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VIEWS: 34 PAGES: 17 CATEGORY: Childrens Literature POSTED ON: 12/19/2009
A Paper to be presented in KZN
Knowledge Dissemination: Determining Impact A Paper Presented at IFLA Durban 2007 Knowledge Management (KM) Best Practices/Lessons Learned 1 Day Workshop 17 August, 2007 Howard College Campus of the University of Kwazulu Natal Presented by David Jane' Molapo CSIR Impact Assessment Manager Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Abstract Creation, manipulation, management and dissemination of knowledge cannot go on forever without determining what impact it is having on those who create it and those who use it. This paper explores methods of determining the impact of disseminated knowledge. It does this by first defining what knowledge is. This is followed by a discussion on different mediums through which knowledge may be disseminated. It then discusses two questions – when do we know when to disseminate knowledge and how do we know when it has been disseminated. The discussion is followed by a discussion on different methods of monitoring and evaluating disseminated knowledge. It concludes by giving an example of what the CSIR is doing to evaluate the impact of research knowledge it disseminates. Contrary to Plato and Foskett's definition of knowledge, the paper postulates that knowledge is information that is acceptable to a norm about a subject. In treating different mediums that may be used to disseminate knowledge, the paper first argues that mediums of disseminating knowledge can be grouped into two main categories, namely natural and man made mediums. Natural mediums of knowledge dissemination include audio and gestures which are performed by all leaving beings whereas, man-made mediums include all mediums of communication that man has developed out of transforming matter. Knowledge itself cannot be monitored, only presence in its carrier can. Ipso facto, evaluation of knowledge can be done by analyzing different carriers of it or use thereof, not knowledge itself, because an indisputable truth is that presence of knowledge is only manifest in its application. In monitoring and evaluating knowledge as transformed matter, the criteria of process and progress; relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability may be used respectively. Techniques of analyzing applied knowledge data abound. Two techniques of applied knowledge analysis which are used in the CSIR namely, Cost-Benefit Analysis and Cost-effectiveness Analysis are discussed. What is knowledge? Definitions about knowledge are many and varied. Foskett (1982) defines knowledge by making a distinction between knowledge and information. He says "knowledge is what I know, information is what we know". According to Plato, knowledge is a subset of that which is both true and believed If someone believes something, he or she thinks that it is true, but he or she may be mistaken. This is not the case with knowledge. For example, suppose that Jeff thinks that a particular bridge is safe, and attempts to cross it; unfortunately, the bridge collapses under his weight. We might say that Jeff believed that the bridge was safe, but that his belief was mistaken. It would not be accurate to say that he knew that the bridge was safe, because plainly it was not. For something to count as knowledge, it must actually be true. I see knowledge as information that is acceptable to a norm about a subject. No one who understands mathematics disputes that 2 + 2 = 4 because the accepted norm is to use base 10 to add. That is, 210 + 210 = 0104units. This means grouping 2units and 2units into groups of 10 one gets zero 10s and 4units. Hence, 2 + 2 = 4. If base 2 is used, 2 + 2 = 20. This is also correct. This is how, 22 + 22 = 220units. This means grouping 2 units and 2 units into groups of 2 one gets two groups of two and zero units. Hence, 2 + 2 = 20. As long as the information that you have conforms to an established and acceptable societal norm, it is knowledge. It does not have to be true. If it conforms to an established norm, it will always be believed. As soon as the norm changes, what you know becomes information. When people do not believe you, it is simply because what you say to them is not acceptable to their norm. Good knowledge is useful knowledge. It permits man's survival by allowing him to use it to solve his problems. When we attend schools or listen to priests preach to us and accept what they tell us as reasonable and pass it on to other people or use it to solve our problems, what we are doing is simply accepting new norms about new or existing subjects. Mediums for Disseminating Knowledge Before discussing different platforms for disseminating knowledge, it helps to make a tacit distinction between what Polanyi calls tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge. According to Polanyi, "…tacit knowledge is what is in our heads and explicit knowledge is what we have codified" Given that tacit knowledge is knowledge that is in our heads the easiest and the only way to disseminate this type of knowledge is through organs of the body. We can communicate it through voice. This method of communication is largely applied in schools from primary to tertiary. Besides explicit communication, a lot of information and knowledge is passed on from one person to another through gestures. Laughing is a simple sign of happiness. Shrugging your shoulders indicates that you do not know. Of unique interest to note though is that gestures are not universal, they are unique to societies. Nodding one's head means that one is in agreement with what is being said after the European fashion. The converse is true in the Asian culture. In the Asian culture when you shake you head from side to side this means concurrence with what is being said. One of the notable efforts to try to address the problem of different norms and standards on gestures is what has come to be known as the sign language which came into being as an effort to address different human beings impairments such as speech and hearing. This confirms the definition made earlier on that knowledge is that which conforms to a norm about any subject. The second type of knowledge is explicit knowledge. This is knowledge that has been codified. How can knowledge be codified? Codification of knowledge came as a result of man's application of tacit knowledge to transform matter into various useful objects for his survival. Writing is the oldest form of codifying knowledge. Most of the world's knowledge is in written form in the form of books. With further transformation of matter through application of tacit knowledge other ways of codifying knowledge have emerged over time. We now find knowledge in mediums such as recorders, the INTERNET and others. Of particular interest to me is knowledge that is manifest in transformed matter. A spacecraft for example, is a form of transformed matter and an interesting manifestation of knowledge. Houses, cars, guns, computers etc are other forms. Impact of disseminated knowledge can be looked at two levels. The first level is the level where tacit knowledge is codified to explicit knowledge. This in itself is the effect (impact) of knowledge. The different products that we have are an epitome of this. The second level is the usage of these manmade products to solve societal problems. This shows further impact of disseminated knowledge. As will be shown later, the CSIR uses knowledge to develop different solutions to better lives of South Africans. Development of these solutions can be illustrated in the form of an innovation chain as indicated in Figure 1 below. When should knowledge be disseminated and how do we know when it has been? There is no stipulated rule on where and when knowledge should be disseminated. The simple answer to this question is knowledge is ready to be disseminated when the holder of it feels it is ready to be. Besides, it does not make sense to acquire knowledge to hoard it. In fact, it is impossible to hoard knowledge because we need to constantly exchange it for survival. Hoarding of knowledge makes sense only when one does it in order to gain comparative advantage over other human beings. Even this is not eternal. Overtime, the hoarded knowledge gets known and is further exchanged. For example, Colonel Saunders has hoarded information about his famous Kentucky Fried Chicken for ages using it to his advantage. Before his death he gave it to his family. This illustrates the point that it can never be hoarded forever. Figure 1: Innovation Value Chain Resources Knowledge Basic Research Strategic Basic Research Applied Research Experimental Development Technology Transfer Commercialisation Outcomes (Application of Outputs) Impact Dissemination of knowledge is often done with a certain intention in mind. When this is the key reason for knowledge dissemination, it is important to determine whether knowledge dissemination has really taken place. This is important for a number of reasons. One, it allows for learning on whether knowledge was successfully disseminated so that if not other means of disseminating it successfully could be devised. For example, at institutions of learning gauging of knowledge dissemination is done through tests and examinations as we all know and two, for accountability purposes. However, the key gauge of whether knowledge has been disseminated is its application. As indicated earlier, as tacit knowledge, knowledge application is seen in the development of different solutions in the form of products and services. In a codified form, knowledge dissemination is seen in the use of the products and services to solve societal problems. Note before, knowledge use does not only lead to useful solutions to societal problems, at times it creates more problems and leads to societal ills. A clear epitome of this is the atomic bomb that was dropped by the Americans on Hiroshima and the current nuclear age in which nuclear bombs, which are an epitome of man's application of his knowledge are a threat to humanity. Monitoring and Evaluation of knowledge With a view to making sure that knowledge is disseminated effectively, the concepts of monitoring and evaluation have entered many a field. Let me recap to say that knowledge is manifest in products and services that have come to being as a result of tacit knowledge codification. The application of these products and services is what can be monitored and evaluated for impact over and above monitoring and evaluation of tacit knowledge. First let me define the concepts of monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring is a process of continuously assessing both the functioning of an activity in the context of implementation schedules and of the use of activity inputs by the targeted population in the context of design expectations. Two types of monitoring can be cited. These are progress monitoring and process monitoring. The differences between the progress monitoring and process monitoring are summarized in Table 1 below. Table 1: Process Monitoring and Progress Monitoring Process Monitoring • Concerned with key processes for project success • Measures results against project objectives • Flexible and adaptive • Looks at broader socio-economic context in which the