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The Latest in ...
Major Report Calls for More Alternatives to Animal Tests
The scientific community has a "moral imperative" to develop alternatives, says a new report on animal tests by a British think tank. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics also calls for improvements in the lengthy validation process currently used to approve new nonanimal tests.
Two years ago, the council convened a working group of scientists, ethicists, and animal protection advocates. Although this diverse group did not reach any agreement as to whether animal experiments are scientifically useful or ethically acceptable, it did make a number of strong recommendations that could, if implemented, reduce the numbers of animals used in laboratories.
The Nuffield Council is funded in part by the government and two private foundations, one endowed by a pharmaceutical company. On the day the report was issued, the British government announced it would grant an additional $5.5 million to a new center working on alternatives.
Nuffield Council on Bioethics. The ethics of research involving animals. May 2005. Available at: www.nuffieldbioethics.org. Accessed June 6, 2005.
Research Lab in Florida Goes Animal-Free
A Florida research company that originally planned to use animals has had a change of heart. Two years ago, Suspended Animation, Inc., had asked the Boca Raton City Council for a permit to build a "cryopreservation" laboratory to study the freezing and resuscitation of human bodies, planning to experiment on animals in the process. But the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida worked with PCRM to convince the city council to reject the company's permit. The company has since undergone a complete metamorphosis that includes a commitment to leave animals out of its research plans. It is now scheduled to open a facility in Boynton Beach.
New Microscope Advances Nonanimal Research
|Dr. Steven Finkbeiner and lead author Montserrat Arrasate use the robotic microscope.
Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, have created a robotic microscope that revolutionizes in vitro research. Using the power of computers, this device automates the time-consuming and laborious process of following the lives and deaths of thousands of individual cells. Capable of photographing as many as 600,000 neurons at once, or at different intervals of time, the microscope allows researchers to visualize the effects on individual cells of an agent such as a toxic chemical or therapeutic drug.
Researchers could use such a tool to test therapies for nearly any disease at the cellular level; it is particularly applicable to studies of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. And in cancer research, not only could scientists see what types of cells are affected by chemotherapy drugs, they could monitor the very process by which a cell becomes cancerous.
Arrasate M, Finkbeiner S. Automated microscope system for determining factors that predict neuronal fate. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005;102:3840-5.
Acne Associated with Dairy Intake
A new Harvard study links dairy products to adolescent acne. A group of 47,000 women from the Nurses' Health Study was asked to provide information about several aspects of their diet during high school as well as any incidence of physician-diagnosed severe teenage acne. Researchers noted a positive association with total milk and skim milk consumption, along with instant breakfast drinks, sherbet, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. No association was found with several other foods often thought to affect acne, including soda, french fries, chocolate candy, and pizza. The scientists postulate that hormones and bioactive ingredients found in milk may be responsible.
Adebamowo CA, Spiegelman D, Danby FW, Frazier AL, Willettt WC, Holmes MD. High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;52:207-14.
Fish May Increase Heart Disease Risk
A recently published study reveals a little-known problem with fish consumption. Finnish researchers have discovered that mercury, a heavy metal and dangerous environmental poison commonly found in fish, not only increases the risk of heart disease, but may also negate the supposed heart-protective benefits of fish. Of the 1,871 men studied in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study, those with the highest mercury content had a 60 percent increased risk of an acute coronary event and a 68 percent increased risk for cardiovascular disease overall. The amount of mercury found in the men was directly related to their fish intake.
Virtanen JK, Voutilainen S, Rissanen, TH, et al. Mercury, fish oils, and risk of acute coronary events and cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality in men in eastern Finland. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2005;25:228-33.
Milk Consumption May Pose Risk Factor for Parkinson's
A new study strengthens evidence suggesting a connection between milk intake and Parkinson's disease. Researchers from the Honolulu Heart Program have found that adult milk intake doubles the risk for the disease. After gathering data on the diets of 7,500 men, researchers tracked milk intake, as well as intake of dietary calcium from non-dairy sources, along with other lifestyle factors, for 30 years. A significant association was found only for milk, with those drinking more than 16 ounces per day suffering twice the incidence of Parkinson's compared to those who drank no milk at all. Researchers theorize that the contamination of milk with pesticides and other neurotoxins may play a role.
Park M, Ross GW, Petrovitch H, et al. Consumption of milk and calcium in midlife and the future risk of Parkinson's disease. Neurology. 2005;64:1047-51.


