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Welcome to Televisionland
March, 2014
A while back, we looked at a couple of the ways that looking at television has changed, moving it from the home box in the living room, to something you watch on your computer screen – whether still at home or on the road with your notebook or even tablet. The world of watching TV has indeed changed drastically, and this month we look at only a few other small ways that has occurred – from the upcoming Mobile TV to using your iPod as a remote.
An added note, I had originally intended to publish this many months ago – last year, in fact, but I decided to wait until there was more availability about Mobile TV, which as I note above, is "upcoming." However, the new technology has been rolling out slower than I'd hoped and – while it still exists and is likely to become even more available – at a certain point you just can't keep holding on to things and have to move forward. When Mobile TV becomes even more mature, I'll try to look into it further, but for now, it remains an interesting technology that's…well, upcoming.
A couple of the products, in fact, have been discontinued – yet they're interesting nonetheless and still available. And since they're likely on deep-sale, the prices might make them quite worthwhile, if the products sound useful to you. I'll note which are the ones in question.
It was with much anticipation that I looked into Hauppauge's Aero-M mobile television, intended for notebook/netbooks. The company has long made some of my favorite products – in fact, I am watching one of their internal WinTVs on my computer as I type this, its video in a small window stashed away in the corner of my monitor. Unfortunately, the Aero-M has been a hit-and-miss proposition, though that's not uncommon with mobile television.
The Aero-M uses an antenna for reception and is designed to display both regular, digital ATSC broadcasts (normal, over-the-air TV – though not cable channels, which require…well, a cable connection) and ATSC-MH, which is "digital mobile." For the time being, there will always be limitations with the latter, since it's dependent on how many digital mobile TV stations exist in your area. (When they do exist, you'll be able to watch a channel even when you're moving, something not generally true with regular, digital ATSC channels which compete with interference when you move. Digital mobile, however, uses error correction to adjust the reception.)
Setting up the Aero-M is simple. It will of course work on any computer with a USB port, but it's really made for use with a notebook/netbook, hence the "M" in its name, for mobile. Plug the device into a USB port and install the included software, which are the drivers and WinTV interface (the program that basically is like a little TV box and shows the programs). Let the software scan for available channels, and you're done.
Pull out the antenna, launch WinTV and watch television.
That's good in theory, but that's where the hit-and-miss comes in. To begin with, any similar device will be limited by the reception in your area. If you can connect the Aero-M to a rooftop antenna, you'll get significantly better reception – but I chose to test it on the premise that this is a mobile device and something you'll get for on-the-go, not tether to the roof.
The built-in antenna of the Aero-M isn't especially strong, and effectiveness is dependent on a number of conditions that will change from location to location. When I did a scan of both ATSC and ATSC M/H, very few channels were found. I did a second scan, and it found a couple more, but not many. Of the major stations, I was able to get CBS and NBC, though not ABC.
Tuning to a scanned channel, quality was equally dependent on conditions and could change on different attempts. Generally, it would be extremely "jerky" and sometimes even show only half a screen for a few seconds before "re-buffering." Occasionally though, channels worked fine, and when they did, the image was impressively crystal and sharp, with good audio. To be very clear, this is absolutely a "your mileage will vary" situation.
The Aero-M comes with a remote, though at the moment this is just advanced planning on Hauppauge's part. Eventually, the company will have a software update which will add support.
(The product also comes with a small extension cord, because if your USB ports are close together, the Aero-M may cover up the port next to it.)
The software then installs in Hauppauge's excellent WinTV. It's a clean, easy interface for viewing television, and provides easy buttons for DVR-like features, among them pausing, recording and fast-forwarding.
I like Hauppauge's products a great deal – and when the Aero-M works, it's a pleasure. But too much was problematic for this to be your main digital TV device. If you need something that will allow you to get mobile TV, however, it could be a good backup to have.
Logitech has long had an impressive line of universal remotes, from basic models to those you think might be able to control the Lunar Space Module. Their new Harmony Touch is a replacement of their popular Harmony One, which uses a color touch screen. It's high end, though not at the top of their line. Still, it retails for $249 (at the time of writing), so it might be more than some people need, if you just want to operate a couple, basic devices. The two biggest differences from its predecessor are that it's smaller to fit better in your hand, and (most notably) it relies heavily on touch screen icons. Much more on this later. But first, you have to get the thing set up.
With universal remotes, there are two important aspects you'll deal with – not just how to use it, but also programming the unit. (Not just for the initial set-up, but also adjusting things later.)
There are two ways to configure different remotes – either directly on the remote itself or via software, connecting the remote to your computer. Both have advantages: the former doesn't require any fiddling with computers or websites. However, the latter gives more flexibility for updating for the latest devices and their codes.
The Harmony Touch is the latter. You run the My Harmony software, which connects you to your personal settings webpage. If your needs are basic, setting up the Harmony One is incredibly easy, giving you simple and clear prompts all along the way. Little in life is perfect, and you will likely have to do some adjusting. It's still handled well with helpful prompts, but with any universal remote, especially the more devices in your home theater, there will be tweaking, and not everything can be perfectly clear.
(The Harmony Touch, of course, controls more than just home theater devices. Most anything electronic that uses an IR remote will have the potential of falling under its purview. I tested it on a radio-cassette-DVD unit, and it worked well.)
First, though, some very good news if you already use a Harmony One and are upgrading: the Harmony Touch has a wizard that will transfer your existing settings over. It worked perfectly. Easy as could be. No reprogramming at all.
For people new to the Harmony One/Touch line, though, you'll have to program for the first time. Programming starts with basic, clear questions on the Harmony Touch software screen, asking for brand name and model number of your devices.
This is also where you set up "Activities." These automate those annoying steps you'd otherwise have to go through to get your TV, PVR, DVD player and whatever else all working together. Changing their settings manually can be a real burden, like when you switch from watching the TV or a DVD, but with the Harmony Touch, all you do is choose "Activities," and it basically does it all for you. ("Basically" is the operative word, though it's pretty successful.) For instance, one Activity is called very simply, "Watch TV." The Harmony Touch knows what has to be turned on and what settings to use. From then on, whenever you want to watch your TV, you simply hit the icon "Watch TV" on the touch screen. And it does the same for watching DVDs – the software knows what devices are needed and what their settings should be. (There are any number of Activities that can be set up. Using the remote to play with your Xbox, for instance.) It's pretty easy to do, though if you're the kind of person who wants a convoluted home theater setup, then it will be more…well, convoluted.