project operates, and which affects project outcome • Continuous testing of key processes Progress Monitoring • Primarily concerned with physical inputs and outputs • Measures results against project targets • Relatively inflexible • Focuses on project activities/outcomes • • Selection of activities and processes to be Indicators usually identified up front and remain relatively static • Monitoring of pre-selected monitored is iterative, i.e., evolves during process of investigation • Measures both quantitative and qualitative indicators, but main focus is on qualitative indicators indicators/activities • • A two-way process where information flows back and forth between field staff and management • People-oriented and interactive • Identifies reasons for problems • Post-action review and follow-up • Includes effectiveness of communication between stakeholders at different levels as a key indicator • Is self-evaluating and correcting Measures both qualitative and quantitative indicators, but main focus is on quantitative indicators • A one-way process where information flows in one direction, from field to management • Paper-oriented (use of standard formats) • Tends to focus on effects of problems • No post-action review • Takes communication between stakeholders for granted • Is not usually self-evaluating and correcting Source: World Bank, 1999 The following are among the goals of monitoring: • To ensure that inputs, work schedules and outputs are proceeding according to plan, i.e., that project implementation is on course; • To provide record of input use, activities and results; and • Early warning of deviations from initial goals and expected outcome. Thus, monitoring is a process which systematically and critically observes events connected to an activity in order to control the activities and adapt them to the conditions. Key steps in the monitoring process are: Recording data on key indicators, largely available from existing sources, such as time sheets, budget reports, supply records. Analysis performed at each functional level management. This is important to assume the flow of both resources and technical information through the system. Reporting, often through quarterly and annul progress reports, oral presentations organized by project staff. Storage, whether manual or computerized, should be accessible to managers at different levels of the system. The term "evaluation" is defined differently by different authors. There are over 50 definitions in the literature (Michael Quinn Patton 1982). With respect to the definition of evaluation, it is important to keep in mind: No single definition will suffice fully to capture the practice of evaluation. Different definitions serve different purposes. There are fundamental disagreements within the field about the essence and boundaries of evaluation. In defining the term in any given situation, one should find out the perceptions and definitions of the people with whom one is working. In its general sense, evaluation addresses the question "what has been the effect of the effort?' Any assessments, appraisals, analyses or reviews are in a broad sense evaluative. According to the Green Book (2003:5) "Evaluation is similar in technique to appraisal, although it obviously uses historic (actual or estimated) rather than forecast data, and takes place after the event. Its main purpose is to ensure that lessons are widely learned, communicated and applied when assessing new proposals". According to MXA/S &T/Khaya/Simeka Consortium (2000:7) "Evaluation refers to the periodic assessments of issues such as the efficiency, effectiveness, impact, relevance and sustainability of the programme in relation to the stated objectives. Traditionally this involves the running of baseline surveys, with assessments studies being conducted to measure change. A wide range of methods qualitative and quantitative are available". The above paragraph brings out something important about impact. Impact assessment is found in the realm of monitoring and evaluation discipline. It is a form of evaluation which determines the effect of an intervention on targeted beneficiaries. Just as evaluation has to be proceeded by planning and monitoring for it to be done well, impact assessment as a form of evaluation, is inconclusive without proper prior planning and monitoring. You cannot evaluate anything unless you have planned it in advance and monitored it over time. Therefore, evaluation cum impact assessment always comes after planning and monitoring in that order. Furthermore, impact assessment is meaningless to do without other forms of evaluation that give it conclusiveness. Overtime, OECD/DAC has identified four forms of evaluation that complement impact assessment and they are relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability. These stem from the simple logic that a good intervention is one that is relevant to the context within which it is conceived. That is, it solves problems within its context; uses resources efficiently in achieving outputs and objectives; achieves stated objectives; has effect (impact) and is sustainable overtime. Therefore, impact assessment can be looked at as a point on an intervention evaluation continuum as indicated below. EVALUATION effectiveness Relevance efficiency Impact Sustainable It is also important to note that evaluation is interdisciplinary. It brings together contributions from across the social sciences and related disciplines, including, but not limited to: politics, economics and public administration psychology, sociology and anthropology education, health and law information science and information technology. It has to be acknowledged though that the term "impact" means different things to different people. In discussing the impact of any research program, one can identify two broad categories of interpretation (Anderson and Herdt, 1990). In the first category, some people look at the direct output of the activity and call this an impact, e.g., a variety, a breed, or a set of recommendations resulting from a research activity. Most of the biological scientists belong to this category. The second category goes beyond the direct product and tries to study the effects of this product on the ultimate users, i.e., the so-called people level impact. The people level impact looks at how fit the program is within the overall R&D to discover facts (research) that have practical beneficial application (development) to the society. Impact begins to occur only when there is a behavioural change among the potential users. This second type of impact deals with the actual adoption of the research output and subsequent effects on production, income, environment and/or whatever the development objectives may be. The people level impact of any research activity cannot be assessed without information about the (extent) number of users and the degree (intensity) of adoption of improved techniques, and the incremental effects of these techniques on the production costs and output. The adoption of any technology is determined by several factors, which are not part of the original research activity. In any comprehensive impact assessment, there is therefore a need to differentiate between the research results and the contributions of research to development, i.e., the people level impact, and both aspects should be addressed. Impact Assessment is directed at establishing, with certainty, whether or not an intervention is producing its intended effect. A program that has positive impact is one that achieves some positive movement or change in relation to objectives. This implies a set of operationally defined goals and a criterion of success. There is also a need to establish that the outcome is the cause of some specified effort. As such, it is important to demonstrate that the changes observed are a function of the specific interventions and cannot be accounted for in any other way. The three basic principles to be observed in any impact study are causality, attribution, and incrementality. The other four aspects of evaluation that give impact assessment/evaluation conclusiveness are defined as follows: Relevance looks at the extent to which the objectives of an activity are consistent with beneficiaries' needs, country needs and global priorities. It also looks at whether the activity's objectives and overall goal provide proper solutions to the problems identified in the area or sectors concerned. Effectiveness relates to the question of whether the implementation of the activity has actually benefited (or will benefit) the intended beneficiaries and the target group. It answers the question, has it produced the expected results? Efficiency is a criterion concerning the relations between the activity costs and its outputs. The main question that is asked to judge the efficiency of an activity is whether the degree of output justifies (or will justify) the costs (input), in other words, whether there was no alternative means of securing the same achievements at lower cost, or whether it was impossible to attain greater achievements at the same cost. Sustainability is a criterion that examines whether the effects produced by the activity have been sustained (or are likely to be sustained) even after the activity completion. How then can monitoring and evaluation of disseminated knowledge be done using the above criteria of process and progress and relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability respectively? Let us look at the CSIR. Monitoring and Evaluation of the CSIR's knowledge The CSIR's reason for existence is captured in its mandate which reads as follows: In the national interest, the CSIR, through directed and multi-disciplinary research and technological innovation, should foster industrial and scientific development, either by itself, or in partnership with public and private sector institutions, to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the people of South Africa The above mandate immediately indicates that CSIR's reason for existence is to generate knowledge through research and technological innovation and solve problems with it. In the CSIR, knowledge is generated and exists in the two forms of tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge as is the case in other organizations. Tacit knowledge is in all CSIR staff of 3 000 employees with their Diplomas, Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees. CSIR explicit knowledge is in the form of publications, reports, patents, copyrights, products and services. Who is CSIR target in disseminating knowledge? The CSIR disseminates information to the internal as well as the external stakeholders. The internal stakeholders include those who have tacit knowledge within the organization, its staff. When knowledge is disseminated to staff the objective is to have impact in the following areas of the organization's activities: • Strategic Planning - Our past informs our future Reporting - We have to report on our activities as we perform our work To determine whether the CSIR is living up to its mandate - If it is, then its reason for existence is justified • • How is the knowledge disseminated internally? The CSIR has a number of knowledge management systems which include an information centre called