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What I know of rat genetics, I found on the internet. Here are some of my resources:http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/7989/rats/genetics.html
Genetics really simplify inheritance. In truth, some genes are linked to each other. (Human beings have only 23 pairs of chromosomes, for instance, but many thosands of genes.) Also, genes and DNA are nothing more than "instructions" for an organism's body. Sometimes one effect will interact/conflict/change another. In addition, looking at the organism as a whole is much more complicated than just looking at the probabilities and effects of a single gene. I'll present here only the extensions that any breeder should know and be comfortable with. Please look to other sources for more in depth genetics info. (It is fascinating!)
Not all genes are simple recessive/dominant. A gene can have any number of alleles (which on a molecular level can be a variation in a single base pair, of which a gene contains many). Some gene pairs work on different levels of dominance, but others have a semi-dominant relationship. One example is a rat with two siamese genes is siamese c(h)c(h). One with two albino genes is albino cc. However, a rat with one albino gene and one siamese gene is neither phenotype, but a third "in-between" one called himalayan. and a full color gene "C" is dominant to both other alleles, so CC, Cc, and Cc(h) all have the same phenotype.
In addition you need to think about how two or three or more pairs of genes wiil affect each other. Here is one example of phenotype for multiple gene pairs: "aa" is non-agouti, "rr" is fawn, and "gg" is blue. A rat that is "aarrgg" is not black, fawn, or blue, but the result of all the effects interaction: platinum. The non-agouti removes the color bands on the hairs; the fawn genes dilute the fur and eye color, and the blue dilutes it further. Many rat varieties are the results of these sorts of interactions.
In some cases, genes interact through an epistatic relationship. Epistasis means that one gene pair essentially "overrides" another pair. It is sort of like dominance, but involving one pair relating to another rather than alleles in a single pair. The most classic example is albinism. Any rat that is "cc" is albino regardless of any other color or marking genes. (The reason this is is that the albino mutation prevents the rat from developing pigment, so no matter what pigment the rat is "coded" for, it just won't develop.)
Another consideration is sex(gender)-linkage, which applies to any gene inherited on the sex chromosomes (most commonly the "X" chromosome, but can occur on "Y" too). Sex linkage of color/marking/type mutations in rats is not well known or common, so usually doesn't need to be considered. If you are interested in learning about it, look up the yellow/brindle genes in mice, the red/calico genes in cats, or drosophila genetics.
Finally, there are the "lethal genes." No, a gene cannot kill someone. It is just an instruction for the cells. However, some of the effects cause a rat to die before reaching reproductive maturity or often before birth. Fatal genes often simply signal an egg cell or fetus not to develop at all or to be aborted in early stages. Many genes have "harmless" effects when heterozygous (the two alleles are different) but are fatal when homozygous. One example is the pearl gene. In rats, "Pepe" is pearl. When there are TWO pearl genes (PePe), however, the fetus is aborted in early stages and reabsorbed by the mother. You see no effect from this because no baby is born at all, which leads to a smmaller litter. (Some "fatal" genes involve a live birth but death within a couple weeks.)
As long as you remember that each gene pair in inherited independently of other genes (with the exception of linked genes, but you don't have to worry about that for most things), and that every baby produced in a cross randomly (50/50 chance for each gene)inherits one gene from mom and a random one gene from dad, predicting the babies is very simple. It can be drawn out using Punnet Squares.
Here's how you draw Punnet squares.
As shown by the following diagrams, rats that carry a recessive do not look any different than non-carriers. So how do you know if your rat carries a certain gene? You can't by looking at them. You need to look at the pedigree. If a parent had a recessive trait, all offspring carry that trait (if they don't show the trait), because they can inherit only a recessive allele from that parent. So if you have a black rat who had a blue parent, that rat carries blue. However, if you have a blue rat that had a black parent, that is meaningless. Black is dominant and cannot be carried. All blue rats (this kind of blue) are gg. If you don't have a pedigree, there is no way to know if your rat carries a particular gene. It is generally safe to assume the rat doesn't carry it (unless you know a sibling or parent had that recessive trait) if it is a less common allele such as dumbo or blue. Non-agouti and albino are quite commonly carried by rats in the pet trade.
Here are some examples of Punnet squares for crosses between blue rats (blue being recessive) and black rats (some carrying blue and some not). We're assuming all rats involved are aaHH.
Agouti/Ticked Colors
Here is a list of agouti (ticked) colors and their genotypes. Most colors have been scientifically described (meaning their letter designations and nature are documented); others are assumed or known by breeders. A "-" means that any allele can be there (so it is a dominant trait). Also, notice that some genes are designated with two letters (like "si" for silver.) I include only the gene pairs that affect each color. Assume all other genes have no mutation (which is almost always dominant to mutations--they may CARRY recessives).
Agouti: A- (no mutations/recessives): This is the "wild color." Agouti rats have black/yellow/brown bands on their fur and grayish stomachs. Appearance is similar to a ticked tabby cat (appears chestnut brown from a distance).
Chocolate Agouti: A-bb: Like agouti but a richer brown with little or no black.
Russian Blue Agouti: A-dd: A rat with Russian Blue (gray) and creamy yellow ticking.
Blue Agouti: A-gg: Also known as "opal." Similar to Russian Blue agouti but lighter colored.
Cinnamon: A-mm: A light brown agouti, like chocolate agouti but not as rich.
Classic Lynx: A-bbdd: An agouti form of classic lilac.
Fawn: A-rr: An orange color with a lighter belly. Eyes are a dark ruby color (they may look black in indoor lighting).
Silver Fawn: A-rrsisi: Like fawn but with 50% of guard hairs white
Amber: A-pp: Yellow to gold in color with a creamy colored belly. Eyes are pink to red in color.
Topaz: A-mmrr: A less orange version of fawn.
Cinnamon Pearl: A-mmPepe: A light brown agouti, like chocolate agouti but not as rich. (Note: "PePe" is lethal in utero, and rats with this genotype are reabsorbed before they are born.)
Other agouti colors can be found. They are essentially ticked versions of non-agoutis.
Non-Agouti Colors
Here is a list of non-agouti colors and their genotypes. Most colors have been scientifically described (meaning their letter designations and nature are documented); others are assumed or known by breeders. A "-" means that any allele can be there (so it is a dominant trait). Also, notice that some genes are designated with two letters (like "si" for silver.) I include only the gene pairs that affect each color. Assume all other genes have no mutation (which is almost always dominant to mutations--they may CARRY recessives).
Black: aa: Dark, pitch black.
Silvered Black: aasisi: Black with 50% of guard hairs white.
Chocolate: aabb: Rich, warm brown.
Russian Blue: aadd (sometimes "rb" instead of "d"): A cool medium gray color.
American Blue: aagg: Also called blue, sky blue, or slate. A cool light gray color.
Russian Silver: aaddgg: A very light silver. Eyes are black.
Mink: aamm: Medium brown, a colder hue than chocolate.
Coffee: aabbmm: A tan brown that looks like coffee with cream.
American Lilac: aamm + modifiers: A light form of mink.
Classic Lilac: aabbmm: A warm gray color, like that seen in other animals (lilac cats, for instance). Eyes are black.
Beige: aarr: A cream color from yellow to a dull khaki or even orangish. Eyes are dark ruby and may look almost black.
Champagne: aapp: A light, creamy yellow color. Eyes are pink to red.
Buff: aammrr: A lighter, warmer beige.
Blue-Beige: aaddrr: A tan color with a blue-gray tint. Eyes are dark ruby and may look almost black.
Platinum: aaggmm or aaggrr: A silver color not as light as Russian Silver. RED-based platinums may have reddish eyes.
Silver: aaggpp: An off-white color with an ice-blue hue. Eyes are pink.
Ruby-Eyed Mocha: aammRr: A coffee color with a red tint to the eyes.
Pearl: aammPepe: A very light gray/silver with black eyes. Also associated with merle. (Note: "PePe" is lethal in utero, and rats with this genotype are reabsorbed before they are born.)
Black-Eyed White: See the markings section. BEW are not known to be the result of color mutations or albinism, but rather are from high white markings.
European Husky/Roan: Uncertain genetics but believed to be a simple recessive. "True" huskies exist only in Europe. It is also called roan but is not like roans in America. It is a mixture of white hairs, both undercoat and guard hairs, and the color fades drastically with age, making all but vary dark colors appear white. (In the US, we have some fading and marking genes that we call "husky" or "roan," but they are different.)
American Husky/Roan: Uncertain genetics, but related to white spotting genes. Several types of fading genes are found in the US, and many are associated with the fatal condition megacolon (often not as a result of a certain fading gene but rather crossing lines with different genes that are essentially "incompatible").
Charcoal: aa(+modifiers): Seen in some lines of white marked rats, a gray that results from black being "muted" by white marking genes.
Siamese & Albinism
The "C" locus includes a variety of genes that cause albinism or partial albinism. Albinos are animals that lack pigment in skin, fur, and eyes. Siamese and other "pointed" animals have the pigment reduced or missing but present in the cold parts of their body, which includes ears, nose, feet, tail, and , to a lesser degree, the lower back. This kind of coloring should not be confused with "marked" varieties (rats with white markings on them). All of these rats can have white markings. In the case of an albino, you won't know from looking, of course, but the rat can be genetically hooded or capped while still being albino. White-marked siamese are sometimes called "trimese" or "snowshoe." They often have white gloves or even all their dark points masked by white markings.
Albino: cc (and any other genes): White rat with pink eyes. (Note: Pink-eyed white rats can also be a result of markings and/or the presence of several color dilution genes.)
Seal-point Siamese: aac(h)c(h): Eggshell/off-white body with dark brown to black on "cold" areas, the nose, ears, feet, and tail. (Note: a siamese with white markings such as hooded or capped may not show all the brown points because of the white. Also, agouti genes "wash out" the points, making them lighter.) Eyes are medium red to ruby.
Blue-point Siamese: aaggc(h)c(h): Siamese rat with blue points and light body. Eyes are medium red to ruby.
Russian Blue-point Siamese: aaddc(h)c(h): Siamese rat with Russian Blue points and light body. Eyes are medium red to ruby.
Mink-point Siamese: aammc(h)c(h): Siamese rat with lighter brown points and body. Eyes are medium red to ruby.
Himalayan: cc(h): Rat with a white body and light "siamesish" points. Points do not extend as far as in a siamese. Eyes pink in color (like an albino). Himalayans can be seen in many colors, as siamese can. White markings can disrupt or hide color points.
Burmese: c(h)c(b): The burmese gene is not officially described (I'm calling it "cb"). This variety currently exists only in Europe. Burmese rats have darker bodies and points than siamese (like burmese gerbils or cats).
Black-eyed Siamese: cc(e): Another new and currently only European variety. A siamese rat with black eyes.
Black-eyed White: See the markings section. BEW are not known to be the result of color mutations or albinism, but rather are from high white markings.
Fur Types
Here is a list of fur types and their genotypes. Many genes have been scientifically described (meaning their letter designations and nature are documented); others are assumed or known by breeders. A "-" means that any allele can be there (so it is a dominant trait). Notice that many fur mutations are designated by two or three letter notations; don't be confused. "Re" is one gene just like "A". Also realize that some types can look very similar but have different genetics, and it is not certain if different rexes are actually caused by different genes, but you can still use this list for practical purposes. Rats of ANY color or marking can have any fur type. As far as I know there are no genetic links between specific colors and specific types.
Standard: no mutation: Typical rat fur. Straight and medium in length. There is short fur on the stomach and longer fur on the back. Guard hairs in males are a little coarser than in females.
Teddy Rex: Cu1cu1 or Cu2cu2: Fur is soft and wavy with curved to curly whiskers. Can look and feel feathery. Only seen in the US, though similar rats in Europe may be considered "poor Rexes." Also called velveteen.
Rex: Rere Curly fur with reduced guard hairs. Whiskers are curly.
Double Rex: Cu1Cu1 or Cu2Cu2 or ReRe: Whiskers and fur very curly and short. Can look like poodle fur. Rat may look shorn and/or may have bald patches or be nearly completely bald at points in its life. Also called patchwork hairless. Double Rexes can vary a lot in their texture and appearance.
Hairless: fzfz or shn/shn or rnu/rnu or hrhr: Hairless rats are, well, bald. Some hair may exist on face and pubic areas. Whiskers are short and curly.
Velvet/Velour: kk: Fur and whiskers are short and crimped or twisted. Very reduced to no guard hairs.
Satin: Genetics are unknown. Fur is very soft and shiny and may look longer than a standard coat (if only because it lies flatter).
Ear/Body Types
Here is a list of body/ear types and their genotypes. Many genes have been scientifically described (meaning their letter designations and nature are documented); others are assumed or known by breeders. A "-" means that any allele can be there (so it is a dominant trait). Some body types are new or controversial (as most new things are). It is not well known if any of these types are genetically conflicting with each other because only standards and dumbos are well-developed and widespread, but they should all be able to occur in any color, marking, and/or fur type.
Standard: no mutation: "Normal" rat. This is the body type that occurs in the wild (well, sort of, domestic rats have been bred larger with appealing faces and longer tails).
Dumbo: dudu: Ears are set on the sides of the head, pointing more horizontal than vertical. Ears also are larger than standard ears and are rounder (standards have "tulip" ears). Head may be wider and flatter than a standard and the body may be stockier.
Tailless: Tal- or stst: Tail absent. Hind legs are lengthened and rat has a round look like a rabbit. "Tailless" rats vary a lot and can have spinal problems or not be able to give birth. "Rumpies" are completely tailless. "Stumpies," "risers," and "shorties" have varied tail lengths. A well bred tailless rat should have no spinal irregularities, oddities to his gait, or balance problems. Only people VERY experienced with rats and knowledgeable about genetics should breed tailless rats.
Dwarf: There are many dwarfing genes. Most cause sterility or other problems. Most (if not all) are recessive. Dwarfing genes usually cause heads to look larger and bodies to be more compact.
White Markings
Markings are quite complicated, and since they are the focus of one of my lines, I have a lot to say about them and am in progress of finding the nature of the ones in my lines. Because of this, markings are discussed on their own page
Odds & Ends
There are other colors being developed and other genes that are known to cause color or marking types. I'm listing here some of the minor genes as well as some observed new varieties and the theories of their genetics. (And some other lesser known genes too.)
Head Spots and Blazes: There are a variety of ways facial markings are formed. There is a recessive head spot gene wih hshs causing a spot that can be very small or very large in different shapes. Some blazes are the result of head spots that are elongated. Many of these are uneven, often going from the forehead to the side of the nose. There are other causes too. Blazes are associated with husky genes and a headspot may result from the h(n) gene too. Some blazes can be inherited dominantly or in connection with other genes.
Odd-eyes: Odd-eyed rats are those with one eye a lighter shade than the other. (Rat eyes run the range from black through red to pink.) Odd-eyes are not controlled by a single gene but rather are associated with certain white marking genes, especially those that are asymmetrical. "Double odd-eyes" can also occur, in which both of a rat's eyes are lightened, making red-eyed rats in colors that should be black-eyed (like blacks, blues, and agoutis). Although they are associated with marking genes, odd-eyed solid rats have been documented. Any odd-eyed rat, should be considered "high-white" and may be a megacolon risk.
Tricolors/Mosaics: A tricolor is an animal that has white on it in addition to two other colors. There are a few types of "tricolors" that occasionally show up.
Melanistic: A fading black effect that is the result of a mutation on the agouti locus. The gene am is recessive to agouti but causes a melanistic effect both as a(m)a(m) and a(m)a. It is rarely seen.
Sand Locus: These genes are documented but rarely seen in real life. A simple recessive sdsd fades agouti to brown-yellow, and black to dark gray. Its effects on other colors is uncertain.
Smoke: There are some rats that look like smoke cats. Smoke in cats is caused by a dominant gene, but in rats it is believed to be a recessive smsm. It may be a variation of silvering genes.
Conditions and Debilitations
Mutations can occur anywhere on a DNA strand. In most places (for rats and people anyway) this has no effect and produces normal individuals. Other mutations cause the first mutated cell to die immediately and not reproduce at all. Because this is random (and rare), mutations only occasionally make desirable and attractive effects like new colors and types. It can also cause deformities and genetic conditions like megacolon and diabetes. By understanding the genetics of existing inherited problems, breeders can avoid them and develop healthy lines.
Zucker's Syndrome: The recessive genes fafa cause very obese, fatty rats. Zucker rats cannot "lose weight." They are usually diabetic and die young.
Diabetes: Obesity can be related to some types of diabetes. Most forms of diabetes are recessive. One gene is designated "di"
Fatal and "Dangerous" Genes: Pearl, many white marking genes, and some dwarfing and fur type genes are fatal or linked to other problems. Hairless rats have a number of problems associated with different genotypes from dental malocclusion to kidney failure and other problems. (See the link at bottom of this page.) There are a number of recessive rexing/fur genes that result in seizures or other problems (these are mostly genes found in laboratories, not in the pet trade). Taillessness has some serious problems correlating to the changes in the spine/nervous system.
Megacolon: Megacolon is a disorder where at a stage in the embryo's development, the nerves for the colon do not form connections properly. Rats with megacolon cannot properly move their bowels and usually die very young (under 10 weeks old). It is linked to some white marking because of the place on the spine that megacolon affects (it correlates to the spread of color on the rat). The spotting lethal gene that causes one form of megacolon is a simple recessive: slsl However, megacolon may also result from combinations of other spotting or fading genes. Please read this page for more information about megacolon and white markings.
Cancer: It is known that cancer can have hereditary influences, but the exact nature of these influences is unclear. Mutations on oncogenes are responsible for several forms of cancer. (Oncogenes are genes that are code for cell grown and regulation.) Breeders are working towards cancer-free lines by keeping good records and staying in touch with adopters on the health of the rats they place.
Allergies and Vulnerabilities: Allergies and sensitivities to dust, stress, and infection have been known to be slightly to strongly hereditary. The nature of the heredity is not clear, so dedicated and responsible breeders watch their rats' health closely, breed rats older (usually no earlier than six months for females and even waiting for over a year for males), and breed only rats that are in the best health. (Behavioral problems have also been known to be hereditary, so it is not a good idea to breed "biters" or skittish rats.)
Historical Note: While it was being developped, the "English Blue" variety had serious hemmoraging problems that killed rats when they gave birth. Those problems were "bred out" of the blue line. It is possible to "breed out" some problems that are not too strongly linked to a certain variety nor too detrimental to the line as it is being developed. For example, many hairless lines are fairly long-lived and do not suffer the inability to lactate that is commonly seen in the variety. The more we know about linkage and the nature of the heredity of traits, the better chance we have of elliminating these problems and improving out pets' health and longevity.