In a perfect world, this works perfectly and everything synchs as it should. But the software even warns you that the settings might not all work properly, so you should test it first on your home theater setup. If there's an issue, you just reconnect to the computer software and use the Troubleshooting feature. It has very easy prompts, asking basic questions. Again, the more intricate your home setup, the greater the challenge for the Harmony Touch to know what settings to use. The information should be there on the screen, but from past experience (with the Harmony One) the software might not know it was actually right, and you may have to enter the information manually.
What's nice is that later on you might want to change your settings. Perhaps, for instance, you've added a new device. Or want to change commands or Favorite Channels. With the Harmony Touch, you don't have to start from scratch. Just reconnect and launch the My Harmony software again. It's extremely easy to do and very configurable. And then, it re-synchs.
(Actually, the Harmony Touch makes it even easier. You can now make some basic programming changes directly on the device itself, without having to reconnect, such as adding commands or changing some limited channel information. It's a wonderful new feature. More on this later.)
Programming is where you can configure your aforementioned Favorite Channels. (These are one-touch buttons for jumping to channels directly.) It's an easy process, and significantly more intuitive than previously. In fact, it now even includes icons for all the channels. Before, you had to go to a separate, semi-official website and manually select the icons to download. You can select and display up to 50 Favorite channels.
There was one, minor quibble I had in the programming process. At one point, I had to leave the computer, for three minutes. The My Harmony software timed out, and I got logged out, requiring me to log back in.
Okay, now you've finally got everything set up and configured. How does the Harmony One work in actual use?
Because it's so similar to the Harmony One, it's worth noting some of the comparisons. From online user comments I checked beforehand, I noticed some disappointment that several favorite features were missing or changed, and at first I understood the complaints and agreed – but the more I used the Harmony Touch, the more I realized how it actually worked and how configurable it was, to the extent that it was possible to return most of these old features that people said were missing. Some things are different, but mainly I suspect many of the complainers didn't read the manual or hadn't played around with the device fully yet.
One other thing highly worth mentioning – when I originally wrote this review, my reaction was quite different from what it is now. That's because I had written the review early and banked it for later use, and in the interim Logitech came out with a firmware update that radically improved things. The remote was quite good initially, but with some issues. The update addressed almost all of them. The annoying thing is that it meant I had to go back and rewrite the review. The not-annoying thing is that the Harmony Touch is now terrific. (Note: some of the graphics here might be from the old interface, but I've tried to update everything and find proper graphics as best and close as possible.)
The thing to know is that the core difference from the Harmony One is that the device has been designed to be more familiar for people now used to working with tablets and apps. Meaning more icons, rather than hardware buttons, and more swiping. As a result, many of those previous hardware buttons are now missing. Hence, the complaints. But – the features are not gone. You just have to know to add them to the touch screen. In some cases, I didn't think the old features worked as well in the new way, but for the most part they did, and there are also many new features on top of them.
For instance, most noticeable is that there are no channel buttons. This I what most allows the remote to be much smaller. Instead, channels are on the touch screen. Clearly, this was a major design decision. Not having physical channel buttons is definitely less convenient, and this might bother some people. But over time and usage, I've come to think the trade-off is beneficial, allowing for the smaller device and better feel. Most notably this is one of the best changes in the firmware update. Previously, there were numerous icons laced through the layout that brought up the channel screen, and it was somewhat of a bother changing between modes. Now, you just swipe the screen, and it fluidly appears.
Also, there are not physical "advance" and "replay" buttons, which let you jump back and forward when using a PVR. This initially was a major issue for me – but then I discovered you could add those features to the touch screen. It doesn't work as conveniently as physical buttons, where by touch you can feel their placement, but the way they work is exactly the same and fine. Further, there is now another way, as well, and maybe even a better way to do this with the "Gesture Control" feature – which has been drastically improved. More on that in a bit.
(By the way, this is one of those examples of how you can configure options directly on the remote without the bother of having to reconnect to your computer. Also, what I love – and which wasn't possible with the Harmony One – is that you can move the order of the icon buttons with drag- and-drop. In fact, it's now possible to change the order of many other commands under "Setting." In addition, you can even change some basic channel information of your Favorites. Not everything – you can't add a channel using just the remote, but you can change the name. Now that one thing you can't change is the order of devices. For instance, if you want to list the PVR at the top. That's hard-coded in, whether on the remote or My Harmony.)
There are also no separate Page Up/ Page Down physical buttons – they're on the touch screen. But this is even less of an issue, since you can control that function with the physical scroll wheel.
Overall, it's this configurability that stands out with the Harmony Touch. As noted, using the remote alone you can add many commands, but more importantly, with drag-and-drop you can also add most commands from one device and carry them over to another. For instance, you can copy PVR commands to the TV. That means you don't have to keep switching back and forth to use a PVR function if you're watching the TV.
To be clear, there are still physical buttons. Mute, Volume, Last Channel, accessing the Channel Guide, and separate DVD controls. Also, there's a row of buttons for channel information and quick access to programs recorded by your DVR.
(Another quibble. The DVR button only jumps directly to what has already been recorded, not to any of the other DVR features, like upcoming shows waiting to be recorded. For those features, you have to go through the Menu button.)
As mentioned above, you can set up Activities that automate multiple functions. However, when you chose to run an Activity (for instance, "Watch TV"), it doesn't always perform probably. The good news is that the Help button works extremely well, pretty much as a Wizard-like function, asking you questions. "Is the TV on now?" "Is the power on now?" And it resolves the issue automatically.
The Help button is another major firmware improve. Previously, it was an icon that sat at the bottom of the screen, an unfortunate placement because it was too easy to accidentally touch – while scrolling through channels, for instance – and it would then interrupt what you were watching and try to fix a non-existent problem. Now, it's hidden away under a Menu icon, but just one click away. (In my initial review, I wrote, "I hope they find a better place for it in the next incarnation." They did.)
A new feature is the aforementioned Gesture Control. Using the touch pad, you can swipe to the left, which runs the DVR in reverse, for example. It worked well initially, but I didn't find it at all necessary. It was just as easy to use the scroll wheel. But that has now completely changed with the firmware update. And for two reasons.
The first is that Gesture Control is now thoroughly configurable. On the remote, you just click the options and set it to work however you want. I have "Swipe left" to replay the last 15 seconds. "Swipe left and hold" will Fast-reverse. "Double tap" pauses the DVR. And "Swipe up" is the Play command. But it can be whatever you want. It worked easily and impeccably.
And the second reason is that now you don't have to go through a series of menu options to access Gesture Control. You can get to it from any screen but just swiping up. It is now wildly convenient. For instance, I found I could leave the number keypad is the default view, and from there I can just swipe up to Gesture Control when I want those commands.