CSIRIS, Technical Outputs DataBase (TODB) and Intellectual Property Management System (IPMS). CSIRIS is a cache of all books, reports, publications that the CSIR has. It works like a library. It is a resource centre that is used by the CSIR's employees in their work. It is also open to people from outside the organization who work in the field of research. TODB is a repository of all technical information that the CSIR has. It is also used for reference purposes. The difference between this resource and CISRIS is that contrary to CSIRIS, TODB is used only by the CSIR staff members. IPMS, as its name implies is a repository of all intellectual property that the CSIR generates out of its research work. This is also used internally by the CSIR. External stakeholders include those who benefit from CSIR's knowledge and those within the National System of Innovation and beyond, such as government, other science councils, academic institutions, private sector etc. When knowledge is disseminated to the external stakeholders the intention is to have an impact in improving the lives of its intended beneficiaries. Besides improving lives the information is disseminated • To account to Parliament for the funds being allocated to the CSIR - Be able to show evidence of the effects of the money it spends To inform society about CSIR's effect on their lives (especially the positive impact) - Celebrate its successes • In order to disseminate knowledge to the potential beneficiaries and solve their problems, the CSIR implements projects in the following sectors: • • • • • Biosciences Natural Environment Defence, Peace, Safety and Security Built Environment Material Science and Manufacturing Over and above the five areas, the organization has a number of centres that have been established to deal within societal problems in different areas of strategic importance. In determining the effect of disseminated knowledge, especially explicit knowledge, the CSIR uses the five OECD/DAC evaluation criteria or relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability referred to earlier on. In order to permit for assessment, the LogFrame tool of project planning is utilised. The logical framework (Logframe) was developed in the 1960s by USAID and today its use is widespread throughout the development community by for example, DFID, EU, FAO, GTZ and the World Bank. One of its principal strengths is its relevance to several stages of the project cycle: not only does it guide project preparation it is also used as a basis for project monitoring and evaluation (Commission of the European Communities, 1993). Although it is constructed during the planning stage of a project, the Log Frame is a living document, which should be consulted and altered throughout a project's life cycle. The Log Frame asks a series of questions: • • • • • Where do we want to be? (GOAL, PURPOSE) How will we get there? (OUTPUTS, ACTIVITIES) How will we know when we have got there? (INDICATORS) What will show us we have got there? (EVIDENCE) What are the potential problems along the way? (ASSUMPTIONS) Techniques of data analysis in order to determine impact A number of techniques are applied to perform impact assessment. These include Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Econometric Analysis, Linear Programming and others. The table below gives a number of the techniques and also indicates the criteria of evaluation which they support. The table is based on assessing knowledge disseminated through a project. PROJECT NAME EVALUATION CRETIRIA (1) PROJECT LOGICAL FRAMEWORK – PLANNING Risks/Assumptions Means of Verifiable Verification Indicators Narrative Relevance Effectiveness Efficiency Impact Sustainability Summary of Positive and negative Extent to which benefits Project Overall Conformity Goal: Project Purpose influences that appeared gained through the project are directly and indirectly as a sustained even after the Project Purpose: and Overall Goal Degree to which the to the recipient achievement of Project result of the project completion of cooperation country's needs at Purpose is seen in the the time of Output evaluation Extent to which Inputs Project Outputs: are effectively converted into Outputs Project Inputs: (2) PROJECT LOGICAL FRAMEWORK – EVALUATION Risks/Assumptions Means of Verifiable Verification Indicators Narrative • Summary Project Overall Goal: Project Purpose: Project Outputs: Project Inputs: • Overall goal • and Project Objectives' • comparative analysis • Statistical Analysis Quasiexperimental Analysis Performance Measurement Analysis Patent Analysis EVALUATION TECHNIQUE • • Cost Benefit • • Analysis • Cost Effectiveness Analysis • Cost Analysis Mathematical Programming • Modified peer reviews User Surveys Benefit Cost Methods o NPV • o IRR o Pay Back Period o Benefit Cost Ratio Econometric Analysis Trend plotting analysis and Out of the above techniques, let me discuss two. Cost-effectiveness Cost-effectiveness analysis is a decision-making assistance tool. It identifies the economically most efficient way to fulfil an objective. In evaluation, the tool can be used to discuss the economic efficiency of a programme or a project. Focused on the targeted major result of the activity – the number of jobs created – the tool estimates the cost of each job generated by a specific measure. The comparison of various programmes with similar impacts enables the comparison of the costs generated by each job created and provides useful quantitative indicators for the selection of comparative methodologies. The tool compares policies, programmes or projects. It presents alternatives in order to identify the most appropriate one to achieve a result at least cost. Cost-effectiveness analysis may contribute to answer the following questions: • How much does a programme or a measure costs compared with the cost of a particular component of its objective? • Is it preferable to invest resources in an intervention, to the detriment of another, to achieve the target? • What kind of intervention or group of interventions yields the best outcomes regarding the final objectives and available resources? • How can the use of the resources be optimised, given competing needs between programmes? • At what level of additional investment will the chosen intervention clearly give an improved outcome? Cost-effectiveness analysis can be used in: • Ex ante evaluations to support decision-making and guide the choices to be made. Depending on the cases, it can be used: • To foster the debate among decision-makers prior to the decision • To highlight the preferences of the groups representing different categories of stakeholders or actors involved in the sectors where the intervention is planned • Ex post evaluations to measure the economic efficiency of an intervention already carried out. • Intermediary evaluation to update the ex ante outcomes and choose which options should be selected to continue the intervention. Cost-Benefit Analysis A cost benefit analysis is done to determine how well, or how poorly, a planned action will turn out. Although a cost benefit analysis can be used for almost anything, it is most commonly done on financial questions. Since the cost benefit analysis relies on the addition of positive factors and the subtraction of negative ones to determine a net result, it is also known as running the numbers. A cost benefit analysis finds, quantifies, and adds all the positive factors. These are the benefits. Then it identifies, quantifies, and subtracts all the negatives, the costs. The difference between the two indicates whether the planned action is advisable. The real trick to doing a cost benefit analysis well is making sure you include all the costs and all the benefits and properly quantify them. Should we hire an additional sales person or assign overtime? Is it a good idea to purchase the new stamping machine? Will we be better off putting our free cash flow into securities rather than investing in additional capital equipment? Each of these questions can be answered by doing a proper cost benefit analysis. After data has been analysed and the evaluation is complete, the evaluation report has to be distributed to ensure that knowledge from the CSIR is disseminated. Apart from distributing the evaluation report itself, the most common ways through which evaluation information is disseminated include evaluation summaries, annual reports, bibliographies, thematic reports, the web, seminars, press releases, and public debate. Whatever channel is preferred, the best way to ensure dissemination of lessons learned and knowledge gained in evaluations is to improve both the content of reports and the presentation of material. A key benefit of good dissemination practises is transparency of development interventions and public insight into their value. References Foskett, A.C., The subject approach to information, Linnet Books, The Shoe String Press, Inc., Hamden, Connecticut, 1982, p. 1 Melchert, Norman (2002). The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy. McGraw Hill. ISBN 0-19-517510-7. Polanyi, M. (1967), The Tacit Dimension, Doubleday, Garden City, NY, ISBN 0-38506988-X Alex, G., and D. Byerlee. (2000). Monitoring and Evaluation for AKIS Projects. Framework and Options. Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS). Good Practice Note. Washington, DC: World Bank. Mxa/S&T/Khanya/Simeka Consortium, (undated) Developing An Inter-Departmental Monitoring Framework Monitoring Anti-Poverty Programmes, Pretoria. The Green Book, (undated). Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government Treasury Guidance. London: TSO
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Now it is the March time, when the weather is kinda sorta maybe not so cold, and the big holiday is all about pretending to be Irish in the most offensive way possible! For us here at The Portal it means lots of things, but the biggest of them would be the release of the new Magic set, Dragons of Tarkir. The Prerelease sealed deck events for it will be really awesome for several reasons:
1. More product, more events! Attendance for our Prereleases has been so big that we now have enough product to support a THIRD tournament! So we will be having our usual 12AM midnight event on the 21st, followed by another later that day at 2PM, and we'll finish it all off with our usual 1PM on the 22nd! There IS a limit to how many people we can have at each, so as always we encourage you to stop by and preregister as early as you can. As incentive, we'll knock off a few bucks if you pay in advance, AND we'll knock off even more if you pay in advance for multiple events! Here's the breakdown:
Each event is $30 at the door.
If you pay in advance and preregister, one event is $25
If you pay in advance and preregister, two events will be $45
If you pay in advance and preregister for all three events, it's only $65
Prerelease pack colors will be chosen in the order that everyone signs up, so the earlier you register the better your chance of getting the clan you want most!
2. Tarkir Dragonfury. Prerelease packs always come with neat goodies, and activities you can do between rounds. But there has never been anything quite like this. There will be d20 bowling for promos. Yes, you read that right. DRAGON. D20. BOWLING. FOR PROMOS.