subset: commoncrawl


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November 26, 2012
Mother City restaurants take top honours at the Alto Top 100 Places to Eat Cape Town 2012 Awards
Fazielah Williams
Fazielah Williams has lived in and loved her Mother City since birth. Having lived all over the Peninsula during her childhood, she now calls the picturesque City Bowl home and likes nothing more than watching the sun set over Table Bay from the window of her apartment.
A lover of the arts and proud Cape Town fanatic, Fazielah began her writing career by spending many hours as a child conjuring fantastical stories that featured independent heroines from faraway lands who saved the Prince instead. This Capetonian princess has enjoyed stints as a magical arts PRO and TV publicist before finding her calling as a travel writer.
When not waxing lyrical about the Fairest Cape's most loved attractions and activities and embarking on unexpected adventures, Fazielah can usually be found taking in a show at one of the City's fabulous theatres.
It's official: Cape Town is home to the top 10 restaurants of Alto Top 100 Places to Eat!
In a deliciously "byte-sized" contest, held online at www.spill.co.za, foodies from around the Mother City voted for their top 10 favourite eateries.
From the bustling city centre to the scenic Noordhoek, local diners know what they like in their restaurants and they know how to vote for them.
The Alto Top 10 Places to Eat in Cape Town are:
Dear Me
El Burro
La Colombe
La Mouette
Societi Bistro
The Foodbarn
The Roundhouse
The Test Kitchen
Sponsored by leading wine producer and the oldest red wine estate in South Africa, Alto, the Top 100 Places to Eat Cape Town 2012 Awards is awarded to give support for the growth and development of Cape Town's wine and food culture.
Says Cape Town Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Mariette Du Toit-Helmbold, "What a fabulous Top 10 list for locals and tourists alike. These awards are unusual in that they are the first ones to be run on social media where the public have had their say. It's reassuring to see that Capetonians enjoy their casual eateries as much as their fine dining and the results reflect this with the rising popularity of bistro-style eating. This in turn reflects international trends in eating out. It's also a very useful and handy list for locals and tourists visiting the Mother City."
Now in its second year, the competition is the only one that focuses on Cape Town eateries.
Says Gwen Job, brand manager of Alto Wines, "This is extraordinary because the finalists are all so diverse. Capetonians like to mix and match places to eat and we are certainly spoilt for choice. There is an unspoken pride in all our restaurants in that they put so much effort into the customer experience, and this is the common thread in the finalists."
Spill is a leading online food and drink magazine with a focus on the Cape Town market. It is edited by food writer Clare Mack.
Says Claire,"We had a fantastic response from the public and there's no doubt about it; the ALTO Top 10 Places to Eat Cape Town are all fabulous places to eat, delivering different experiences, and that's what dining out is all about.
Cape Town, when it comes to food, is phenomenal."
For more information about the Alto Top 100 Places to Eat Cape Town 2012 Awards, visit www.spill.co.za.


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SABLE Chemicals will increase ammonium imports to 5 000 tonnes per month to augment local production, chairman Mr Misheck Kachere said in an interview last week. "We will be gradually increasing our imports from the current 2 000 to 5 000 tonnes and that will give us a total of 10 000 tonnes per month including our local output," he said.
Mr Kachere said raising imports was a short-term strategy before the firm embarks on producing ammonium from coal-bed methane which will replace the electrolysis system.
Mr Kachere said the imports will be mainly from South Africa. With 10 000 tonnes of ammonium, the local fertiliser industry can manufacture ammonium nitrate for export markets.
Ammonia is a critical raw material for the manufacture of AN fertiliser.
"After processing 10 000 tonnes of ammonium, 30 percent to 40 percent of the output can be exported," said Mr Kachere. "That can be a very viable arrangement."
Sable is planning to decommission its electrolysis plant -- used to separate water oxygen for the hydrogen it requires in the production of ammonia in the near future.
The electrolysis plant is the major factor behind Sable Chemicals' accumulation of the unsustainable electricity bill. The plant consumes up to 70 megawatts every month.
The plant, which started operating in 1972, is now old and expensive to run, apart from its high consumption of power.
A feasibility study of the coal gas project was completed in November last year and the results were that the project is technically and economically viable, the company said in June this year.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy has expressed concern over Government's failure to pay US$39 million in electricity subsidies for Sable.
In its post-Budget analysis, the committee, chaired by Mr Edward Chindori-Chininga, said it was critical for Government to honour its obligations.
"The committee observed with concern Government's commitment to subsidise Sable Chemicals electricity debt of US$57 million dating back to 2009," said the report.
"Government is supposed to pay US$39 million. However, no subsidy has been received since then and nothing has been allocated in the Budget to pay for the subsidy.
The committee recommends that Sable Chemicals and Government should pay part of the debt because this is essential in reducing Zesa's operational costs. Zesa cut off power supplies to Sable last month over a ballooning power bill."


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GaetanoRate Gaetano: Do you like this name?
Meaning and name origin
Gaetano \ga(e)-ta-no\ as a boy's name is of Italian and Latin origin, and the meaning of Gaetano is "from Gaeta". Italian form of Latin Caietanus, referring to a person from Caieta (now Gaeta), a city in southern Italy. According to legend, the place was named after Aeneas' nurse, Caieta, who died there. Caieta may also derive from Kaiadas, a Greek place for the execution of prisoners. The name of a 16th-century Italian saint Cajetan, who helped the poor of Naples.
Gaetano has 11 variant forms: Caetano, Caje, Cajetan, Cajetano, Cayetano, Gaetan, Gaetane, Gaeton, Kajetan, Kajetano and Kayetan.
Gaetano is not a popular first name for males but a very popular surname or last name for all people (#26574 out of 88799, Top 30%) (2000 U.S. Census).
Displayed below is the baby name popularity of the name Gaetano for boys (2014 statistics).


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Palmdale Regional Medical Center looks for exceptional people who share its vision and values. People who know that working in healthcare is more than a job…it's a vocation. Healthcare professionals have a unique opportunity to affect lives for the better every day. Clearly, the organization you choose is important. You want to make a difference—not only in your own life, but also to your family and your community. To succeed, you must choose a