The Harmony Touch uses a rechargeable battery. Depending on how you've set up its power-eating features (like how long the screen will stay on if it's not touched), it should run for several days. But just place the wand in a holder, and the battery will charge up.
Other than the placement of the Help button (now no longer an issue), I had one other notable quibble. The placement of DVR/VCR control buttons – forward/reverse/pause – is poor, up at the top of the device. (And next to the Off button, which more than once I accidentally clicked.) Happily, you can more comfortably use the control wheel for some of those features. But for the others, you not only have to awkwardly shift its position, but worse, when you're using the controls, your palm can rub over touch screen which can cause you some features to get accidentally accessed. However…thanks to the improved Gesture Control feature, you can now create gesture commands for all those features – far away from the Off button and conveniently in the middle, on the screen.
I've mentioned a bunch of issues here, but know that most of them are easily addressed by how configurable the device is. And in most cases are now largely gone, not issues at all. And overall, it's smaller and has a very nice feel in your hand, it's exceedingly configurable, and you're much less locked into factory defaults. I miss some physical buttons, but I don't miss any functions and appreciate many new features.
For instance, in addition to those already mentioned the firmware update has also added a Sleep Timer, and you can re-configure buttons you rarely use and make them do an activity that's more common for you.
In short (after such a long review…), this is one of the best firmware updates I've ever come across for any product, period. They took a very good, though problematic product and made it something that's now a joy.
(I'm not exaggerating. Here's how much thought was put into the update. Being a touch screen device, that screen can get all mucked up and sticky from your fingers. But then, being a touch screen, it was a challenge to clean the screen because touching it could access a command. However, now there's an added option under Settings that will "lock" the remote and let you clean the screen!)
If you have simple needs, something so elaborate isn't necessary. If you currently have a Harmony One, and it's working fine, there's no need to upgrade. And if you are looking for a new remote, and the Harmony One is now available at a low price, it might be the way to go. But all other things being equal, the Harmony Touch is an extremely good improvement.
An iPhone/iPod touch can do a lot. Now, there's one more thing they can do – turn themselves into a universal remote control for your television and home entertainment devices. There are several products that convert the iPhone/iPod into a remote. Gear4 handles things with a downloadable app and an IR (infrared) blaster. Pair the blaster with your iPhone/iPod using Bluetooth, download the app, and you're basically set to dive in.
You have to position the IR blaster where it can find your iPhone/iPod, but there's a pretty wide range. The process to set up all your devices (TV, DVD, receiver, DVR and such) is a little convoluted – but the process is generally a little convoluted for all universal remotes. Instructions are not well explained in the manual, but the Setup Wizard does a very good job, so even if you don't understand things, it walks you through it. (A caveat: the Gear4 is one of those discontinued products mentioned above. But it still can be purchased online, and at its highly cut price, 72% off, some might find the product worth looking into.)
The Gear4 does a good job finding devices, even a couple of older, more obscure ones I have. When going through the device options, the software on your iPhone/iPod asks questions about input and channels that most people might not know. After finishing, things didn't properly work – but (and this is an important "but" – the help wizard does an excellent job, asking if things are working, and then tries options until they do finally work.
The important thing about universal remotes is the ability to set up unified "actions" – Watch TV or Watch a DVD movie, for instance – making all your devices work together properly. The Gear4 does that, as well, though when choosing an action (like, Watch TV), not everything turned on properly – though that's not uncommon with universal remotes. What the Gear4 does well is that it asks if things are working. If you tell it "no," it will ask what isn't on, and then fix things. It's excellent and easy, though you have to hit a bunch of intuitive keys and answer several questions.
The software is fairly responsive. There is a good, clear keypad. However, an annoying Bluetooth response graphic pops up after most commands, though it's extremely brief.
It also allows you to create gesture control. For example, tap the screen twice to pause. Or swipe the screen horizontally to change the channel. It's a nice gimmick, though I think not overly useful. It's just as easy to tap the Pause button. And you can only change one channel at a time – useless if you want to jump from channel 55 to 424. Swiping for Volume control though is nice.
The keypad commands all work well. The biggest issue is that there aren't most options that a full remote would have. It's very basic. There are 17 commands, and these are the ones you use most (Volume, channel, input, for television), but there's no button to call up the on-screen schedule. For watching a movie, you can adjust volume, back, forward, pause, and play. But you are unable to eject a DVD. These are major omissions.
Since the device requires Bluetooth, this uses up battery power of your iPhone/iPod, though that's not necessarily problematic. You can of course just recharge. It does take quite a few buttons to turn Bluetooth on and off which might wear thin after a while, if you find yourself using the remote periodically through the day.
If you don't own have a universal remote, and love to use your iPhone/iPod touch as much as humanly possible (as many people do…), this is a respectable option. Among other things, there's no need for another remote device that you have to keep looking for. The Gear4 also has an excellent help/wizard system, which makes setting up and using quite easy. It works well, but there's a big caveat – there are limited commands, and some important commands aren't available. In the end, while good, it's not nearly as good as dedicated universal remote. However, at the time of writing the Gear4 Unity can now be found online for as low as $28, down from the original price of $100.
In the app world where smartphones and tablets can be used as a universal remote control for your television and home theater, Griffin's Beacon makes its own auspicious entry.
The Beacon works similarly to the above-reviewed Gear4 Unity, with a hub that transmits an IR signal (infrared) to your device, controlled by an app that you download. In Beacon's case, that app is Dijit, and it makes all the difference in the world.
"Inauspicious" might be a better word, since the product has been discontinued. However it's still available online, and reading the review might convince you it's worth considering if the price is right.
Upfront, I'll note as before that I much prefer dedicated universal remotes, compared to converting a Smartphone/tablet. There are various downsides to the latter, which will be discussed later. However, having said that, if you're someone who loves using your iPad or Smartphone for pretty much everything (and there are many such folks…), the "Beacon powered by Dijit" is by far the best I've come across. And that's due in large part because Griffin had the good sense to team up with Dijit, which is leaps and bounds ahead of most similar apps.
The Beacon itself is a small hub about the size of a fat wallet. It comes with four batteries. Hold a button down until its LED begins to flash, and then place the Beacon anywhere in the room where it can face your TV. Pair the Beacon on your device, and you're done with that part of the setup.
That's when the Dijit app comes into play, which you download to your Smartphone or tablet. Right off, one huge difference from other such units I've tested is that configuring the Beacon/Dijit with your home theater devices is as easy as could be. (Other apps can be convoluted setting up the commands to run your devices.) The Dijit screen presents a comprehensive list of devices, which included my off-brand television (something other products I've tested have difficulty with). When it came to selecting a "remote" for the DVR and DVD player, you're asked simply if you want to use the automatic wizard or choose manually – I tried both ways, and they were each as easy as could be. Most importantly, what worked so well with this is that after making your selections, the Dijit was now all-configured – there was virtually no other set-up or configuration required. ("Virtually" means that a few commands did have to be "learned," but that turned out to be easy. More on that later.) Just know that, at this point, I could start using the Beacon/Dijit with nothing more to do. That's no small achievement.