3. The Super De-luxe Portal Treatment. There will be snacks. There will be drinks. There will be door prizes. Oh yes.
Now you might be saying, "Portal Guy, I do not care for the Magic. What merriment do you have for the rest of us?" I have not forgotten you, for I too enjoy the board gaming and the tabletop wars and the playing of different roles…
Just take a goosey gander over at the Events Calendar, gentle reader. We have days for D&D, Pathfinder, Malifaux, Warhammer 40K, Heroclix, Dice Masters, Dragonball Z, and MORE! Want suggestions for new hotness to introduce to your gaming group? We've got that covered as well:
Be all classy and grow some grapes that will later be made into wine, which will later be sold for points, which you need to win. Because losing is for people who drink lesser beverages, like Fresca.
Go forth and build things out of precious wooden resource tokens, to spread like a bipedal blight across the land and sea. While you're at it, ask the gods for some favors, if they are not too busy shapeshifting and seducing mortals and whatnot.
Change the faces of your dice to score as many points as you can in this race to find the elusive Rattlebones, a wacky clown person thing. Wait, maybe we shouldn't find him. But this game DOES have monkeys and mice and really neat dice. Heh. That rhymed.
And what does the future hold? Oh, just things like Tabletop Day and Free Comic Book Day and Magic Grand Prix Trials and PPTQs and our Star Wars May the Fourth Celebration. So yeah…

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Anyone seen Nexxus Savi Note LEDs?
Does anyone here have the Nexxus Savi Note LED light system? If so, can you comment on it? Anyone have a photo?
I'm in the process of interviewing PBs and most have offered 'upgrades' to intellibrites. My most recent interviewee includes the Nexxus Savi Notes in his basic bid.
I.know exactly what to expect from an intellibrite, but not so much from the savi note. Nexxus' brochure certainly wasn't designed to assuage the fears of someone wanting to light up their expensive hole in the ground.
Can anyone help?
Hi Barbja,
Since noone else posted... maybe I can help. We have a San Juan fiberglass Stardust model (16' x 38'), and while we don't have Savi Note Led's, we have two of the Savi MELODY Led's, and they honestly flood the pool with color... I was amazed. They also fit into a standard 1 1/2" return fitting, making them (so we're told) less susceptible to leaks. Just don't expect much of the "red" color to fill the pool as they change color. The magenta color doesn't have much of a "reach". Pool is beautiful at night slowly changing colors... even to watch from the deck...
Our Pool builder installed these in our build. After a year of fighting they drained the pool and replaced with intelabrights. The Savi's are very dim, and we could not conrol from our jandy PDA as promised. The fact they can go into a standard return was nice, but thats where usefulness ended.
I went upstairs to snap a couple photos from our bedroom window. (Sorry about the windows screen in the way...) I've attached a pic of our pool during the day, then attached a few of the SAVI led pix. This is two SAVIs in a 38' x 16' fiberglass pool. I'm able to control my SAVIs with my Jandy P4 PDA set up by my pool builder. I'm able to access through the menu options... but I set up the #2 smart button to control the pool lights... much easier that way. Hope this helps!
Have you considered the Fiberstar PAL TREO? The main advantage? These lights have a bulb that can be replaced where the Savi does not, you need to replace the entire fixture there. Same installation in a standard wall fitting.


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weimomMarch 19, 2012
I have picked all of my appliances except for a microwave. Any suggestions? It will be built in with a trim kit. Thanks!
Thanks avid chef. I currently have a Sharp sitting on my counter. That is one of the big things I want to change. I thought about the drawer microwave but didn't want to lose that space under the island. I think I will mount it with a trim kit next to the refrigerator.


text: New stories Upcoming Incoming 0° Mortal Kombat X dlc characters release dates 11m ago - Release dates for the Mortal Kombat X dlc characters | PC Comments (0) Source 0° Paperbound Review | Entertainment Buddha 20m ago - EB: Paperbound looks charming, plays perfectly, and offers a unique spin on the time tested brawl... | PC Comments (0) Source 84/100 entertainment... Ad Make the World / Break the World Now - Myriad is a twin-stick shooter that grows more beautiful the better you play. Give us your vote on Steam Greenlight! | Promoted post Read More SiteBot 0° What Could Be The Future Of EA Access? 21m ago - IM PLAYIN discuss the possible future of EA Access. "I've been using EA Access for the past fe... | Xbox One Comments (0) Source 10° Trials Fusion – Welcome to After The Incident DLC Trailer 23m ago - Welcome to After The Incident DLC Trailer of Trials Fusion in 60fps. | PC Comments (0) Source 30° Top 25 Games of the Last Generation | 20-16 25m ago - "Missed games 25-21? Click here to catch up and don't forget to check back each day this week as... | Wii Comments (3) Source


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a friend's dream of getting lion as a pet.
His friend :) kitty love
Inspiring picture africa, amigos, animal, beautiful, best friend. Resolution: 408x604 px. Find the picture to your taste!
Kevin Richardson and one of his big cats ... beautiful ...
Bear Hug?... Mmm I'll take the Lion Hug


text:
|Project Name
|Price (USD)
|Project Name
|Price (USD)
|Port iOS App to Android
|...to: We would like to port our existing iOS App to Android The iOS App includes: Nav Bar with...Table View Data stored on a SQLite database In App Purchases Basic Video Streaming from server Basic... Development Time Price We will provide: iOS Source Code Graphic Target Devices: Samsung
|Mobile Phone, Android
|Jul 25, 2013
|Jul 25, 2013Ended
|Port Android App to iOS .
|I need to port a simple Android app to iOS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=my#dot#dev...the app is to stream/play MP3's from a server. It consists only of 4 or screens. Android source...with a "seekbar" (this is what it is called on Android) while streaming.
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Aug 22, 2012
|Aug 22, 2012Ended
|Port Android app to IOS
|...for someone that can port my android application to IOS. Please check the app before making any bids...know the actual functionality of the app. When testing the app, please check e.g. shoes.com and ebay...behaviour of the application Main points: - The app has to read browser history, and pass the url to
|PHP, Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android, MySQL
|Jun 13, 2014
|Jun 13, 2014Ended
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android
|Oct 4, 2012
|Oct 4, 2012Ended
|Port Android App to IOS
|Details about the Android App are as follows: 1. Currently developed using Parse Mobile Application...supports NFC Tags which will be disabled on iOS Devices 5. The App requires the use of Mobile Push Notifications
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Mar 28, 2015
|Mar 28, 2015Ends - 3d 16h
|Port iOS App to Android
|...iPhone App which needs to be ported to Android. Please see https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iunder...Requirements: - Must implement AdMob - Must look like iOS Version - Must support High-DPI devices, like samsung
|Java, Mobile Phone, Android, Testing / QA, Software Architecture
|Feb 12, 2013
|Feb 12, 2013Ended
|Port iOS App to Android
|...looking for a developer to port our existing iOS App (simple eCommerce App) to Android. We would prefer (but...knowledge in both iOS and Android because the following project would be to update our iOS App with extra features...our iOS app: it's an eCommerce app, basically a "mirror" of an exis...