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Peter Schwartz is cofounder and chairman of Global Business Network (GBN), a Monitor Group company, and a partner of the Monitor Group, a family of professional services firms devoted to enhancing client competitiveness. An internationally renowned futurist and business strategist, Peter specializes in scenario planning, working with corporations, governments, and institutions to create alternative perspectives of the future and develop robust strategies for a changing and uncertain world. His current research and scenario work is particularly focused on climate change and national security issues, and also encompasses energy resources and the environment, technology, telecommunications and aerospace.
Schwartz is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the World Affairs Council and, in Singapore, the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council. He also sits on the boards of The Long Now Foundation, The International Energy Board, The Center for New American Security, and the Center for Strategic Futures.
From 1982 to 1986, he headed scenario planning for the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies in London. His team conducted comprehensive analyses of the global business and political environment and worked with senior management to create successful strategies. Before joining Royal Dutch/Shell, Schwartz directed the Strategic Environment Center at SRI International. The Center researched the business milieu, lifestyles, and consumer values, and conducted scenario planning for corporate and government clients.
Schwartz is the author of Inevitable Surprises (Gotham, 2003), a provocative look at the dynamic forces at play in the world today and their implications for business and society. His first book, The Art of the Long View (Doubleday Currency, 1991; audio tape, 1995; paperback, 1996), is considered a seminal publication on scenario planning and has been translated into multiple languages. He is also the co-author of The Long Boom (Perseus, 1999), a vision for the world characterized by global openness, prosperity, and discovery; When Good Companies Do Bad Things (Wiley, 1999), an examination of, and argument for, corporate social responsibility; and China's Futures (Jossey-Bass, 2001), which describes very different scenarios for China and their international implications. He publishes and lectures widely and served as a script consultant on the films "The Minority Report," "Deep Impact," "Sneakers," and "War Games." Peter received a B.S. in aeronautical engineering and astronautics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
At the 2011 URI Honors Colloquium, he will discuss the increasingly intertwined worlds of mass media and social media, its impacts and its future.
Given the rapid changes in technology discussed by Ray Kurzweil in the first lecture in this series, each of us is left wondering about what our future might look like. However, if the recent past is any guide, predicting our future with any certainty is unrealistic at best. How many of us would, in the early nineties, have predicted that we would have a smart-phone in 15 years or be doing a significant fraction of our shopping and virtually all of our correspondence electronically in 10. And yet each of these has had, or will in the very near future have, a major impact on our lives. So how does one go about planning for the future? One approach is the use of scenarios to aid in preparing for the future. Scenario planning is a strategic planning method routinely used by organizations and businesses to make long-term plans for the future of their entity - you have very likely heard of the military's war games. However, scenario planning can also be used on an individual basis to help each of us plan for our own future. Peter Schwartz, one of the world's leaders in scenario planning, emphasizes that scenarios are not predictions but, rather, are built "to help you change your view of reality - to match it up more closely with reality as it is, and reality as it is going to be". He defines scenarios "as a set of organized ways to dream effectively about our future". An important element of scenario planning is to envision a range of possible futures so that one is prepared for any eventuality. Schwartz recommends at least three scenarios: the status quo, a future in which life goes on pretty much as it has, and the two opposite extremes, an optimistic future, one in which one envisions the best thing that could happen, and a pessimistic future, one in which one asks what could go wrong.
In this presentation, Peter Schwartz will discuss the implication of the interplay between geopolitics and technology on likely scenarios for the future.
URI Presentation - Video
The video for Peter Schwartz's URI presentation on 9/20/11
URI Presentation - Slides
This is a link to the 28 MB zipped file containing the PowerPoint of Peter Schwartz's URI presentation.
Global Business Network Website
The official website for the Global Business Network, a company that Peter Schwartz founded to help companies realize and address their future challenges
Danese Cooper Conversation
Peter Schwartz's conversation with Danese Cooper about the future of humanity
Plug-In 2008 Speech
Peter Schwartz's speech at Plug-In 2008 on the relationship between global warming and the electrification of transportation
NewsX interview
A NewsX interview with Peter Schwartz about his work as a futurist
Update to Art of the Long View
Link to an updated version of Peter's book, The Art of the Long View
Art of the Long View Excerpt
Link to an excerpted version of The Art of the Long View
Art of the Long View Abstract
Link to an abstract of The Art of the Long View


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so, you guys know that Tuesday, I posted sarah and Stevie,'s wedding sneaks from their wedding in key west. They also had a day after session, we may or may not have broken into the place for a brief moment. I'm not entirely sure I should post that, but what the heck.
Enjoy these sneaks until the big post and leave love for the sweet couple. I know they'd love it!
we did a quick change of clothes and went to the beach. This was actually almost the exact spot where my husband proposed over 6.5 years ago!
I love this photo!