More than just providing the core ability to operate your TV or DVD player, Dijit brings a huge range of options. Its functionality is particularly increased if you're connected to the Internet – this allows you to download the program schedule for your cable. You can still operate the Dijit software without it, but it will be basic functionality – on/off, volume, change channel and such.
With Internet connectivity, however, the power of the Beacon/Dijit shows. You get a full schedule of all channels; can change the date-and-time to see future schedule; search for shows by title, use the "filter" option to view, for example, only new Fall shows, or season premieres, or movies, sports, comedies, and much more. An "information box" has a variety of icons to choose from: it will list upcoming episodes for the current program, provide cast and crew details if they're available, connect to Twitter and Facebook for social networking, and even provide YouTube videos. (I'm not quite sure how they're selected, but they generally seem to be related in a tangential way to the program you're watching). When using the full program schedule, you can jump directly to the show you want by clicking on the channel, but if you click on the program name itself, it will bring up information and options about that particular program. All in all, it's a vast spectrum of material to choose from.
To operate your devices (TV, DVR, DVD…), which ultimately is the core feature, the Dijit app works very smoothly. You switch between devices by simply clicking on the Device icon. For the most part, the software automatically knows how the remote commands work, so there's nothing to learn, as noted. One very slight annoyance is that volume control only works when you're accessing the TV device. That's fine if you normally change channels from your TV because you don't have a DVR. But if do use a DVR and change your channels from that screen, there's no volume control. Happily, though, Dijit provides a workaround solution – it works with a variety of hand gestures. And among those are that swiping two fingers down on the screen will lower the volume, two fingers swiped up will increase it, and three fingers swiped downward mutes or unmutes.
Within the DVR screen, there are many other commands, including a pop-up icon for pausing, fast forward/rewinding, and recording.
As mentioned, there will be a few commands that the Dijit won't know. In my case, those included the Back/Last Channel button and the cursor navigator. But the Beacon will let the app learn these, and pretty easily. Basically, you tell the Dijit app what you want to learn, hold your device's original remote up to the Beacon's IR port, and simply operate the command on the original remote as you normally would until the Dijit shows it now knows what to do.
The Dijit app lets you create "Activities" to automatically run, rather than needing to manually change settings when switching between devices. This is one of the trickier matters for universal remotes, since home theaters have different configurations that require being set for each device that allows them to work together. One Activity was already set up, "Watch TV." To create others (like, Watch a Movie), just tap the Activity icon and follow the wizard prompts that guide you through a check list of what you want done. I had no trouble following the setup options, though things didn't work properly when I went to switch between "Watch TV" and "Watch a Movie" mode. However, although it didn't work automatically, as they should, I found that merely tapping the "Input" icon to make changes did the trick. What is nice with the Dijit software is that if you don't like how something is working, the screen is highly customizable, letting you add, remove or edit buttons.
All the options you have on your original remotes weren't available on the Dijit (particularly for the DVD), though plenty were. There are also countless other settings you can access, most of which you'll likely never touch. One though was very helpful: under the Settings option, it showed the remaining battery level of the Beacon. By the way, to save on battery use, the Beacon will automatically go into a sleep mode 60 minutes after the unit is disconnected. (It will disconnect if you go more than 30 feet away, or if you turn your Bluetooth off.)
For all that the Beacon/Dijit does well, there are a couple things that I find problematic, which ultimately why I prefer a dedicated universal remote, rather than a configured Smartphone tablet. In fairness these are pretty much issues with all such devices.
Notably, the battery drain is quite heavy on your Smartphone/tablet, and if you enable WiFi to get full use of the Dijit, the drain will be significantly more.
Also, you generally have to go through a regular process every time you want to use the device – tap the Beacon, turn on your device's Bluetooth to connect, and then (if your device requires it) turn on WiFi. And you have to go through the reverse process disconnecting Bluetooth and WiFi each time you turn it off. Some people may leave these features on all the time, in which case it wouldn't be an added issue, though of course that drains your battery all the more. With a dedicated universal remote, you just tap on and off.
For those reasons in particular, I much prefer a dedicated universal remote. It works far more elegantly with more features and no battery drain on your mobile device. (Many are even rechargeable.) However, if you're someone who loves using your Smartphone or tablet as much as possible, the Beacon powered by Dijit stands far above the pack of similar devices. The Dijit even provides some Internet capabilities that you won't get with a dedicated remote, though that's likely a distant second in needs for most people. Overall, the Dijit software is that joyous and rare combination: richly featured and simple to set up and use.
The Beacon can work with either iOS or Android, though you have to get a Beacon made specifically for the operating system you plan to use. The downside of that is you can't switch between devices (an iPhone and an Android tablet, for example), so if you're a two OS household, only one will have control of your TV landscape.
At the time of writing, the Beacon can be found online for as low as $18, down from its original price of $70.
TWW Notes
Though Microsoft is in the process of buying Nokia, the phone company has announced its new Nokia X line which features, of all things, Android, not the Windows Phone. (That's for its other lines.) The X line is focused on the huge part of the world market where there is an interest in smartphone technology, but low-cost is a significant issue – for instance, Third World countries, though not limited to there – and where they've had success already with low cost Windows Phones and even lower cost Asha phones (which use the Symbian platform). The X smartphones start at just 89 Euros (about $122), and are a sort of hybrid Android, using Nokia's own version of the operating system, but with Tiles like the Windows Phone.
Note: The Writers Guild of America, West neither implicitly nor explicitly endorses opinions or attitudes expressed in this article.
Copyright 2014, Robert J. Elisberg. All rights reserved.
Robert J. Elisberg's new novel The Wild Roses, a comic adventure in the spirit of The Three Musketeers but with three women, is now available here in paperback or for $3.99 as a Kindle eBook. His other political and tech writing can be found at Elisberg Industries.


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During April, the value of non-oil exports from Saudi Arabia increased 0.4 percent, to nearly $4.82 billion, compared to the same period last year. The value of imports for this same period decreased by 5 percent, to more than $1.45 billion, the Central Department of Statistics and Information reported today.
Petrochemicals, valued at SR 6.1 billion [$1.63 billion], made up 33.7 percent of exports, followed by plastic products (SR 5.72 billion [$1.53 billion]) at 31.6 percent.