|Java, Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android
|Dec 13, 2010
|Dec 13, 2010Ended
|Port iOS app to Android
|...small iPhone app with ~15 screens that I need to port to the Android 2+ platform. The app communicates...you the link for you to download my current Iphone App from the appStore, so that you can understand it...is the source code for my app, and a build showing that it works on a android phone
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android
|Jan 10, 2011
|Jan 10, 2011Ended
|Port iOS App to Android
|Hi, I want to port my iOS App to Android ( native app ). Here the link of my App: https://itunes.apple...apple.com/us/app/igyno/id479872013
|Aug 24, 2014
|Aug 24, 2014Ended
|Port iOS App to Android
|...looking for someone who will be able to port our game app to Android. The game is already live on the Appstore...will be the interface of the game, which is more an app than a game. The game has about 25 menus/screens...and 768x1024 on Apple devices) - Support of in-app-purchases for Google Play and Amazon Appstore (integration
|Java, Mobile Phone, Android
|Mar 21, 2013
|Mar 21, 2013Ended
|Port a Android App to iOS
|I need this android app ported to iOS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mgs.LEDLamp
|Java, Android, Objective C, Arduino
|Nov 13, 2012
|Nov 13, 2012Ended
|Port an Android App to iOS
|...application I have been working on for some time ported to iOS to be optimised for the iPhone 5. The application...send the winning bidder the source code for the android app and they will translate it for xcode and provide...freelancer must have experience porting between android and iphone, I will be making my decision based
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Feb 12, 2014
|Feb 12, 2014Ended
|Port Android App to iOS
|...looking for an iPhone app developer to port an existing android application to iOS. App design, functionality...to be coded in iOS provides secure and private messaging. Necessary coding for the app will be similar...to start before the end of 2014. Previous iPhone app development experience is required. Experience with
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Dec 2, 2013
|Dec 2, 2013Ended
|Android port of iOS app
|...relatively simple iOS app (iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad) and am looking for an Android expert to port it to that platform...platform. The iOS app displays a variety of static images, gathers input, reads and saves text files...developer has: - Successfully ported iOS applications to Android - Has a very high attention to detail
|iPhone, Android, Objective C, iPad, C++ Programming
|Mar 6, 2013
|Mar 6, 2013Ended
|Port iOS app to Android
|I need the Android version for this iOS app I developed myself: PGS RADIO https://appsto.re/ar/aY_OW
|PHP, Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android, iPad
|Jan 16, 2015
|Jan 16, 2015Ended
|Port a Android app to iOS
|...application I have been working on for some time ported to iOS to be optimised for the iPhone 5. The application...send the winning bidder the source code for the android app and they will translate it for xcode and provide...freelancer must have experience porting between android and iphone, I will be making my decision based
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Feb 6, 2014
|Feb 6, 2014Ended
|Port an Android App to iOS
|I have an Android App (animal and plants catalogue and a list of places in a map) that I need to be ported...ported to iOS. I have the source code and all the info. Tengo una aplicacion de Android (catalogo...lista de lugares en un mapa) y lo necesito para iOS. Tengo el codigo fuente y toda la informacion relevante
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, iPad
|Feb 28, 2015
|Feb 28, 2015Ended
|port an iOS app to android
|...who can port an existing iOS app to android. The app uses parse.com for the backend and the iOS and webpage...webpage all use parse for the backend so the android project must use parse.com. Parse is easy to...and integrate and I have all the code for the iOS app as well as all the assets ready to go. Their
|Java, Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android
|Mar 20, 2014
|Mar 20, 2014Ended
|ios port of android app
|...project consists of porting an existing android application to the IOS iPhone mobile platform. The mobile...project scope follows: 1. Port android application for the iPhone IOS 5+ platform 2. Application contains
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Jun 6, 2013
|Jun 6, 2013Ended
|port ios app to android
|...very simple ios app for iPhone/iPod and iPad. Now I would like to have it ported for the Android platform...If possible, Android version 2.1 should be supported. To get all details about my app please send me
|Java, Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android, Objective C
|Apr 19, 2012
|Apr 19, 2012Ended
|port iOS app to android
|Looking for someone to port an iOS app to an Android app. It connects with a server which is also currently...currently set up. The app also uses geo-location. Besides connecting with the server and displaying...displaying the geo-location data, the app is pretty straight forward. I can't go into too much detail about what
|Mobile Phone, Android
|Dec 22, 2011
|Dec 22, 2011Ended
|Android Port of IOS app
|We are looking to create an android version of our existing iOS app. The app consists almost entirely of...through the app. We will provide all the PDFs and necessary assets needed to create the app. We are not...add any significant features beyond the current iOS version, but there may be a few small changes that
|Mobile Phone, Android
|Mar 29, 2012
|Mar 29, 2012Ended
|port android app to iOS
|need to port application android to iOS as per our discussion
|PHP, Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android, iPad,
|Mar 13, 2015
|Mar 13, 2015Ended
|Port iOS app to Android
|...iPhone app (with all source code - built in x-code) that has just been released in the Apple App Store...like to release it on more platforms (such as Android). Because of the app's simplicity and changes I...want to make in the future, I believe porting the app to HTML5 with Intel's porter tool might be the best
|Javascript, iPhone, Objective C, HTML5
|Dec 2, 2013
|Dec 2, 2013Ended
|Port an iOS app to Android
|Hi all, We already have an iOS app that helps renter and landlord to rent in a easier way, now it...and now we would like port it to android. Following are some features in the app:- 1. Basic email...familiar with android list view, you'll have easy time on this development) 4. In-app purchase 5. Push
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android, iPad
|Jul 21, 2014
|Jul 21, 2014Ended
|Port Android app to IOS
|Port Android App to IOS by murtansa
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Jan 29, 2014
|Jan 29, 2014Ended
|Port iOS app to Android
|...for a developer to port an iOS to Android app. http://idobi.com/app/ iOS app is free. Please review
|Mobile Phone, Android
|Apr 29, 2011
|Apr 29, 2011Ended
|Port an Android app to IOS
|...enchantingpixels.com Has link to my Android app. I need to port it to IOS / create an IOS app with similar functionality
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Feb 19, 2015
|Feb 19, 2015Ended
|Port android app to iOS
|I need an iOS app, exact copy of existing my android app.
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Apr 11, 2014
|Apr 11, 2014Ended
|Port ios app to android
|Hi I need to port my ios game to android and it must be compatible for all devices with errors. It
|Mobile Phone, Android
|Mar 19, 2014
|Mar 19, 2014Ended
|port an android app to ios
|...baptist university. We have a task to port an android app to ios, so I wonder if you will be interested
|Feb 5, 2015
|Feb 5, 2015Ended
|Port an iOS app to Android
|Port an existing iOS app to Android. It should take the advantage of Android frameworks. No backend needed...needed. The app is "self-supported".
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android
|Feb 10, 2015
|Feb 10, 2015Ended
|Port android app to ios
|I have and android app that published to PlayStore. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=het...id=het.pin.pano) 1. The current android app have a bug when loading image on "World map" tab, I need to...to fix this bug ASAP. 2. Port to ios. All services and design are ready. Time plan is two weeks. Please
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android, Android Honeycomb, Windows Phone
|Jan 28, 2014
|Jan 28, 2014Ended
|Port iOS App to Android
|I have an iOS Application that is on the Apple App Store. I am looking for someone who ports the application...application to Android. The link to the application: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kebab-maker/id412424387...Objective-C Code and all resources used in the iOS App. The developer has to guarantee absolute discretion
|Mobile Phone, Android
|Jul 11, 2011
|Jul 11, 2011Ended
|Port an Android App to iOS
|...project is to port an existing Android App and reproduce it in Xcode and having it ready for App Store ... 1) App will support all iOS devices including iPhone and iPad (you could achieve this by producing a...a universal App or standalone application). 2) It must be bug free and supporting iOS 4 or higher
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, iPad
|Mar 8, 2013
|Mar 8, 2013Ended
|Port an Android app to iOS
|Port this Android app to iPhone https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.mindfsck.Pos -
|iPhone, Swift
|Sep 27, 2014
|Sep 27, 2014Ended
|Android to iOS port
|...need to be able to convert my simple android app into an iphone app
|Mobile Phone
|May 14, 2014
|May 14, 2014Ended
|Port IOS application into android
|Need to port IOS app into android as per our discussion
|PHP, Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android, iPad,
|Jan 3, 2015
|Jan 3, 2015Ended
|Port Android to iOS
|I need an iOS version of my recently completed Android app on the Google Play store, re-vlr. All...All Android files related to app can be provided to the selected developer. Users of the app should be able...platforms. Parse hosts backend functionality for the app. Completion of project includes transfer of source
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android
|May 21, 2013
|May 21, 2013Ended
|Mobile Phone, Android
|Oct 1, 2012
|Oct 1, 2012Ended
|Android application port to iOS
|...currently have a simple android application I would like converted to iPhone. The app sends an SMS to a contact
|Mobile Phone, iPhone
|Jul 5, 2012
|Jul 5, 2012Ended
|iOS port to android
|...the word' app that I need ported to Android The app is basically 3 screens and has in-app purchase and...graphics already exist and need to be setup for android. Thanks, Frank
|May 20, 2014
|May 20, 2014Ended
|Port ios game to android
|...have an ios game which is like Jumpy jack. you can check here ; https://itunes.apple.com/tr/app/jumpy-jack/id826459257... We have ios one and want it in android . This game is so basic. You just code the android version with
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android, iPad
|Apr 8, 2014
|Apr 8, 2014Ended
|Port Android to iOS - repost
|...need an iOS version of my recently completed Android app. All Android files related to app can be provided...functionality should be the same as Android with minor modifications to address iOS specific issues. The platform...platform used by users of the app should be able to transparent across mobile platforms. There are 21
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Objective C, iPad
|May 28, 2013
|May 28, 2013Ended
|Android Port
|...project is to port a native iPhone app, which was developed in house, into a native Android app. All source...source code/documentation for the iPhone app (i.e. XCode objective-C project source plus images, graphics...provided and the development team of the original iOS app will manage the project. The team will be available
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android
|Oct 15, 2012
|Oct 15, 2012Ended
|Android Port from iOS
|Port Android app from iOS to Android and make it work with all tablets and phones thank you for checking
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android
|Jul 10, 2013
|Jul 10, 2013Ended
|iOS to Android Port
|...someone to port our current iOS mobile game over to Android native language. The existing iOS app is universal...level completion and unlocking new content 5. In-app purchases (coins, advertising removal) 6. Facebook/Twitter...11. Game settings (sound toggle, game reset) 12. App rating integration for Google Play We can provide
|Mobile Phone, Android
|Dec 9, 2013
|Dec 9, 2013Ended
|Port ios to android
|Hi I need to port my ios game to android and it must be compatible for all devices with errors. It is...using cocos2d-x (c++). https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clumsy-bird/id815511168?ls=1&mt=8
|Mobile Phone, Android,
|Mar 17, 2014
|Mar 17, 2014Ended
|Rebuild or port iOS app to Android
|...rebuild or port an existing iOS app to Android. The Android UI will be nearly identical to the iOS app. The...performance on Android, taking advantage of all relevant native frameworks when possible. The Android app should...should be supported by Android devices running Android Jelly Bean or later. Preferenc...