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Good morning! Here's a look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up today. Some plans are subject to change; see the 2 p.m. News Digest for updates. You can find our contact info at the bottom of this advisory.
Among today's coverage highlights as we see them at 10:15 a.m. EST:
— EGYPT (sent; developing)
— NIGERIA-ANTI-GAY LAW (sent, developing)
— BUDGET BATTLE (sent; developing)
— NSA SURVEILLANCE (sent; developing)
— CHRISTIE-STATE OF STATE (sent; developing)
— DRUG TUNNEL ROBOTS (upcoming)
— SOUTH SUDAN (sent, developing)
— GRIDIRON GREATS-EXHIBITION (sent)
— FOREIGN-BASED BOURBON (sent)
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN-IT'S HOT (sent)
PHOTOS: EGYPT (sent, with text); BERLIN FASHION (sent); AUSTRALIAN OPEN (sent)
VIDEO: CALIF. BEARS-TAHOE (sent); NY VINTAGE FOOTBALL CARDS (sent, with text); POLICE HOMELESS DEATHS (sent, with text)
Here are details of those stories, plus others we have in the works for today and notable pieces that we sent in the past 10 hours (all times EST):
EGYPT – Military helicopters were buzzing overhead and hundreds of thousands of soldiers and police were deployed as Egyptians voted on a new constitution in a referendum that will pave the way for a likely presidential run by the nation's top general. SENT: 1,300 words, photos. UPCOMING: 1,100 words with a new approach by 3 p.m.
– EGYPT-CONSTITUTION-GLANCE – A look at key articles in the draft charter. SENT: 690 words, photos.
– EGYPT-QUOTE BOX – Voices of Egypt's voters on draft constitution. SENT: 450 words, photo.
SOUTH SUDAN – A military spokesman in South Sudan says 200 people fleeing warfare died after a boat crossing the Nile River sank. SENT: 740 words.
CHINA FACTORY FIRE – A fire at a shoe factory in eastern China kills at least 16 people, state media say. SENT: 210 words.
FRANCE PRESIDENT'S SEX LIFE – Hollande's complex personal life — and what it means to be the first lady in modern society — may get a full airing as he answers questions for the first time since a tabloid reported he was having an affair with an actress. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING: Developing from news conference beginning at 10:30 a.m.
KERRY VATICAN – Kerry is meeting with a top Vatican diplomat, but isn't expected to see the pope. SENT: 130 words.
THAILAND-POLITICS – Thailand's political crisis ground on as the country's prime minister reiterated her refusal to quit as protesters trying to topple her administration blocked key roads in the heart of Bangkok for a second day. SENT: 610 words, photos.
– THAILAND-POLITICS-Q&A — Questions and answers about the political unrest. SENT: 800 words, photos.
VIETNAM-US-RETURNED HELMET – On Tuesday, four U.S. veterans returned a helmet in a ceremony northwest of Hanoi that stressed the need for peace and reconciliation. SENT: 350 words, photos.
TRINIDAD-HUNTING BAN – Officials have temporarily transformed Trinidad and Tobago into a no-trapping, no-hunting zone to give animals breathing room and allow wildlife surveys. SENT: 670 words, photos.
IRAN-NUCLEAR – UN nuclear agency to meet Jan. 24 to seek agreement on supervising pact between Iran and six world powers. SENT: 380 words.
NEW ZEALAND-DOTCOM POLITICAL PARTY – Indicted Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom says he's launching a political party in his adopted home of New Zealand to contest the country's general election this year. SENT: 520 words, photo.
KUWAIT-SYRIAN AID – Relief aid officials are hoping wealthy Gulf states and other international donors gathering for a major fundraising drive in Kuwait will step up their giving to help Syrians affected by the country's civil war. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos by 2 p.m.
SYRIA-REFUGEES – Fear, confusion and a poor flow of information has prevented many Syrian refugees flooding into Lebanon from knowing where to turn to for assistance. UPCOMING: 1,000 words, photos by 4 p.m.
CHINA-HOME VIDEO – China's video industry is confident it can beat piracy and persuade the public to pay for online content. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
CHINA-BABY TRAFFICKING – A Chinese court convicts a doctor of baby trafficking and sentences her to death with a two-year reprieve, after the obstetrician admits in court that she stole babies from the hospital where she worked and sold them to human traffickers. SENT: 300 words.
SERBIA-SLAIN JOURNALIST – Two Serbian former senior secret service officials have been arrested in the killing of a prominent independent Serb journalist and publisher nearly 15 years ago. SENT: 130 words.
NIGERIA-ANTI-GAY LAW – Local and international groups fighting AIDS warned that a new Nigerian law criminalizing same-sex marriage and gay organizations will jeopardize the fight against the deadly disease. SENT: 450 words, photo.
NIGERIA-VIOLENCE – A car bomb exploded at a military checkpoint in a busy urban commercial area in northeast Nigeria. SENT: 400 words.
DUBAI-WOLF OF WALL STREET – Censors have cut about 45 minutes from the high-finance extravaganza "The Wolf of Wall Street" for Dubai audiences, or a quarter of the film, leaving many viewers confused about the sequence of events and disappointed. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos by 2 p.m.
IRAQ – Iraqi officials say bombings and a drive-by shooting have killed six people in Baghdad, including a judge. SENT: 180 words, photos.
ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS – Israeli police pull over Palestinian prime minister's convoy in West Bank for speeding. SENT: 130 words.
LEBANON – An Al-Qaida-linked group in Lebanon vows to strike at Iran and Hezbollah over death of its leader. SENT: 130 words.
ASIA-DISPUTED WATERS – China has insisted it will regulate fishing in the disputed South China Sea under its laws despite protests by neighboring countries, a Philippine official says. SENT: 230 words.
PHILIPPINES-MARCOS WEALTH – A Philippine court decision ordering the widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos to relinquish more than $100,000 in jewelry is a victory for Filipinos and shows that crime does not pay, an official says. SENT: 400 words, photos.
MYANMAR-ELEPHANTS – Wildlife monitors have accused Myanmar of failing to protect elephants after finding 30 tusks and thousands of pieces of ivory for sale at a market near China. SENT: 130 words.
RUSSIA-US-JOURNALIST EXPELLED – Russia bars journalist for the U.S-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty from the country for five years over a visa infraction, a charge the journalist described as "a bureaucratic trickery" to keep him out of the country. SENT: 730 words.
ROMANIA-COMMUNIST CRIMES – Former Communist prison commander charged with genocide denies charges, says he has no regrets. SENT: 150 words.
CHINA-HOLIDAY TRAVEL – Authorities expect Chinese to make 3.6 billion trips during the 40-day Chinese New Year travel period that starts Thursday. SENT: 130 words.
TURKEY-POLICE RAIDS – Turkish media say police have carried out raids in six Turkish cities, detaining several people allegedly linked to al-Qaida, including an employee of a prominent Islamic charity. SENT: 130 words.
CZECH-EXPLOSION – The Czech Foreign Ministry says Palestinian authorities have apologized for illegal weapons discovered at the Palestinian embassy complex in Prague where a possibly booby-trapped safe killed the ambassador. SENT: 130 words.
BRITAIN-AFGHAN ATHEIST – Afghan man granted asylum in Britain on grounds he faces persecution for atheism. SENT: 130 words.
BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL – US producer James Schamus to chair Berlin film festival jury, also featuring Christoph Waltz. SENT: 130 words.
GERMANY-NSA SURVEILLANCE – Top German lawmaker presses for 'no-spy' accord with US, says failure would be unacceptable. SENT: 110 words.
BRITAIN-INDIA-TEMPLE RAID – UK orders inquiry into whether British special forces played role in deadly Indian temple raid. SENT: 140 words.
PUERTO RICO-TEACHERS' STRIKE – Puerto Rico teachers gather outside public schools as they launch a two-day strike. SENT: 130 words.
MEXICO-VIGILANTES – Mexico's attorney general says federal forces have clashed in at least one case with vigilantes as it tries to restore order in the western state of Michoacan after days of violence. SENT: 130 words.
BUDGET BATTLE – The sales job is on for a bipartisan $1.1 trillion spending bill to pay for the operations of government through October and finally put to rest the bitter budget battles of last year. SENT: 900 words, photos. UPCOMING: 1,000 words, photos by 4 p.m.
– BUDGET BATTLE-GLANCE – Quick glance at $1.1T spending bill offering relief to Pentagon, many domestic programs. SENT: 230 words.
OBAMA-ECONOMY – Ready to put an economic spotlight on his State of the Union address, Obama is picking up the pace of his jobs message and making a case that, even against a divided Congress, he can still be relevant to people struggling in the up-and-down recovery. SENT: 620 words, photo. UPCOMING: 700 words, photo by 1:30 p.m.
NSA SURVEILLANCE – Telephone companies are quietly balking at the idea of changing how they collect and store Americans' phone records to help the NSA's surveillance programs. SENT: 1,000 words, photo. UPCOMING: Developing from 2:30 p.m. Senate Judiciary hearing; 800 words with new approach by 5 p.m.
JOBLESS BENEFITS-POLITICS – When federal emergency unemployment benefits expired last month, the effects ran deep in a Colorado county marked by two exit ramps off of Interstate 15. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
OBAMA-HEAT – Obama welcomes 2013 NBA Champion Miami Heat to White House to honor them on their second-straight title. UPCOMING: Developing from 2:55 p.m. event; 200 words, photos by 4 p.m.
CHRISTIE-STATE OF STATE – Christie will propose extending the public school calendar and lengthening the school day in a speech he hopes will help him rebound from an apparent political payback scheme. SENT: 540 words, photo. UPCOMING: Developing from 3 p.m. speech; 700 words, photos, video by 6 p.m.
CHEMICAL SPILL-WEST VIRGINIA – Downtown businesses and restaurants began to reopen after water was declared safe to drink in portions of West Virginia's capital, but life has yet to return to normal for most of the 300,000 people who haven't been able to use running water in the five days since a chemical spill. SENT: 900 words, photos, video. UPCOMING: 950 words by noon.
THEATER SHOOTING-FLA – Authorities say an argument over texting leads to man being fatally shot at Florida movie theater. SENT: 570 words, photos, video.
BEANIE BABIES CREATOR-SENTENCING – H. Ty Warner will be sentenced in Chicago for tax evasion after more than a decade hiding $25 million in income from Swiss bank accounts. SENT: 130 words, photo. UPCOMING: 500 words by 3 p.m.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING-GAY SENIORS – Affordable housing for gay seniors opens in Philadelphia; only two other U.S. cities offer such units. SENT: 600 words, photos, video.
LITTLE ROCK DESEGREGATION – If Little Rock can't completely solve the problem of racial imbalances in schools, can anyone? UPCOMING: 800 words, photos by 4 p.m.
XGR–MCAULIFFE SPEECH – In speech to lawmakers, McAuliffe seeks to expand state's Medicaid eligibility. SENT: 570 words, photos.
SCHOOLS CLOSED-WATER DISPUTE – Schools are closed in a one-stoplight South Texas town after the city shut off their water amid a dispute over the bill. SENT: 830 words, photos.
POLICE-HOMELESS DEATHS – Emotions flow as California officers are acquitted in the death of homeless man who struggled with police. SENT: 940 words, photos.
MARIJUANA VIDEO-ARREST – A Connecticut man faces drug charges after police say he posted a YouTube video of himself giving a tour of his marijuana "garden." SENT: 140 words.
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING-TOPLESS PHOTOS – Empire State Building files $1 million lawsuit against photographer over topless photos. SENT: 120 words.
DRUG TUNNEL ROBOTS – The U.S. Border Patrol unveils its latest technology to search drug tunnels — a wireless, camera-equipped robot that can do the job in a fraction of the time while keeping agents safer. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos, video by 4 p.m.
BLUE METH – The federal Department of Homeland Security in Albuquerque, N.M., says distributors are selling methamphetamine tinted blue in the Four Corners region. SENT: 110 words.
ROTAVIRUS VACCINE – Studies find new vaccines against rotavirus seem safer and carry less risk of bowel problem. SENT: 450 words.
AUTO SHOW-PERFORMANCE CARS – From a hot new edition of the Corvette Stingray with a staggering 625 horsepower to a version of the tiny Volkswagen golf that promises zero to 60 mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds, power and performance are everywhere at the Detroit auto show. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos, video by 1 p.m.
RETAIL SALES – US retail sales rise just 0.2 percent in December, but traditional holiday shopping weak. SENT: 470 words.
HOLIDAY SALES – A major retail trade group says holiday sales rose 3.8.percent, just below the group's 3.9 percent forecast. SENT: 120 words.
FOREIGN-BASED BOURBON – Kentucky bourbon remains authentically American, whiskey insiders maintain — even when some of its distillers answer to foreign companies. SENT: 870 words, photos.
EARNS-JPMORGAN – JPMorgan Chase said Tuesday that its profits fell 7 percent in the fourth quarter, hampered by more legal woes. SENT: 300 words, photo.
EARNS-WELLS FARGO – Fourth-quarter profit for Wells Fargo & Co., the biggest U.S. mortgage lender, jumps 11 percent as a steep drop in mortgage lending was offset by increased interest income. SENT: 240 words.
CHRYSLER INVESTIGATION – US safety agency adds Dodge Durango to probe of ceiling fires in Jeep Grand Cherokees. SENT: 130 words.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN-IT'S HOT – A heat wave at the Australian Open has players fainting, icing their heads and struggling to play. SENT: 550 words, photos.
GRIDIRON GREATS-EXHIBITION – The Metropolitan Museum of Art is presenting a pop-up exhibition celebrating football's history through the ages with vintage trading cards. SENT: 700 words, photos, video.
THEATER-VALENTINE ROMEO AND JULIET – Content provider Screenvision and the new company BroadwayHD have teamed up to broadcast the recent Orlando Bloom-led production of "Romeo and Juliet" to movie theaters across the country. SENT: 630 words, photos.
TV-DICK WOLF'S EMPIRE – A new novel from Dick Wolf joins his TV empire. SENT: 860 words, photos.
BOOKS-MELTZER'S HEROES Novelist and comics writer Brad Meltzer is no stranger to heroes. SENT: 300 words.
TV-REALITY SERIES-THE CHAIR – Pittsburgh-based reality series 'The Chair' focuses on director's role in film projects. SENT: 580 words, photo.
TV-SETH MACFARLANE – Seth MacFarlane brings his love of science to Fox in new 'Cosmos' show. SENT: 140 words, photos.
TV-AISHA TYLER – There's no time for a pregnant pause for 'Archer' star Aisha Tyler. SENT: 370 words.
MUSIC-ROSANNE CASH -Rosanne Cash's trips south inspire her first new songs in seven years. SENT: 710 words, photos.
BUZZ BOOKS 2014 – An industry newsletter is offering free digital previews of books by Lemony Snicket, Barbara Ehrenreich and dozens of others. SENT: 130 words.
MUSIC-GRAMMYWATCH-FATHER AND SON – Bishop Paul, PJ Morton feel like Grammy winners, as father and son each earn nods this year. SENT: 450 words, photos.
At the Nerve Center, news producers Barb Whitaker and Karen Mahabir are at 800-845-8450 (ext. 1600). For photos, Swayne Hall (ext. 1900). For graphics and interactives, (ext. 7636). Expanded AP content can be obtained from http://www.apexchange.com . For access to AP Exchange and other technical issues, contact email@example.com or call 877-836-9477


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The White House said Chu retained Obama's confidence, but Chu was widely expected to leave following Obama's re-election last fall.
In a letter to Energy Department employees, Chu said he was proud of his tenure and cited dozens of accomplishments, including doubling the production of renewable energy from wind and solar power. Installations of solar electric systems have nearly doubled in each of the last three years, he said, while fully 42 percent of new energy capacity in the U.S. last year was from wind — more than any other energy source.
"I came with dreams and am leaving with a set of accomplishments that we should all be proud of," he said.
One of his accomplishments was something that Chu rarely talked about, but was frequently cited by Obama: Chu's role in helping to plug the massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Chu and a team of engineers helped devised an interim solution before a replacement well permanently plugged the leak, which spewed more than 200 million gallons of oil in the worst offshore oil disaster in the country's history.
Chu came up with the solution "when nobody else could figure it out," Obama said Friday. "And that's typical of the incredible contributions that he's made to this country."
At Energy, Chu was most closely identified with his oversight of a massive, $35 billion loan guarantee program funded by the 2009 economic stimulus law. He also led efforts to develop a cutting-edge, alternative energy lab known as ARPA-E, or Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy.
While tarnished by Solyndra, the loan program has had many successes, including huge solar projects in California and Arizona and wind farms in Oregon and Maine. The department also has boosted electric cars and nuclear power plants. Counting loans and guarantees to U.S. car makers and the nuclear industry, the program is supporting as many as 60,000 jobs and generating up to $40 billion in private investment, Chu said.
The ARPA-E project has led research in fields from electrofuels to batteries. "While it is too early to tell if we have home runs, there are a number of investments that have certainly rounded second base," Chu said in his farewell letter.
Chu also played a key role in the U.S. response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, as well as an Obama administration decision to kill a planned nuclear waste dump at Nevada's Yucca Mountain.
Follow Matthew Daly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewDalyWDC


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This year's Dally in the Alley was blessed with impeccable weather, providing an excellent draw to the popular annual street fair, celebrating its astounding 35th year. The all-day-into-night event features a variety of local vendors, culinary wonders/street food nightmares, the timeless practice of debauchery in the street and, most importantly, a wide, free assembly of the local musical fauna.
Bands of all stripes hit the fair's three stages, with live music acts performing throughout the day and running the gamut from zydeco, to techno, to good old-fashioned rock and roll. Falling somewhere between the latter and bizarre psyche-rock with a twist, the highlight of the day's offerings for this blogger was certainly Pink Lightning, who took the stage on Forest St. just as the sun was going down.
Chris Butterfield is the band's frontman and a highly animated ringleader indeed, sporting white gloves and a carnival moustache that strongly argues for Pink Lightning's collective Halloween appearance as Queen at the Crofoot this year. Onstage, Butterfield is frenetic and unpredictable — half-musician, half Batman villain — fluctuating between emphatic vocals and spastic, engaging dancing. The band also features Neal Parks (Drums), Everette Rinehart (Bass Guitar), Tom Eahorski (Guitar), and Leo McWilliams (Accordion), and collectively, Pink Lightning puts on a dynamic, high-energy show. But you don't have to take my word for it; you can check out their debut album, Happy to be Here, or better yet, catch the unparalleled live show tomorrow night (Friday the 14th) during Scrummage Fest 2012 at PJ's Lager House. Seeya there!