The United Arab Emirates ranked the biggest importer of the Kingdom's non-oil exports, taking in 14.9 percent of the total, followed by China (10.4 percent), and Singapore (6.66 percent). The Unites States ranked first in terms of imports (13.6 percent), followed by China (11.4 percent) and Germany (7.9 percent).
Saudi Arabia is the world's 22nd largest exporter and 31st largest importer of products and services. It is currently the 10th largest trading partner of the U.S., according to the U.S. Commerce Department.

subset: commoncrawl


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On YourFirst Purchase


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Focused Genetic Analyses Seek To Improve...
GEN's Expert Panelists Discuss Technologies and...
The Epigenetics Field Is Granular and...
Opioid Epidemic Is Not the Only...
Schering-Plough will acquire Organon BioSciences, the human and animal health care businesses of Akzo Nobel, for approximately Euro 11 billion in cash, or about $14.4 billion.
"It builds on our growing strength in primary care," remarks Fred Hassan, chairman and CEO, Schering-Plough, "giving us immediate access to central nervous system and women's healthcare products. The acquisition of Organon BioSciences also fills a gap in our late-stage pipeline by adding five compounds in Phase III development and a number of promising projects in Phase II development. In addition, the acquisition of Organon BioSciences enhances Schering-Plough's strength in human and animal biologic products, including the potential to develop human vaccines.
"In light of Schering-Plough's expanding early pipeline, Organon BioSciences's strong biologics manufacturing capability is a further important asset for the combined company." Organon's research and manufacturing facility in Oss, The Netherlands, will be the center of Schering-Plough's global gynecology and fertility activities, while Organon's neuroscience research will continue in Newhouse, Scotland.
"With this acquisition," adds Hassan, "Schering-Plough will become a leading animal healthcare company, with premier biologics capabilities."
Organon BioSciences' had top-line sales of nearly $5 billion, according to Schering-Plough. The pharmaceutical business, Organon, acheived sales of $3.4 billion in 2006 that included products such as a follicle-stimulating hormone for infertility, a muscle relaxant, and contraceptions. Additionally, the animal health business, Intervet, had sales of approximately $1.5 billion in 2006.
Schering-Plough anticipates that the transaction, expected to close by the end of 2007, will be accretive to EPS by about $.10 cents in the first full year, excluding purchase-accounting adjustments and acquisition-related costs. It also expects to achieve annual synergies of $500 million three years after closing.
In addition to the currently marketed products, Organon BioSciences currently has five compounds in Phase III development, including treatment for schizophrenia and acute mania bipolar disorder, a drug to reverse neuromuscular blockade induced during surgical procedures, an oral contraceptive, a long-acting recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone for infertility, and a therapy treatment for insomnia and potentially for hot flashes in menopausal women.
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Trying to choose the best gift to give to someone? Sometimes it can be very difficult to figure out exactly what your loved ones want and need, something that they'll actually be happy and excited to see once they peel off that wrapping paper.
But, there's one present that everyone can appreciate – great health!
So, as you head to the store, remember that health is a gift that can be used over and over again.
Here are some great holiday treats with great health benefits…
• Healthy Food. Typical food gifts encourage unhealthy eating during the holidays. Instead of giving a box of rich chocolate, try something more nutritious, like a box of fresh fruit. You can also bring gift boxes of almonds, walnuts and other unsalted nuts. Or how about a collection of gourmet teas? You can generally find such healthy food gifts in stores, or search for them online. Many come in reusable metal boxes that can serve as a reminder of your thoughtfulness for years to come.
• Healthy Homecooking. Another option is to prepare something yourself. You might put together a soup mix in a nice mason jar. Or you can simply get a gift card to a health food store or a quality grocery store to encourage them to pick out what they like themselves.
• Healthy Lunch Box. Other gifts can promote nutritious eating. Reusable bento boxes, which have several small compartments for food, can encourage people to take healthier, homemade lunches to work. Traditionally, these boxes have been used in Japan to pack small portions of rice, vegetables and fish or meat. Or, simply give someone a standard lunch box depicting their favorite movie, TV show or character, filled with some healthy treats.


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Beyonce is using family photos as a form of damage control to combat divorce rumors but the news media is now wise to her tricks. According to WESH 2 News on August 9, a growing number of news outlets, tabloids and celebrity gossip sites are aware that Beyonce has been flooding her Instagram account with pictures of her daughter Blue Ivy and happy family pictures that include her husband Jay Z. Her intent is to stem the relentless rumors of marriage problems, infidelity and imminent divorce which have been plaguing the power couple for the past few weeks.
Steadfast in her belief that a picture is worth a thousand words, Beyonce has chosen respond to each rumor about her marriage to Jay Z with pictures which depict a loving, blissfully happy family enjoying each other's company without a care in the world. However, On August 8, celebrity gossip site ImNotObsessed.com pointed out that Beyonce's damage control strategy has not worked since the rumors of marital strife are still going strong.
Now that the media is onto Beyonce's scheme of using photos to put marriage rumors to rest, the timing of each new picture she posts on her Instagram account is carefully scrutinized, as well as what message Beyonce is trying to convey. One source claims Beyonce was specifically advised to post a new picture of Blue Ivy in response to each new rumor that makes headline news. Beyonce has evidently been following this advice because she posts one or more family photos each time a new marriage or divorce rumor crops up.
However, the more diligently Beyonce follows this advice, the more transparent her strategy becomes. Fans and media alike are now well aware that Beyonce's "happy family photos" are deliberately staged. One media outlet went so far as to document a number of recent rumors about Beyonce and Jay Z, along with a link to Beyonce's corresponding Instagram photo response. Everyone has become conditioned to anticipate a new family photo from Beyonce whenever a new rumor starts making Internet rounds. Both fans and media alike now realize that this is Beyonce's strategy for damage control.


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The Sagamore Resort and Golf Club
This 1928 Donald Ross classic north of Albany is the true gem of the Adirondacks. True, the views of Lake George cease after the first tee (though it's a jaw-dropper), but the remainder showcase the master's flair for strategic design amid a succession of holes carved from thick forest, with mountain backdrops throughout. Thick rough and a variety of stances and lies on the hilly fairways demand precision shotmaking until the final putt drops.


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Home Inns Xingning Road - Ningbo
- Location:
- Address: No.966 Xingning Road, Ningbo, PRC
- Tel: 0574-87880222 (Book this hotel, call 800-2682918)
- Hotel Name in Chinese: 如家快捷酒店(宁波兴宁路店)
- Lowest Price: $22
- Prices not include 18% service fee and tax.
- Payment Method: pay using our secure online payment service or pay at the hotel at some hotels.