|Mobile Phone, iPhone, Android, Objective C
|Feb 10, 2015
|Feb 10, 2015Ended
|Port iOS App to Android platform
|...I want to port my iOS app iGyno to Android platform ( native app ). Here the link of my app iGyno: https://itunes...https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/igyno/id479872013 How much it cost? thanks
|Aug 25, 2014
|Aug 25, 2014Ended


text:
Baton Rouge, LAUSA 70817
November 12, 2013
Hi, I'm Jonette. I've finally made up my mind... there's more to life than work and worrying about my 17 and 20 year old kids. I love good food, wine, travel, movies, hiking, and writing fiction. Need to make some time to have fun!
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text:
Ruka Urushibara
Senior Member
Oh man, I put randuins twice, basically. That was supposed to be aegis.
Don't build Warmog's on Garen. It doesn't solve any of his problems (lacking CC) and doesn't synergize with anything in his kit (if you argue for his passive, I'd say urdoinitrong if you buy items that synergize with abilities that take 10 seconds to activate).
Consider that his W offers percentage-based bonuses to both Armor AND MR and you have a great argument for building one solid MR and Armor item (which your build has). Once you stack enough of these and need some HP, Frozen Mallet is really going to help you stick to targets (Decisive Strike procs it) while providing additional damage AND plenty of HP.
dont care about runes but:
start with dorans blade then
boots of swiftness
infinity edge
phantom dancer
frozen mallet
and ive never gotten this far but i think guardians angel.
do u really want to target a garen with 3800 health and guardians angel?
boots of swiftness lol. Do that ****. proceed to get stunned and see your dmg reduced to 0
Helter Kremlin
I play Garen conditionally. I've used him as an AD carry, a jungler (yes, it works), a Tank and a support. I build him according to what I need and when it comes to Garen, I never fail to contribute greatly to my team, win or lose.
© 2015 Riot Games, Inc. All rights reserved. Riot Games, League of Legends and PvP.net are trademarks, services marks, or registered trademarks of Riot Games, Inc.


text:
New and Need Help
kathy1700May 20, 2014
Hi Everyone
I'm new at both a forum and gardening. I hope someone with a little imagination can help me. I moved in this house not too long ago and as you can see it needs a lot of help.
What would you do? Only restriction is I have a Dwarf King River Birch and a Dwarf Burning Bush. Both gifts. I'd like to concentrate on the long strip along the sidewalk.
Any Ideas?
I agree. If planted with things other than grass, the bed will seem confining and unfriendly. The bed is contrary to what a landscape bed should be doing for the entrance experience.


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Date: 2 years ago
Runtime: 1:10
Views: 9,267
All Comments
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text:
Please join us for our Youth BBQ Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 5 p.m.
Easter Egg Hunt at the Outreach Center Backyard starting 10 a.m.
(call church office to make dinner reservation)
Join us on Sunday for worship services.
8:30 am | Contemporary Worship
9:30 am | Fellowship Brunch
9:45 am | Sunday School
10:55 am | Traditional Worship
Every week we record our worship service and make it available through our website.
listen now


text:
Seattle's Big Blog
Covering Seattle news, weather, arts and conversation.
Posts by Author
Study: Estrogen lowers risks of breast cancer, heart attack (NYT)
A major government study published Tuesday has found that some women had a reduced risk of breast cancer and heart attack years after using an estrogen-only therapy. The findings, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association and reported by The New York Times, challenged the conventional wisdom on the risks of hormone therapy. […] [Read More]
Top 10 dying trades: Newspapers, of course. But tux rentals too? (ABCnews)
A new report that names the top 10 fading industries in America includes some expected industries: DVD rental stores, record shops and newspapers (RIP, Seattle Post-Intelligencer). But the report, by market researchers IBISWorld, had a few surprises, ABCnews.com found. On its list of industries "on the verge of extinction" were the formal-wear rental business, manufactured […] [Read More]
Working until you're ancient (MSNBC)
Any working stiffs out there? A recent survey gave new meaning to that phrase, finding that more people are planning to retire after age 65 than in the past, largely due to the economy, MSNBC reported Monday. The Retirement Confidence Survey, an annual report by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, also found that one in […] [Read More]
Waitresses fired for not fitting into skimpy cocktail outfits (Philly.com)
Fired for not looking sexy enough? Harsh. At least 15 cocktail waitresses have been fired from an Atlantic City casino after they couldn't fit into the company's new, tiny, backless flapper-style uniforms, prompting seven of them to file a lawsuit. MSNBC and the Philadelphia Daily News reported that the Resorts Casino Hotel canned the women […] [Read More]
Prepare for sogginess: Heavy rains ahead, possible flooding
Prepare for sogginess, weather watchers. A strong, warm rainstorm is expected to pound Western Washington Tuesday through Thursday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch for rivers in King and 9 other counties. Between 5 and 10 inches of rain may fall in a 48-hour period, with the Skokomish River the waterway […] [Read More]
Food trickery: Companies sell tinier packages, for same price (NYT)
No, you're not imagining it: There really are fewer chips, crackers and pasta in those bags you're buying. As a way to camouflage rising food prices, more companies are selling things in increasingly tinier packages, so you're paying the same amount for less food, The New York Times reported. According to the report: Most companies […] [Read More]
Seattle sun: Today predicted to be warmest day of year
Yup, that's sunshine out there. But don't you hate when you click on a story that tells you something you already knew? So how about this: It's supposed to hit a high of 58 degrees on Wednesday, which if true, would make today the warmest day of the year in Seattle so far, the National […] [Read More]
How fatty is that popcorn? Movie theaters don't want you to know (LAT)
If you knew that a large movie-theater popcorn has more than 1,000 calories and the saturated fat content of a stick of butter, would you sip water instead? Or is shoveling fatty, salty morsels in your face part of the fun of sitting in an darkened theater and enjoying a movie on a Saturday night? […] [Read More]
Chupacabra beast legend solved? (ABCnews)
In the pantheon of legendary creatures, there's Big Foot, Loch Ness, the West Virginia Mothman. But in Spanish-speaking parts of the world, one beast looms large and mythical: El Chupacabra. That would be "the goat sucker," an allegedly spiny, heavy, big-eyed animal killer who drains the blood of his victims. But a paranormal investigator says […] [Read More]
Seattle native writes hit song in answer to racist video (MSNBC)
(UPDATE 9:30 p.m. Friday: Student in anti-Asian rant says she'll leave UCLA. See http://www.seattlepi.com/business/1700ap_us_ucla_student_asian_rant.html.) If you haven't seen the now-infamous video of white girl Alexandra Wallace doing an airheady tirade about Asians at UCLA, here's a quick summary: Wallace, a poli sci student at the California college, rants about Asian students talking on cell phones […] [Read More]
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text: Clent Hills Camping and Caravanning Club Site (90 reviews) from £5.60 to £9.50 Per person/night Contact Us Book It Images Map Select Section Overview A tranquil campsite retreat in the Midlands. If you want a get away from it all break but not be too far from civilization our Clent Hills Club campsite is a great option. Its location in a peaceful valley, less than a mile from the beautiful Clent Hills, makes this a truly relaxing site, yet the city of Birmingham is less than 15 miles away with Halesowen and Kidderminster even closer. This spacious site enjoys a peaceful ambience and pleasant views across the surrounding countryside. The Clent Hills, less than a mile from the campsite, are a popular haunt for walkers with miles of footpaths and stunning panoramic views of the Cotswolds, Welsh Borders and Shropshire Hills. The National Trust's programme of guided walks and suggested routes will help you find your way around this rural haven. The 440 acres of woodland and heathland are popular with birdwatchers too. For shopping, attractions and cultural distractions Birmingham offers the famous Bullring shopping centre, Birmingham Museum and Art gallery the Sea Life Centre and more. Other attractions within driving distance include the Black Country Living Museum, Cadbury World and West Midlands Safari Park. Worth Noting Some pitches are sloping and chocks will be