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Chris Tucker Makes Millions For His LA Mansion
Those Rush Hour checks may not be pouring in with the same frequency they used to, but Chris Tucker has a nice little nest egg, thanks to the sale of his California mansion.
Chris, who recently starred in The Silver Linings Playbook (and nothing else since his days working alongside Jackie Chan) just made nearly a million dollars on the sale of his palatial Tarzana, CA pad, according to TMZ.
Chris bought the 5-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom, 6,399 square foot home at the height of his fame in 1996 for $1,113,5000 and put it on the market again in 2011.
The house, which comes tricked out with fountains, a pool, a spa, and all of the other things that could make a person nearly forget about a $12 million dollar tax debt, was originally listed for $2.4 million, and sold for $2.1.
He may be down one home already, but just $10 million more to Uncle Sam and he'll be truly home free.
Source: TMZ


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The family of the late President Nelson Mandela say they are humbled by the support they have received from President Jacob Zuma, the medical team that attended to Madiba and messages from all people in South Africa and abroad.
Briefing the media at the SABC studios in Auckland Park on Saturday, retired Lieutenant General Temba Templeton Matanzima also expressed their thanks to the medical team that attended to him "around the clock".
In their first statement ever since Mandela died on Thursday, the family also said the past two days have not been easy as they still grapple to come to terms with his passing.
"Special thanks to President Jacob Zuma and the government of South Africa, the dedicated medical team that attended to him around the clock, religious communities of the different faiths of our country and beyond that offered prayers and counselling to the family.
".. As a family, we are humbled by the messages of condolences and support that we continue to receive from governments and people of the world. Clearly, this once more underlines the simple truth that Madiba was not just a citizen of South Africa and the broader African continent, but a global citizen.
"We are, however, comforted by the knowledge that our pain and sorrow is shared by millions around the world," he said.
Accompanied by Mandela's grandson, Ndaba, Matanzima said they will mostly remember Mandela for his values and sacrifice and his sacrifices, having lived his life to ensure a better life for all South Africans.
"Yes, Tata is gone, the pillar of the family is gone, just as he was away during that 27 painful years of imprisonment, but in our hearts and souls he will always be with us. His spirit endures. As a family, we commit ourselves to uphold and be guided by the values he lived for and was prepared to die for," General Matanzima said.
After the statement, Ndaba said while mourning the death of South Africa's hero, the family learnt about the passing of another South African hero, former boxing champion Baby Jake Matlala, who passed away earlier on Saturday
President Jacob Zuma has also extended condolences to the family of Matlala who passed on today after an illness.
"We have learned with sadness the news of the passing of this outstanding sportsman, known for his professionalism and dedication to boxing. We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time," said President Zuma.


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Timeworn Denim Cut Off Chambray Button Up
Notes: Constructed Denim Detailing / Exaggerated Stitched Seam Construction Detailing / Two Front Welt Pockets at Chest with Snap Closure / Marbleized Snap Button Closure / Short Sleeve Silhouette / Medium Spread Collar
Size: Men's Large
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NCM Fathom and Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) are making history by teaming up for the first time to present UFC 111: St-Pierre vs. Hardy LIVE in select movie theaters nationwide on Saturday, March 27 when UFC welterweight champion Georges "Rush" St-Pierre takes on Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy, and former heavyweight champion Frank Mir goes for the interim UFC heavyweight title against Shane Carwin. Both world titles will be on the line in this one-night event broadcast LIVE from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 9:00 p.m. CT/ 8:00 p.m. MT/ 7:00 p.m. PT. Experience the action alongside other UFC fans as the entire Pay Per View event, through the co-main events are shown LIVE like never before - larger than life in high-definition on the big screen.
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Running time: 3hr 0min
Opens: Mar 27, 2010 Limited


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Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
June 23rd 2014By Chef Laura Frankel
Once a year, there is a rare opportunity to take advantage of a culinary delight. Zucchini blossoms are gorgeous yellow/orange flowers that resemble a lily. Most gardeners just ignore the blossom while waiting for the zucchini to grow and then harvest it. I, however, look forward to the blossoms and each year scheme to find them. I haunt the farmers' markets and neighbors' gardens waiting to scoop up the brightly colored treasures. Several years ago, I grew zucchini just to get at the blossoms. The blossoms taste like garden perfume. The flowers have a fruity fragrance that is delicate and addicting! Make no mistake though; these are hearty-sized flowers! These are not delicate lady-like blooms. Everyone can enjoy zucchini blossoms! The female flower is a golden blossom on the end of each emergent zucchini. the male flower grows directly on the stem of the zucchini plant in the leaf axils (where leaf petiole meets stem), on a long stalk, and is slightly smaller than the female. Both flowers are edible, and are often used to dress a meal or garnish the cooked fruit. Firm and fresh blossoms that are only slightly open are cooked to be eaten, with pistils removed from female flowers, and stamens removed from male flowers. the stem on the flowers can be retained as a way of giving the cook something to hold onto during cooking rather than injuring the delicate petals, or they can be removed prior to cooking, or prior to serving. there are a variety of recipes in which the flowers may be deep fried as fritters or tempura (after dipping in a light tempura batter), stuffed, sautéed, baked, or used in soups. Once you try zucchini blossoms, you will find yourself plotting ways to get more of these rare delicacies. Zucchini blossoms only appear when the plants are immature, usually in the early summer. I like my blossoms tempura-battered and fried but also serve them stuffed with cheeses, fried and served with a fresh basil-tomato sauce.
Fried Zucchini Blossoms
June 23rd 2014By Chef Laura Frankel
I garnish salads, steaks, gazpacho, and serve these crispy and delicious flowers with whatever I can during the brief period they are in gardens. Last summer I purchased an entire case (that's a lot of flowers) and was in heaven. They are simply amazing. The batter fries up very crispy so you have about 20-30 minutes of "hang time" before they get soggy. Do not even think of using anything other than extra-virgin olive oil for frying. Fruity olive oil is a perfect match for this dish.


text: A group of Alpha students traveled to New York City on November 6, 2010 to see the musical Memphis at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway. The students were joined by Professor Ron Tanner of the Writing Department, Nikki Cimino of the Dean's office, and Alpha Aides Emily Barbo and Anthony Vitti. The group got to explore the city (especially Times Square), have lunch, and see a fantastic production.


text:
Just Like Real Life
Just Like Real Life is a unique and critically acclaimed take on the SHMUP genre. It was developed over the course of 48 hours (5-7th October, 2012) for the JournoDevSwap game jam hosted by Ukie, in which professional games journalists (with the help of student programmers) and games developers swapped places for the day.
The game's key twist comes in the form of bouncing bullets. Every shot you fire will bounce off the scenery around you and subsequently pose a threat to your continued survival. The threat is often far greater than that posed by the enemies which also surround you wherever you go. You are, as ever, your own worst enemy. Just Like [in] Real Life
Developing Just Like Real Life was made possible thanks the extremely intuitive Unity game engine, as well as regular design input from journalist-turned-designer Lewie Procter. Additional selling points include an original, semi-procedural soundtrack by Micheal Bowerman, and an online high score table topped off with "inifinte" gameplay.
I want to play it!
A perfectly reasonable request, and you can certainly do so. There are three flavours available: standalone versions that you can download for Windows or Mac, and a web version compatible with any browser that has the Unity Web Player plugin installed. Thanks go to independant game developer IndieSkies for hosting the web version.
Web: Play Online
Windows: Standalone Download Link
Mac: Standalone Download Link
Will you take up the challenge and try to climb to the top of the online high score table?
3 Responses so far.
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text:
Serpentine Conversion Kits
Serpentine Pulleys
V-Belt Pulleys
Billet Air Cleaners
Ram Air Kits
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FORD 429/460ci STYLE TRACK
Alternator, A/C and Optional Power Steering
March Performance has created a Style Track kit just for the Ford Big Block 460ci and 429ci motor!
This serpentine system is created with a combination of style and low price that is sure to find favor among car enthusiasts everywhere. The highly styled one piece alternator and air conditioning bracket provides a rigid support for the alternator and A/C compressor; a separate bracket allows the option of power steering or no power steering. Three separate idlers guarantee the ultimate in belt to pulley contact area for sure "no slip" operation. Best of all, March's new Style Track bracket kit cost $500 less than other similar units on the market.
Like our Style Track kits for the 302, 5.0 and 351 Windsor it makes use of a unique easy to use belt tension adjustment tool. Once the belt tension has been set, the adjustment tool is easily removed and stowed away until the next time the belt requires adjustment. As a result, the Style Track displays a much cleaner appearance.
The Style Track comes complete with alternator, an alternator pulley with fan and nose cover, a A/C compressor and nose cover, a water pump with pulley and nose cover,a crank pulley and the alternator/A/C bracket, complete with the belt tensioning tool. Kits with power steering include a type2 remote power steering pump and the power steering pump pulley with nose cover. These kits also include all the mounting hardware you'll need and detailed instructions so installation is a snap. You can also forget about polishing this assembly, as it features maintenance-free clear powder coating.
For applications that do require A/C we have two kits that run only the Alternator and the Power steering.
Ford 429 and 460ci Big Block motors.
Our larger diameter crank pulley aids in driving your alternator, A/C, and water pump at idle where it counts.
Kit Includes:
Kits with power steering include
Without Power Steering
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Alternator Power Steering A/C Units Etc. - See


