search.
What are the company's political connections?
Check a company's Web site or its corporate filings (many Secretary of State sites have them) to find a list of its executives and board of directors. Look up federal political donations on OpenSecrets.org. Look at state donations on CampaignFinance.org.
Project Name | Improvement Type | State | County | Amount |
MSAS 104: (JAMISON AVE) FR CR 119 TO CSAH 18 -GR, AGG BASE, CURB & GUTTER, BIT SURF,STORM SEWER,BIT BIKE PATH & TRAFF CTRL SYSTEM (Federal ID: 09ES097) | Pavement Improvement | MN | Wright | $2,994,637 |
PAVEMENT PRESERVATION - TH95 IN NORTH BRANCH TO CHISAGO COUNTY ROAD 9 UNBONDED CONCRETE OVERLAY, (Federal ID: 09ES125) | Pavement Improvement | MN | Chisago | $13,738,800 |
7.7 MILE OVERLAY ON S-308 IN CARBON COUNTY WEST OF BELFRY (Federal ID: 3081026) | Pavement Improvement | MT | Carbon | $1,267,403 |


text:
But Kerry rattled senators when he said that, while the president "has no intention and we do not want to put American troops on the ground to fight this civil war" in Syria, he also did not want "to take off the table an option" for securing Syria's chemical weapons.
He offered "hypotheticals," such as the implosion of Syria, resulting in lost command and control of the country's significant stockpiles of chemical weapons or a situation in which a chemical weapons "cache" falls into the hands of Al Qaeda-affiliated militants.
But the committee's chairman, Sen. Robert Menendez (D) of New Jersey, said, "I do think we are going to have to work on language that makes it clear" that the use of American troops is not authorized.
It was only after the committee's top Republican, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, admonished Secretary Kerry for his response to the use-of-troops question that Kerry offered an unequivocal ban on sending US soldiers into Syria.
"There will not be American boots on the ground with respect to the Syrian civil war," Kerry said, correcting his earlier statement.
That did not reassure Sen. Tom Udall (D) of New Mexico, who called the draft resolution the White House sent to the Hill Saturday "a very open-ended proposal" that he saw as a "potential next step towards full-fledged war."
"We're saying once again that the United States will be the world's policeman," he said, adding that it reminded him of the path to the Iraq war, which he called "one of the biggest blunders in US foreign policy."
Senator Menendez, who is supportive of the administration's request, sought to reassure his committee colleagues that the committee would fashion its own resolution and would not simply be tweaking the White House draft.