required. Poor TV reception. WiFi 100% coverage cannot be guaranteed due to rural location, weather conditions and changing flora. These can cause variable signal strength. Hotspots are available. Prices. Eat Local The Site shop sells local, free range-eggs. The local butcher specialises in his own recipes and local meat. Facilities Clent Hills has the following facilities on or around the site. Members' and non-members' caravans welcome Members' and non-members' trailer tents welcome Hardstanding with electric hook-up Seasonal Pitches Difficult access/approach Flushing toilet Washbasins Dedicated accessible facilities Chemical toilet disposal point Washing Machines Ice pack freezing Gas cylinders Pets welcome Club Site Wi-fi Battery charging facilities Members' and non-members' motorhomes welcome Members' and non-members' tents welcome Grass pitch with electric hook-up Storage facilities Grass only pitch (no electric) Showers Electric shaver sockets Parent and baby room Drinking water taps Dishwashing facilities Childrens play area Payphone Electric hook-up Grass only pitch for larger tents Reviews Review 1 |2 |23 |Next » Expand review Recommended: yes 5 the site managers and staff are so friendly and go out of there way to help in every aspect,... Holmes (Club Member) stayed Mar 2015 This review is for Clent Hills the site managers and staff are so friendly and go out of there way to help in every aspect, it's spotlessly clean and well maintained. The Clent hills are a short walk away and is perfect for walker and dog lovers alike, Birmingham City centre is a 10 minute drive away but you wouldn't think you are that close as you feel your in the middle of the country side it's so peaceful and relaxing. The local pub The Sun is a 5 minute walk down the lane and lovely meals and pulls a nice pint, will definitely have a few more weekends there and if possible a week. Thank you to all the staff and hope to see you again soon. Towing: Easy Location: Town,Country Suitable For: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break,Younger couples Friendliness: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 5 Expand review Recommended: yes 5 Three issues that I would raise: First, the Dog Walk is ridiculous. John Cleland Everest (Club Member) stayed Oct 2014 This review is for Clent Hills Three issues that I would raise: First, the Dog Walk is ridiculous. Twelve inches wide on the road side is not acceptable. This is a large country site which should have adequate provision. Second, the hard-standing that I was on was composed of small boulders, not gravel or equivalent. Bad to walk on and for groundsheets. Third, the web-site told me there were no hard-standings with electrics available. When I phoned the site there were plenty available. When is this web-site going to be improved? There are none of these problems with the Caravan Club web-site. Towing: Easy Location: Country Suitable For: Peaceful break Friendliness: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 5 Expand review Recommended: yes 5 As a member for 25 years, this is our 'local' site and we have enjoyed the amenities, rest and... StuartG (Club Member) stayed Oct 2014 This review is for Clent Hills As a member for 25 years, this is our 'local' site and we have enjoyed the amenities, rest and quiet for many years. Each manager has added their improvements but this year, Ron and the gang have made a real difference. It is the little things that count, like the fantastic jigsaws in the amenity block, the 'parking' hooks for dogs, the flowers over the site, and they have worked hard to improve the existing hardstanding edges. Everything shows work and dedication to making the site look wonderful and a pleasure to stay at. And the grass is kept superb, even if the right hand side of the site has been unavailable due to periods of lousy weather. (I recommend the Sites Department look at installing drainage ditches to ease the managers plight, as that section of the site has been troublesome for all the years I can remember). All in all, I thoroughly recommend this place. Even if the mass conurbation of Birmingham and the Black Country is on the other side of the hill at the back of the site, the silence at night is deafening, and all you can hear is nature. For as long as we are able, we will keep returning to this place, just for the tranquillity. Towing: Easy Location: Country Suitable For: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples Friendliness: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 5 Expand review Recommended: yes 5 All the staff worked hard to welcome visitors and maintain the site facilites to a high... Xeroid 99 (Club Member) stayed Oct 2014 This review is for Clent Hills All the staff worked hard to welcome visitors and maintain the site facilites to a high standard. Our only negative comment would be that the toilets, especially the Ladies, would benefit from a refurbishment as they often needed flushing several times after use. Towing: Easy Location: Country Suitable For: Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break Friendliness: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 5 1 |2 |23 |Next » Travel Local Travel Nearest bus stop: 0.75 mile from Site entrance Nearest train station: Hagley - 4 miles Get Directions to Clent Hills Staying here? Public transport near the site Bike ride? Find cycle routes nearby Sat Nav Download our POI file Safe Directions Print Friendly PDF Widget by Frixo Standard Fees For more information take a look at Pricing explained. Minimum booking periods do apply. Age concession available at this site - More details including more restrictions


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And 12,000 threads. Darn good.
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Asus laptop sets itself back to factory settings
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Likes # 0
Posted November 15, 2011 at 10:51AM
Hi all. Hope that you can help me yet again!
My Asus X52F running Windows 7, set itself back to factory settings last time I restarted it. It seemed to do end of windows updates when it was shutting down. Fortuantly, I was able to restore it to an earlier date.
However, I am now terrified of shutting the laptop down and then starting it up again. I have my photos, documents and music stored in clouds but it would be of course, a real nuisance to have to re-register everything again.
I would very much appreciate any suggestions as to why this could be happening, if at all possible and how I can stop it from happening again. I know it is a bit ask! Also, any recommendations of any backup software would be useful too I guess, as I am thinking, it would be nice not just to use clouds.
Many thanks in advance!
Likes # 0
Posted November 18, 2011 at 3:56PM
Bristolgirl: it sounds like you're trying to copy your whole internal laptop drive to your external drive. That's not the idea (and is likely to be virtually impossible anyway with a 60GB external drive). You should just be identifying the folders that have your stuff in them - docs, spreadsheets, pictures, music, cookies, favourites, downloads - on your laptop and dragging those across to the external drive.
It could be - you don't say - that you're using the supplied software, which may be trying to back up the whole drive. This isn't what you need (not with a 60GB drive, it's not): you need to be selective.
DON'T delete anything, unless you've already copied stuff to your external drive - in which case, you may want to delete what you've copied, and start again.
Likes # 0
Posted November 18, 2011 at 5:47PM
Thank you Buteman and Ian for your replies.
I'm a bit confused (doesn't take much does it)? I have my photos, docs and music backed up into clouds and a USB stick but what I really need to backup is my (not sure if I'm putting this correctly) settings, so that when I go into a program, I can restore it from the backup drive, if it looks as though I am starting the program for the very first time. I'm not really sure, if this can be done or what I should be selecting for this backup.
I know that I've used up a lot of your time but I still hope that you can help! Many, many thanks!
Likes # 0
Posted November 18, 2011 at 7:51PM
It might be that your profile is corrupted. You'll need three admin accounts to fix this. Your old one and the new one you need to copy all your files to. The third account is the one that will actually transfer all your files to your new account (profile). Have a read here. Create a new account
Once transferred you can delete the third account and your old profile as soon as you know the new profile works OK.
Likes # 0
Posted November 18, 2011 at 8:38PM
Thank you as always rdave!!
I'm so very, very confused now. Should I create my new profile before I backup?
Likes # 0
Posted November 18, 2011 at 8:47PM
rdave13: with respect, I think you may be over-complicating this... But perhaps I'm misunderstanding what you have in mind?
Bristolgirl: Let's go back to the beginning. It's not 100% clear to me what you want to achieve.