text:
July 21, 2006 2:30 PM PDT
Dell's dog days of summer
- Related Stories
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Date set for phase 2 of Intel's Core launchJuly 11, 2006
Intel takes back lead in U.S. retailJuly 10, 2006
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Dell to acquire AlienwareMarch 22, 2006
Vista debut hits a delayMarch 21, 2006
Dell on Friday again disappointed its investors, warning that both revenue and profit would be below expectations for its second fiscal quarter. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had been expecting $14.2 billion in revenue and earnings of 32 cents per share. But Dell now expects to record $14 billion in revenue and only 21 cents to 23 cents per share in earnings, a solid dime off expectations.
What's gone wrong with the PC industry's low-cost wonder? To start, analysts wonder if Dell's costs are on the rise. Also, after years of wowing investors and the PC-buying public with its online sales and marketing, the resurgence of the retail market in PCs is hurting the company just as its corporate customers ease back on purchases, according to analysts.
Dell executives worship at the altar of the direct-sales model. For almost 20 years, Dell has used mail-order, telephone and the Internet to avoid the channel and inventory problems that can be a painful part of life for retail businesses. Even though it wasn't always true, Dell also managed to create an impression that it was a price leader, when its real advantage was that its costs were lower than retail-heavy companies like Hewlett-Packard and Gateway.
And that's still the message from the company with the leading market share in the PC industry. "The direct model remains our not-so-secret weapon," Chief Executive Officer Kevin Rollins told shareholders Friday.
Over the last few years, consumers have become the driving force behind the PC market, and more often than not they want to buy systems from retailers, said Samir Bhavnani, an analyst with Current Analysis.
The U.S. retail PC market is growing at a 25 percent clip, Bhavnani said, much faster than the 9 percent growth rate of the overall market. Dell is missing out on this category and companies like HP, Gateway and Acer are benefiting, he said.
But this is also coming at a time when the main part of Dell's business, the commercial PC market, has decided to take a break from buying new systems. Dell says 85 percent of its business comes from commercial entities, and those organizations buy PCs in upgrade cycles, said Charles Smulders, an analyst with Gartner. The last cycle started around 2002, three or so years after companies started buying PCs ahead of the perceived Y2K problems. It's now coming to an end, and business customers aren't expected to upgrade again until they've done extensive testing of Microsoft's Windows Vista, which is scheduled to arrive in the first part of 2007. That would put the next upgrade cycle around 2008.
Dell also suffers from a dependency on desktops and U.S. sales, Smulders said. Desktop PCs account for 36 percent of Dell's overall revenue, the company said in its report for the first fiscal quarter. Sales in North and South America make up 65 percent of Dell's total revenue, with the U.S. comprising the largest part of that segment. In the U.S., commercial desktop shipments are expected to decline by 4.5 percent this year, said Richard Shim, an analyst with IDC.
Several more immediate concerns are also plaguing Dell and the rest of the PC industry. Intel's aggressive launch schedule for its Core 2 Duo chips has sent ripple effects throughout the industry as the world's largest chipmaker dumps old processors on the market to make way for the new chips. The resulting price pressure has caused problems for Intel's partners and competitors, as well as Intel itself.Normally, when a company cuts prices, demand and unit shipments rise. But Dell doesn't appear to have seen significant shipment increases during the quarter, and has been doubly hurt by the fact that its competitors, notably HP, have greatly improved their cost structures, said Richard Farmer, an analyst with Merrill Lynch, in a research report distributed Friday.
"The market was caught by surprise that Intel was bringing forward their product launches; they thought they had a longer lead time to get rid of their inventory," Smulders said. "Intel's actions have sort of shaken up the industry and put additional pressure on the pricing environment in the second quarter."
Dell has tried to work its way up the PC price list, with heavy emphasis on its XPS lineup of PCs and its purchase of boutique PC maker Alienware. But those efforts do not appear to have overcome relentless pressure--caused by Intel's actions and the renewed strength of competitors--at the low end of the market. Plus, Dell has an image problem.
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15 commentsJoin the conversation! Add your comment
- Dell and Laptops
- For the past 8 year or so, I have purchased a home laptop to
complement my work machine. These laptops were Dell. None
experienced hardware failures. Software failures, were a
different story. After becoming sick and tired of having to reload
software, redo drivers after a new program was installed...and
dialing India for help, I finally got an Apple Ibook. 'Nuff said.
This one is going on 3 years old. No reboots. Ever. No
crashes...ever. Viruses - yup, I know they're out there, but no
problems yet. When I get something at work that doesn't work, I
usually ship it home. Again, has always worked on my Apple.
My house has gone from a 5 machine - all Dell/Microsoft to 3
Apples/OS-X, one Dell/Microsoft, one Dell/Red Hat, and
counting. As soon as Crossover gets perfected so that I do not
have to own any MS OS, I'll transition to an almost Microsoft free
(and so far, malfunction free) environment.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Dell Disappoints...
- >Dell on Friday again disappointed its investors<
As for customers, they have been disappointed by poor customer service, poor technical support, and poor product quality.
I switched from Dell to HP, and my next computer is definitely going to be another HP.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Intel inside (only)
- If Dell offered AMD versions of it's desktops and laptops, my last three personal PC purchases would have been Dell. Instead, I've gone with HP via Costco and eBay. At work, it's mainly Dell only. But no need to settle for Intel only at home.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- No need for new machines
- At home and at the office I don't have a further need to upgrade, our PCs are over 3 years old and running just fine. I don't need the latest from Dell or Microsoft. Frankly when I make my next purchase it probably won't be Dell again. I am sick of calling India for tech support, I'm sick of playing games to get the best prices. After buying my Axim I got annoyed with the various gimmicks to get a discount. Gateway may be out of the competition picture now, but Dell has gotten lazy IMHO and allowed innovation to slip and prices to creep up to the point that they are no longer a great deal. But the services is the bottom line for me, I will not do business when I get tech support from a person I can not understand on the phone - that is the deal breaker for me.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- No need for new machines
- At home and at the office I don't have a further need to upgrade, our PCs are over 3 years old and running just fine. I don't need the latest from Dell or Microsoft. Frankly when I make my next purchase it probably won't be Dell again. I am sick of calling India for tech support, I'm sick of playing games to get the best prices. After buying my Axim I got annoyed with the various gimmicks to get a discount. Gateway may be out of the competition picture now, but Dell has gotten lazy IMHO and allowed innovation to slip and prices to creep up to the point that they are no longer a great deal. But the services is the bottom line for me, I will not do business when I get tech support from a person I can not understand on the phone - that is the deal breaker for me.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Analysts are lemmings
- The article is absolutely right about one thing, analysts and Wall Street are lemmings. They set their 'expectations' (which often seems like a number pulled out of thin air) and then when a company doesn't meet those 'expectations' they punish them. Maybe we should do away with 'expectations' and focus instead on how the company is doing in general. I'd say $14 billion is nothing to sneeze at, and IIRC Dell has money in the bank. Hmmm... maybe Dell doesn't need as much fixing as the 'experts' (who, BTW, aren't in the industry) think.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Analysts are lemmings
- I'm anti-Dell, but to put things into perspective:
According to IDC, Dell's Q2 2006 USA market share is 34.2% compared to 4.8% for Apple.
Things could be worse...
Go HP! :-)
- Like Link Flag
- The Lemmings Expect Corporations to be Sheep
- ... and to have a strategic vision no further than this coming Friday's "earning guidance" conference call with the analysts.
"That must be the tenth alienist they've had on Williams. Even if he wasn't crazy before, he would be after ten of those babies got through psychoanalyzing him."
-- Porter Hall, as Murphey in "His Girl Friday"
- Like Link Flag
- Dell support
- Dell shouldn't be shocked. I have had so many problems with Dell since i purchased almost 2 years ago, and I am not the only one. Dell still has a name but its constantly being tarnished by poor customer service, poor technical support, and a poor sales staff. I dont like being treated like i'm stupid and i dont like being lied to which dell does constantly. I've even been hung up on by sales staff because my address didn't match their records which were several months out of date (yes i updated them). Dell just needs to start listening to their customers again.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- No way to differentiate.
- What's the difference between a Dell XPS system and somebody
else's $300 Windows PC, other than the ability to run more
viruses a bit faster? None, really. Sure the $300 machine may
have a slower processor, less RAM and a smaller hard drive, but
so what? They both run the same OS with the same litany of
problems. One just runs the viruses faster!
Windows PC Makers aren't so much computer companies as PC
assemblers. They don't really design these things so much as
slap a bunch of parts (made by other companies) together. They
don't even own the OS!!! In a situation like that, it's just a race to
see who can make the cheapest box. That's a race nobody wins,
not even the buyers, because the cheapest box has to include
support from the cheapest labor pool. Don't be surprised when
you can't understand the tech support person for your Dell or
any Windows based PC it's what you bought into when you
bought the box.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- In the "old" days in was all about service
- I worked for a major computer manufacturer and before that I was a customer of that manufacturer. We did not chose that particular brand because of price; it was not the cheapest. What sold us was service. The company itself recognized that service, not price was key. The company was recognized by the industry as having the best customer service and support of any of the major computer manufactuers.
Those days are gone, as one reader pointed out, this has become a race to the bottom, and service and support naturally have become the victims of this. Basically when you, as a consumer customer buy a windows PC, you are buying this with the implied understanding that you are on your own.
- Like Link Flag
- An example of Dell service, why they suck.
- My HDD died. Using Maxtor's tools I test and see there are bad sectors all over the disk. I call Dell, they won't replace the drive. The support idiot says I have to reformat the drive and wait for it to die again before they will replace it. F_ that, it wasn't worth my time dealing with those idiots for the $50 it cost to replace the drive on my own.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Why, oh why ??
- Let's analyze this:
Take the support and ship it offshore, make PC's look really affordable only to dissappoint the buyer when the price skyrockets after all the "customizations," show apathy to customer complaints...... it's a recipe for disaster. It does not matter how big your company is.. customer service eventually catches up with you...shall I name a few?.... Dell, of course, MCI, MBNA, Home Depot .... WAKE UP management - when the foundation is weak (yes - your customer service is your foundation)- YOU WILL TOPPLE OVER!
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Waiting for Vista? A hypothetical:
- I think that commercial buyers (esp. business IT departments) are likely holding out for Vista to see if it's even worth doing in a business environment, or if they can just continue to use their current hardware and put the saved $$$ into training workers to use Linux or BSD on their desktops, and just keep using XP until it dies for those instances where, say, a custom-built or niche-built Win32 app is still necessary.
It'd be a safe bet to make, considering that a lot of businesses are feeling rather burned over Microsoft's Software Assurance...
- Like Reply Link Flag


text:
Chemung County Courts
Surrogate's Court - Location
Surrogate's Court is located in the Chemung County Courthouse at 224 Lake Street, Elmira, New York, across the street from the YWCA. Persons entering the Courthouse must use the main entrance on Lake Street. They must first go through a magnetometer at the security station. The Surrogate's Court Clerk's Office is located directly to the left, just past the security station.
There is metered public parking on the streets surrounding the Courthouse. There is handicap parking across the street from the Courthouse, in front of the YWCA. However, the Courthouse is not handicapped accessible. There are no elevators in the building.