- Triple/quad occupancy may require an extra bed at extra cost.
Hotel Amenities
|Hotel Services
|Luggage service, Car rentals, Laundry service, Room service, Wake Up Call, 24hr Reception, Permanent English-speaking staff, Business Centre, Copy Service, E-mail, Translation Service, Fax Service, Typing Service
|Room Amenities
|Air conditioning, AM/FM radio, Alarm clock, Color Television, Coffee/tea maker, Telephone, Hair dryer, Iron and ironing board, Refrigerator, Bath and Shower, Free for Internet
Hotel Amenities: Elevator, Parking, Air-Conditioned Facilities, Beauty Salon, Business Center, Gift Shop, Meeting Room, Deposit Box at Front Desk, Fire Detector
Dining Facilities: Chinese Restaurant, Western Restaurant
Print the Taxi Directions
- Please drive me to Home Inns Xingning Road - Ningbo, thank you!
- 请送我到如家快捷酒店(宁波兴宁路店),谢谢
- Address: No.966 Xingning Road, Ningbo, PRC
- 地址: No.966 Xingning Road, Ningbo, PRC
- Tel: 0574-87880222
Similar Hotels as Home Inns Xingning Road - Ningbo
Jiangdong Yihao Business Hotel - Ningbo
From: $ 22
Ningbo Motel East Bai Zhang Road Inn - Ningbo
From: $ 21
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From: $ 23
Check out the list of all 140 hotels in Ningbo


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Join our Newsletter
Basic Information:
Size: Enerfood - 14.01 oz and Coconut Milk Powder - 14 oz
Regular Price: $63.94 (if purchased seperately), Save $3.99 when you purchase this combo!
See "Enerfood" product page for complete list of ingredients
See "Coconut Milk Powder" product page for complete list of ingredients
Try a smoothie with both Enerfood and Coconut Milk Powder for a creamier taste.
1/2 cup of water with your choice of liquid (organic apple juice, almond milk etc) add a couple of strawberries and maybe 1/4 banana with a tablespoon each of Enerfood and Coconut Milk Powder then blend away. Add ice if you want it cold.
Try adding some herbal tinctures. I add cayenne and turmeric always. I alternate the Heart Support, Kidney Flush and Liver Cleanse. Of course, you should use the ones you feel you need personally!
How does Enerfood and Coconut Milk Powder go together?
This nutritionally power-packed combo provides complete nutrition from organic, whole foods that are prepared and processed right here in the U.S.A. Enerfood SUPER Green Drink with Coconut Milk Powder is a healthy, delicious way to get massive amounts of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, quickly, naturally and organically.
It is low in carbs, calories, has no fat. Best of all you will LOVE the fresh creamy taste of the coconut powder along with the Enerfood super green energy drink. ORGANIC - GLUTEN FREE AND AFFORDABLE!
Will I experience real energy after I take Enerfood?
The energy burst that people experience after taking the Enerfood Combo comes from the massive flood of nutrition that hits the body as well as when the fact that more toxins are gently leaving, the body. Your body and mind naturally have more energy and clarity when it is functioning efficiently.
How will Enerfood and Coconut Milk Powder enhance my lifestyle?
Don't rely on caffeine or these gimmick energy drinks/shots. Real energy comes from real nutrition and the Enerfood / Coconut Milk Powder Combo provides that and more. Easy to digest and and 100% bio-available, making an Enerfood & Coconut Milk Powder soothie will help you get through your day with enough energy and mental clairty to handle the daily stress. Finally, come home refreshed and with enough mental capacity to enjoy your family.
These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Under no circumstances does EnerHealth Botanicals imply that any and all products and formulas are meant to diagnose , treat, cure or prevent any diseases. Due to these restrictions and limitatsions we are not making any medical claims whatsoever. As a user you acknowledge that the information contained within this website is not intended to be nor is to be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical condition or question.


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We needed to create a site that could limit some pages and posts to logged in members only. To do this we used three different free plugins.
To protect the content we used:
We quickly discovered that the default registration page and log in pages would be pretty confusing to people. These pages look like they belong on WordPress.com and not on our site. To help solve this problem we were able to customize the default log in and registration pages to look like it belonged to our site and not WordPress.com. In order to accomplish this we used:
The plugin worked great for the registration process, but was still pretty awkward to use as a log in process. Forcing the user to go to another pages to log in seemed like a lot to ask of our user. We wanted users to be able to log in from any page to get instant access to the content. To smooth out the log in process so we used:
This worked out pretty well, but we needed to modify the template to link to our new registration screen. The authors did make this customization pretty easy. We were only able to add this to a widget and not within a page, but that's a lot better than other options.
The combination of these plugins work very well to create a basic member site. You should be aware that there is no paid membership option or any control over levels of membership, but it works well.
Listen to this episode online:test


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American exchange student Kate Bordessa has fled to Russia to escape her family's hopes that she'll become one of the Proffered, human women who feed and mate with elite vampire warriors. But when she stumbles upon a wounded vampire in the streets of Moscow, she's instinctively driven to protect him - and feels an undeniable spark of desire.
Grieving over the deaths of his brothers, Vampire Warrior King Nikolai Vasilyev has thrown himself into battling his enemies, focused only on vengeance. Until the attack that brought him to Kate. Their sexual attraction explodes into a night of uncontrolled passion - a night that marks them as mates. Is their connection strong enough to convince them to embrace a destiny neither of them was expecting?
©2012 Laura Kaye (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
I love being swept away by a new romance and thankfully Audible's ever growing Library means I get to indulge myself over and over again
"Short ..... but oh so sweet"
Give me a vampire romance story and I'm happy - and this one is no exception. He is mentally tortured by the death of his brothers and she is drawn to an area of Moscow but she doesn't know why or what's waiting for her there.
It is what it is - a short story but it packs a lot into the 3hrs and I'm not at all disappointed - it was yummy.
"Verify Trite and Overdone"
I couldn't finish the book. Made it about 2/3 through and just couldn't stand all the painfully manufactured angst.
"This was pretty good book"
I liked this book too bad it isn't a series I would have liked to have read or listened to more.
I'm a lover of books, both read and audible.
"Craving a little more"
Yes, it's great for a quick read.
I didn't want the book to end. I wanted more insight into the vampire/human world.
"Good but still wish it was longer"
I don't usually like shorts but this was good. I thought I'd take a chance since it was so cheap on sale. If they come up with any more of this authors I'll spend the credit. I like the way she writes.
The narrator was good. I think this is the first time I've heard her but she did a good job.
"I wish it would have been longer!"