Originally, we talked about some of the online stuff you do, and how it seemed as if these online sites had suddenly 'forgotten' you. We - I - concluded that the issue was that your cookies file had gone AWOL. We discussed how you could back up your cookies so, if they went AWOL again, or you had to reinstall Chrome, everything would still be OK.
But when you say "so that when I go into a program, I can restore it from the backup drive, if it looks as though I am starting the program for the very first time" - can you perhaps give a specific example of what you mean? If you mean, for example, that you have in some way personalised Word or Excel, and something happens such that that personalisation has disappeared, then what you want to do is not entirely straightforward. Typically, there is no way of 'restoring' a program like Word on its own. Usually, you would have to reinstall it - and it wouldn't have your personalisation.
There is a possible way round this, although I'm not very familiar with it. In XP, there is a facility to export files and settings. I'm not sure to what extent, though, it allows you to back up your personalisations. I'm not sure how selective it allows you to be either. I imagine there's a version of it in W7,and it may be better.
The other thing we've talked about is using a piece of software like Acronis, which makes a copy of your entire system - allowing you to restore your whole system to how it was the last time it worked the way you wanted it to. But: that's your whole system - and I doubt you'd fit that all on to a 60GB drive.
So, I guess what I'm saying is, we need to go back to the beginning a bit. Can you give specific examples of what it is you'd like to do? What behaviours have you experienced - specifically - that you want to have a way of fixing?
Sorry if this doesn't seem like progress...
Likes # 0
Posted November 18, 2011 at 8:51PM
bristolgirl The size of your backup HDD is too small to do a 'clone' or image backup. Windows has already stated this. Your most important backups have been made so forget the bookmarks and favourites. You can always copy the addies to notebook and paste to your backup HDD if need to.
Likes # 0
Posted November 18, 2011 at 8:56PM
Ian in Northampton
I shall leave it in your capable hands.
Likes # 0
Posted November 19, 2011 at 2:38PM
Apologies Ian. I think I got myself a bit too tired and managed not only to confuse myself but everybody else too! I do appreciate your help and support given! For now, I have another problem. I have tried to backup to the device that I have just purchased but it is making a horrible clicking noise combined with a red flashing light. So, I guess that can't be good. I have emailed the company about it and hopefully, they will be able to shed some light on it.
Sorry for the confusion about what I want to achieve! Essentially, it is what you so clearly put, in better words that I ever can, is that I after I have done my Windows update, I do not want the sites to have forgotten me. The sites that I have had this issue with are Itunes, Avast and Google Chrome etc.
Likes # 0
Posted November 19, 2011 at 5:40PM
Sorry to hear about your clicking drive. That doesn't sound good...
Well, if that's what you want to do, and that's everything you want to do, your 60GB drive may prove to be overkill... :-( As I said: to do what you're describing, you need to just back up your cookies and favourites. That involves copying the directories/folders in which they're stored to an external device, which could be your little USB drive. Then, if Windows Update screws them up again, all you have to do is to copy them back to the place you copied them from in the first place.
If you look here
you'll see an explanation. And if you look here
you'll find the location of the directory you need to back up, depending on your operating system.
Simply: identify the directory on your machine, copy it to your back up media. Make a directory/folder such as 'Bristolgirl Chrome Backup' and pop it in there. Then, if your cookies etc. go AWOL again, simply copy it back to where you copied it from in the first place. It'll probably ask you if you're sure you want to replace the folder - and you do.
Note that it's worthwhile backing up your Chrome user data regularly, as the cookies (and favourites) files are continuously updated as you surf the web.
Likes # 0
Posted November 21, 2011 at 10:00AM
Wow, that's great Ian! That's exactly what I want to do. Thank you for all your time and support helping me. I really appreciate it.
I will post again when I've hopefully done it all and all is working well again. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed!
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- The owner of the Tesla Motors (TSLA) which caught fire last week to catch the attention of investors sounds unfazed about the incident in a letter he wrote to the company detailing the incident.
- Testimonial: "This experience does not in any way make me think that the Tesla Model S is an unsafe car. I would buy another one in a heartbeat."
- Full text of letter.
- TSLA +2.2% premarket
Tesla Model S owner puts out fire about fire
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Comments (39)
I hit some metal road debris a few years back on the Long Island Expressway. It ripped a hole in the bottom of my car, but it didn't catch on fire. I had the car towed as a precaution, and was surprised to hear from the driver how frequent these types of accidents are.
Any statitistics on how often large metal debris is found on the road. Specifically debris that is over 5 inches in height. Now that is tough to answer.
@Jeffry Chmielewski: A simple interim solution would just be to send a firmware update to every Model S with air suspension to not lower at speed (which it currently does to help aerodynamics). Tesla also has access to the Mercedes parts bin, so they might want to take a look at the sensors for "Magic Body Control" on the S Class to see if something from that could be leveraged to flash raise the car:
[It ripped a hole in the bottom of my car, but it didn't catch on fire]
I frequently encounter road debris though so far I have always been able to go around it or otherwise avoid it. Every few months I end up calling 911 to report an object in the middle of the freeway since I tend to drive late at night and 880 is horrible. Incidentally a few months back I saw a car on the side of 880 with 20 foot flames spewing from it in front of the Tesla factory (the car was not a Tesla obviously) but it was fully engulfed. I wonder if it hit something since otherwise there were no signs of an accident.
Jeffrey Chmielewski,
Anybody that believes the owners response was not reviewed or edited by Musk, will believe anything.
None of these recalled vehicles need to have a collision or encounter road debris to catch fire. Oh, and none of them are EVs.
Ford recalls 465,000 cars due to fire risk
Chrysler recalls 2.7 million cars due to fire risk
Toyota recalls 7.4 million cars due to fire risk
Nissan recalls 250,000 cars due to fire risk
BMW recalls 1,540 cars due to fire risk
Audi recalls 3,594 cars due to fire risk
Fire risk, is not the same as fire incidents.
" NHTSA data for 2011 showed over 800 Americans were killed that year in vehicle collisions with road debris."
When the other makers are recalled for fire risk, the fix involves a $5 fuel line clip or a $5 power window switch.
"Using Dave M's metrics,
-That's because it didn't ripped a hole through the gas tank. If it did you wouldn't be alive today. *********** Gas tanks don't " blow up " when punctured and in fact the majority don't catch fire. There have been two Teslas out of less than 20k on the road that have had the battery compartment breached by road debris causing a fire. Those are terrible odds !
1980XLS - "Fire risk, is not the same as fire incidents."
Government safety investigators said "a fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use."
"As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said . ."
1980XLS - ""This wouldn't ever happen in with a Tesla model S"
The sad thing is, it doesn't matter. No matter what happens to these vehicles, the $TSLA longs will find reasons and excuses that defy logic to not put a dark spot on their beloved. It reminds me of the $BBRY longs who railed me when I said I thought it was a 7-8$ stock. In the end it doesn't matter, it order for someone to make money, someone has to lose money, that is the nature of gambling.
most sensible longs think the stock is overvalued... hence why they are not jumping into buying more on the initial dip. But the car and the company are rather solid. Given the fire statistics we have, and the information about the car, even if it does catch fire every time you hit road debris, you still need to look at it from a saving lives standpoint. Given that, noone has died in a Tesla at all. There have been numerous accidents (only 3 fires), and all that I have seen is people walking away at worst with a couple scratches and bruises. If the car starts randomly exploding, or catching fire after every single accident, maybe then I will have an issue with the car (this is not an outrageous claim, both of these things have happened to cars in the past).
I'm just surprised that Tesla didn't test for this type of problem (running over objects at high speed).
I guess as it isn't a mandatory test by the NHTSA they may have overlooked it and thought the armour plate would be enough.
Tesla has done LOTS of crash testing and while it looks like the did a great job of preventing fires from front, rear, and side impacts (which the NHTSA did test for and no fires occurred) it seems that a blunt force trauma directly from underneath is the chink in their safety armour.
I have no doubt Elon has his best engineers coming up with a solution. Perhaps a kevlar wrap for the undertray? This could be attached to all future Model S leaving the factory, with a cost price option to add this for any existing owners who are concerned. Provided of course the NHTSA doesn't enforce a recall.
The debate over the safety of Tesla vehicles appears to be a welcome distraction for Tesla longs. They debate over the safety, and yet have little in means of justifying current valuation. The vehicle fires are minor compared to how overvalued the company is. My advice; get out while you can.
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