text:
Pro-federo Baganda politicians and activists used the Buganda annual conference today to press for a new approach to talks with government over the kingdom's demands.
Firebrand MPs Medard Sseggona and Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda led the charge, asking the kingdom's negotiation team to raise the bar from merely attending talks to action.
"For how long are we going to engage in negotiations? We need a new approach to move into action for Buganda to become independent," Sseggona said, drawing thunderous applause from a lively audience at Hotel Africana.
Israel Mayengo, a former minister and federo activist wondered: "Buganda has all the characteristics of a nation; from a distinguished culture, language and organized governance structures, so why can't we get the status we deserve?"
Ssemujju noted that Buganda has been in negotiations since 1884 when the British colonialists took away power from Kabaka Mwanga but there's 'nothing positive out of such talks since. Several other speakers including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Beti Kamya of the Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA), MPs; Godfrey Kiwanda and Betty Nambooze, and the kingdom information minister Peter Mayiga, echoed similar sentiments.
Earlier, Buganda Katikkiro John Baptist Walusimbi called for unity among Baganda as the kingdom continues to engage the government on the quest for federo and return of its property. The Katikkiro noted that the annual conference (Ttabamiruka) has played an important role especially in galvanizing the youth in the kingdom over the last three years.
In her opening remarks, the Nnaabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda urged Baganda to respect and preserve the kingdom's values (ennono n'obuwangwa), which make its people unique. Vice president Edward Kiwanuka and FDC party president Gen Mugisha Muntu were among the top politicians who attended the conference.
Kabaka Ronald Mutebi was due to close the conference last evening.


text:
Salomon products can only be shipped within the U.S.
(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Stars
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Best Uses
Feels full size too small
Feels half size too small
Feels true to size
50% (3 reviews)
(3 reviews)
Feels half size too big
Feels full size too big
Feels too narrow
Feels true to width
100% (6 reviews)
(6 reviews)
Feels too wide
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Dialogue Wide
By Shibs
from Portland, Oregon
About Me Advanced
Comments about Salomon Dialogue Wide Snowboard Boots 2012:
Been riding a long time and these are by far the most comfortable pair of boots I've ever owned. Great for all around riding. Bought them from Evo on clearance, but would have no problem paying full price when the time comes to replace them(and I don't pay full price for anything!)
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Great for wide feet, bad lacing system
By Alpy_boarder
from Redmond, WA
About Me Expert
Having wide feet, these are the only boots that fit me and the 2012's are my second pair.My primary complaint is with the lacing system. The laces come loose after one or 2 runs...suddenly you feel your foot coming out of the boot on a hard turn and you need to stop and re-set the laces. I've now resorted to wrapping duct tape around the boot/laces to keep them in place.It is the same system as my previous pair, and I never once had this problem in the 2 1/2 years I used them. I'm guessing they went cheaper with certain components.I wouldn't buy these again until they address this issue.
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Not What I expected
By DRO
from Bellevue, WA
About Me Beginner
Nice Boot
By Dad of 4
from Rockford, MI
About Me Intermediate
Nice boot, would reccomend it.
By Squam Lake
from Sandwich NH
I have wide feet and this is the only boot I have found so far that my feet are not killing me by the end of the day. the lasing system works well but the only way to make is boot better is to make a model with the BOA lasing system
Great Boot
By Chikn
from San Diego, Ca
Great boot that is super comfortable and keeps my feet warm and dry with one layer of socks


text:
Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya
May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky
This site is dedicate to the world of JRR Tolkien's elves. Here is a collection of news and articles on all things elvish, The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings, as well as Peter Jackson's movie renditions of the books.
Latest site updates (11 October 2013 / 14 Quellë 141st loa of 14th yén)
Updated the Calendar of Imladris to reflect the current loa. To download a new copy of the calendar, please visit the Calendar of Imladris page in the Library section.
Updates (29 July 2012 / 69 Lairë 140th loa of 14th yén)
The following Locations have been added.
For more news about everything Elvish, please visit the Elvenesse Blog by clicking the News link provided in the menu to the left.
It is with great thanks to Srini at Srini's WordPress Lab (http://srinig.com/wordpress/) that the Elvenesse Blog was fully integrated into the website. He saved me from much aggravation and hair pulling. If you need a theme crafted for your WordPress blog that matches your website, please do stop by his website and drop him a line. Thank you, Srini!


text:
Teppen no Himawari Mangaてっぺんのひまわり, , 天邊的向日葵, , Sunflower (FUJIYAMA Hyouta)
Ryuhei Ohno has finally graduated middle school leaving behind the pains of unrequited love and the trials of adolescence. He is determined to make a fresh start in high school. On the first day of class, he meets Kunihisa Imaizumi. Kunihisa has joined the school not knowing that 90% of the student body is gay! And to put it mildly, he is a bit wary of his fellow classmates. Ryuhei appoints himself as Kunihisa
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Teppen no Himawari Chapters
- 3 years agoTeppen no Himawari 1-4
- 3 years agoTeppen no Himawari 5-7
- Drama, Romance, School Life, Yaoi
- 2005
- Completed
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- FUJIYAMA Hyouta
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text:
Liam Hemsworth denies sexting January Jones behind Miley Cyrus' back
The latest bump in the very rocky relationship between Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus may be imaginary. It was reported by Us Weekly that Liam was caught sending sexual text messages to "Mad Men" star January Jones behind Miley's back. It was previously reported that Liam cheated on Miley with January earlier in the year.
However, Hemsworth's rep is denying the sexting ever took place. In a statement to E! News, the rep says, "The story of Liam Hemsworth and January Jones is entirely fabricated by US Weekly. There is no truth whatsoever to this tabloid fiction." There's really no more up front way of saying it than that.
Miley and Liam are rarely seen together these days. They appeared united at the premiere of Hemsworth's movie "Paranoia" at the beginning of August, but not since. Liam hit the Toronto International Film Festival to support his brother Chris Hemsworth recently, while Miley's busy getting naked and riding a wrecking ball.
Photo/Video credit: Getty Images


text:
|Discussion Boards | Reviews | News | Trip Planning | Shop | Travel | Site Map
Tokyo Disneyland Guide
|Konnichiwa! A look at Disney in Japan
|Hilton Hotel
The Tokyo Bay Hilton is designated as a semi-official hotel of Tokyo Disneyland, and is located on the eastern shores of Tokyo Bay adjacent to the park. It is located 30 minutes away Tokyo, or about 40 minutes from the Tokyo International Airport.. There are building has 740rooms, 10 extensive restaurants & bars, and 16 small to large banquet rooms.
The rooms are comfortable and offer all the standard amenities, including queen and king size beds, a regular bathroom with hairdryer, mini bar, free newspaper, TV (with HBO,CNN,ESPN and Pay per view ).
Food and Drink
A number of restaurants are offered including:
Matsukaze: An authentic Japanese restaurant rather like a Japanese villa, set in the midst of tranquil garden overlooking Tokyo Bay. Meals include sushi, tempura and teppanyaki. Private rooms are available from 2 to 20 people.
Dynasty: A sophisticatecd Chinese restaurant featuring the best cuisine from all over China. Private rooms of various sizes are also available for gatherings up to 50 people.
Bay Lounge: Bathed in natural daylight, Bay Lounge offersbuffets for breakfast, lunch and dessert. This spacious lounge is also a convenient 'rendezvous' with live entertainment.
Piazza Roma: An Italian restaurant with an extensive antipasti buffet and an open pasta kitchen. Versatile pizza and spagetti dishes are guaranteed to delight true pasta lovers.
Carousel: The perfect place for informal all-day dining, Carousel offers an extensive breakfast buffet and an international dinner buffet everyday.
Chandu's: Everyday a delicious array of Indian delicacies can be found on the lunch and evening buffets. Tandoori specialties are prepared in the traditional tandoori ovens.
Sazanami: A fine choice of selected meats and seafood can be grilled over bincho charcoal using a unique smoke-free system in this modern yakiniku restaurant.
Chopstics: An exciting selection of the most popular dishes around Asia at very reasonable prices is available at Chopsticks. The choice is large as it is delicious.
Windows on the World: With a spectacular view of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline to one side and Tokyo Disneyland to the other, Windows on the World is a memorable way to end the day.
Ma Maison: An elegant yet comfortable Continental restaurant. A wide selection of wine togther with attentive service will delight your dining table. Cosy private rooms are also available for up to 10 people.
All transportation is by shuttle bus, you can also walk to the park.
Contact Numbers
Phone: 011 81 047 355 5000
Fax: 011 81 047 355 5019
Prices range from $ 275-$ 1,500 per night depending on location of room and time of year.
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MousePlanet® is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates. The official Disney site is available at www.disney.com. This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary, editorials, reviews, and guides primarily about the theme park resorts of the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change. Please call destinations in advance to confirm the most up-to-date information.


text:
Area Code Baseball got under way yesterday at Blair Field in Long Beach State. In the morning all the players were put through a Player Evaluation / SPARQ Testing that was wrap up by 3:00.
Rangers 5- White Sox 4
They First game started at 4pm pitting the Texas Rangers Area Code team against the Chicago White Sox Area Code Team. The Rangers defeated the White Sox 5-4 behind some clutch hitting and Josh Turley came into to pitched the final two innings and close the door on the White Sox. Full Story
Continue reading Area Code Baseball-Day 1