Very good story, I wish it would have been longer so we could get more details on the bad guys and the warriors and their battles. Along the lines of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. The romance was a bit over the top at times, but when you get in that mindset you enjoy it quite a bit. Strong leading lady. It was definitely worth the purchase. It was like a Paranormal Romance appetizer.
Book Smuggler
"Pretty okay"
Yes, it was only three hours. A good short read.
Loved the beginning of the book.
She should do Russian accents. Other than that she was great.
Sure. I wouldn't mind learning more about the vampire world.
I love books and love to get lost in the fantasy. I'm always looking for a new good story to bury myself in. :)
"Good PNR short story :)"
3-3.5 stars
This was a good short story. Kate seemed nice and Nikolai was a bit of a jerk at first but he came around.
Kate is the daughter of 2 humans that work on a counsel with good vampires that fight against rogue vampires. Kate had been training to be part of that society and even possibly become a vampire's mate but disliked the idea of that kind of connection to a vampire she didn't know or like. She decided to go to Russia for her studies to avoid the vampire issue for now.
Nikolai is the Vampire King in the Russian area. He recently lost his brothers to a battle against rogues and now doesn't feel fit to be King. He certainly doesn't believe he deserves anything good in life...
Nikolai is out hunting rogue vampires one night and decides to do so without backup from his vampires. He gets in over his head and is injured, barely getting away in time. He collapses in an alleyway and is no where near help and has no way to call for help. Kate, being unable to sleep and feeling restless, happens to twist her ankle right outside the alley where Nikolai is and finds him there. When she realizes he's a vampire (and she confirms he's not a rogue) she knows she must hide him from other humans. While she's doing this she notices a connection between them and she feels fiercely protective over him. Things go a bit wonky but Nikolai is rescued and Kate gets taken along while things are sorted out. When Nikolai wakes from his injuries he finds he wants Kate but he wont allow himself to have her and hurts her in the progress. Things do get worked out between them when Nikolai stops fighting the mating urge and he and Kate end the story starting their HEA together.
This was an enjoyable story. I didn't read book #1 in the series but there was nothing that indicated to me that I was missing part of the story because of that. Nikolai and Kate were both likable characters and I liked their story but I do wish there had been a little more of it to flesh out the ending a bit. :)
"Too crude"
It was too short. Storyline was ok but I felt like there was a lot that I did not know about the vampire/human culture and traditions. It was difficult to emmerse myself and to relate to any of the characters. I sappose that is the number one reason I do not recommend it or will I listen to it again. The love scenes were poorly written and the terms used were degrading and inappropriate for romance.
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


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On Saturday, June 28 and Sunday June 29 2014 the Victorville Fairgrounds will be alive with the sound of music at the 2-DAY High Desert Music Festival and BBQ Showdown returns. The fun will run from 12 Noon to 9 p.m. both days.
The non-stop live music for this weekend will include performances by the "original voice" of Thee Midniters Little Willie G, the Laurie Morvan Band with "SoCal's blues-rock guitar goddess" Laurie Morvan, Motown tribute quintet The 5 Tempting Men, The Three Diamonds; Grammy-nominated blues guitarist, Ray Brooks, princess of Billboard's EDM chart, Destenee, the 60 Grit Blues Band; plus local fan favorites, The Tuba Force, The Doug Phillips Band, Tessie & The Calico Cats, The Blue Henrys and The Latin Express. Young singing sensation Vee Nelson will also be there along with "a special awards tribute to music greats."
The event, organized by the socially-conscious DEC Group, will also include a BBQ Pit Masters competition in four categories: Beef Brisket, Pork Ribs, Chicken, and Pork. The country's top cooks will compete for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes and festival-attendees will cast their votes for the "People's Choice" Award.
This year's Kidz Zone will include balloon animals, face-painting, magic shows, storytelling and other youth activities including special appearances by Crickit The Magician, Clarence "Chazz" Ross and Danger Man, the Urban Super Hero. Event-goers will also take in the "High Desert's premiere Car Show", see Eliminator the ecological Monster Truck and meet Festival Ambassadors the High Desert 49ers the area's semi-pro football team.
Ticket prices are as follows: Pre-Sale tickets, $20.00 per day (includes two "Taste Tickets"); Weekend Pass, $35.00 (includes four "Taste Tickets"). Tickets at the Gate are $25.00 (Day Pass) and $45.00 (Weekend Pass). Limited V.I.P. Weekend Passes are also available. These special tickets are currently going for the special price of $50.00 and include premiere shaded seating, complimentary wine, beverages and food). Tickets may be purchased at http://www.highdesertmusicfestival.com/newsite/tickets/. Children 12 and under are free.
A portion of the proceeds benefit Que'n For The Cause, supporting programs that provide foods and service to those less fortunate. Festival attendees who donate a food item for the Victor Valley Rescue Mission will receive $1.00 off the ticket price.
Suggested Links
- Ventura County Blues Festival: Hot blues with a family feel
- Escape for Good NOLA charity race kicks off with Live Action Battle Rap
- California Beer Festival returns to Ventura with blues, brews and BBQ
- Blues, Brews, & BBQ - Blues Festival: Warm weather and cool music
- Ventura Blues & BBQ Festival: Cool breeze and hot music


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Visitor Parking
We recommend parking in the Grand Rapids city ramp just west of the KCAD campus (there are entrances on both Ionia and Pearl Streets.) This ramp is right next door to our campus.
Student Parking Options
- KCAD leases parking spaces from the City of Grand Rapids. A small number DASH lot 7 and DASH lot 9 cards are available for $120 per semester plus a $20 security deposit. The deposit will be refunded once the card is returned to the KCAD Student Services Office, as long as you do not owe money to the College. Please have a payment of $140 ready when you pick up your card. The DASH shuttle bus drops off within 1 block of KCAD.
- We also have parking cards available for the Gerald R. Ford Museum North Lot. These cards are available for $100 per semester plus a $20 security deposit. The deposit will be refunded once the card is returned to the KCAD Student Services Office, as long as you do not owe money to the College. Please have a payment of $120 ready when you pick up your card. Also you will need to bring the make, model, year, color and license plate number of the vehicle you will be driving. If you will also be using an alternate vehicle from time to time, please bring the specifics for that one also.
- Ride the Rapid. Again this year, you will be able to get fee bus passes from KCAD's Activities and Resource Center. The Rapid is a public transportation system for the greater Grand Rapids area. View all available routes and the times the buses runs.
- Silver Line – www.ridetherapid.org/silver-line/ Have you heard about THE SILVER LINE? It is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system, offering rail-like convenience and comfort on a more cost-effective vehicle. It connects Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming, mainly serving the Division Avenue corridor. Check out this cool and exciting option.
- For those of you who are not within walking distance of a Rapid fixed route, you can access PASS – Passenger Adaptive Suburban Service. PASS was designed to help you connect with The Rapid buses. If you live more than 1/3 of a mile off a bus line, PASS may be able to pick you up at your curb and deliver you to the nearest bus stop for only $3.00, (exact change required). This fare includes a transfer to the fixed route bus. Please call 616-456-7701 by 4:30 pm on the previous day you wish to schedule a ride. You may also schedule "Subscription Service" which means if you travel to and from the same places at the same time on a regular basis, you can schedule trips farther in advance.
Other parking options
- City of Grand Rapids parking facilities: The City of Grand Rapids Parking Department offers many options for parking. Whether you are looking for other monthly parking card options or if you are looking for a lot to use on a day-to-day basis, their website City of Grand Rapids parking can help you research other available options in the area. You may also contact their office at 616-456-3290.
- St. Marks Episcopal Church, 134 N Division Ave – $7.00 per day plus a $20 card deposit. Contact Pam Stevenson at 616.456.1684.
- First Park Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Place NE. $5.00 "bill" operated lot. First come, first serve basis.


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HOPELESSLY..... Everyone has a different take on movies.. What was yours? I see you are new to boards, as am I.. WELCOME... and may you have better fortune in the "Love arena" than I have!! I think I'm trading in my heart for set of boxing gloves now! A man might appreciate the gloves more!! :)
Total posts: 1
"Rib Cracker" here KIWIINGRID! LOL...
So you are sayng you don't want the man in the suit huh?? WELL THEN TAKE IT OFF!! Does wonders I've found!! HeeHee~~ Objects in the mirror may not be as boring as they appear! LOL (but only after you fix his toilet, build him a deck and mow his lawn!!)
BREAK OUT THE DRILL BABY!! There is someone for everyone! LOLOL
Total posts: 3
LOL @ U Marieswl!!!!
That's where I stash all the dead bodies when I FINALLY realize they were jerks!! Makes it easier to dispose of them!! :) Bawhahahahaha!!!
CRRRRAAASSSSHHHHH!! (yes.. dry sarcasm! It's my second language u know!)
Total posts: 9
OMG! U hit the nail on the head for me!! I read your words.. Apparently I can't sleep.. w/ a man.. or w/out one.. yet "another issue" of mine.. LOLOL.. but when I read "safe and protected" and emotional and financial security.. WELL.. THAT described what I seek .. hands down!!
People ask me all the time why I drive a big truck.. I'm not a "car" girl.. I always respond w/ same answer...... "I feel SAFE and PROTECTED" ...
Years of therapy.. (well actually the first session) taught me that since my mother didn't protect me as a very small child and through my teens... (Fill in blanks...) I learned to try and protect myself.. So obviously.. I hold "trust" issues w/ men in general and have admittedly made some poor choices along the way.. The absolute amazing beauty of it all however is that despite my lack of relationship w/ my mother.. I have been tremendously blessed w/ the most beautifully sculptured women in my life in all areas and shapes and sizes... I have women friends who are like moms, big sisters and little sisters in my life.. I think God planned it that way... :) I just wish I could find a man I am attracted to that could guide and love me in the same manner.. Men are just not from what I have found... "emotional creatures".. therefore they may feel badly about things.. but they still don't "get" me... I find women much more responsive to reading a persons heart... (NO OFFENSE to men)
And I guess since I haven't found "emotional security" in a man... I have chosen it in a vehicle...
Hope you have a wonderful day! (or whenever you read this...)
LOL @ Kiwiingrid!! U go lady!! :)
I can hear your "Independent nature" in your words... LOVE IT!
Although I have never achieved "financial security" as it appears many/most? women in this forum have .... I have a "strong-willed and independent nature" that can't be rocked w/. It's there.. I call it as I see it.. and MANY men I have met have held issue w/ this!
So I guess it doesn't matter if a woman is of "average looks and successful financially"... or a "pretty girl they expect to keep her mouth shut".. Many men are intimidated by a woman who has achieved any level of independence!
I've thrown 3 inch stern lines off a 4' jump deck in 8' seas while backing up to a platform in the middle of the gulf just months ago, so I had food on the table.. (It was actually FUN.. but I admit... I was scared!) But if a 105lb woman can and will do a "man's job" to survive...I'd call that about as independent as it gets!
Nice to meet you! Don't work too hard on your 16 hour day... And may a man come your way who "APPRECIATES" and "EMBRACES" you for who you are!
HI Miss Southernclass108:
Wanted to respond to a couple of posts I found interesting.. so we'll see if this goes through. (Last night even MM had difficlut time getting my post to sync in.. it messed up the page for few hours! What a way to say HELLO to everyone! Kind of like being new on the ball field and throwing the ball over the fence! LOL)
You are correct for sure... a MAJOR bottom line is "acceptance" of who your partner is and the "willingness" to allow them to grow in their own rights. Sounds like you didn't have this. I'm sure in the long run.. you will be better off.. (as we all are after divorces..) BUT.. doesn't it make it any easier..
Oddly you say "What attracted him to me in the beginning".... he didn't like in the end... My girlfriend always told me.. "Whatever brings you together in the beginning will pull you apart in the end!" NOW I understand what she meant! (slow learner.... ADHD? LOL)
Have a great day! AND "SING BIRD.. SING!" :)
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text: ZZ Ward should probably be a lot bigger than she currently is, so we're glad to see that's she's still pushing material from her awesome 2012 debut album, Til The Casket Drops. Her vocals are deep and wonderfully accented by a peppery raspiness that creates an allure similar to that of Adele. Watch the video for "365 Days" and see if you can resist – we sure can't.


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It's a known fact that when you're tasting wine, you should refrain from wearing perfume, cologne or other scents that interfere with the sensory experience of sipping vino.
According to the Wine Bytes blog on OregonLive.com, winemakers encourage tasters not to "wear perfume, cologne, or heavily scented lotions, [as] they will affect trying to pick up the aromas of the wine, alter your perception in its taste and ruin the experience for others."
So for those who can't get enough of the flavors and scents in their favorite reds and whites, Salud Scent Studio has created a line of bath, body and home products based on custom blended wine aromas.
"My friends who are winery owners would insist that I was not supposed to wear perfume while my nose was in the glass," said owner and creator Kelly Podorsek. "I definitely appreciate the 'no perfume in the tasting room' rule but I wanted to prove them wrong and create scents that make both wine and perfume more approachable."
Salud Scent Studio sent me a sample flight of popular wine aromas to try. I'm not a big perfume-wearer and when I do, I like subtle, natural scents. I expected wine-scented aromas but instead, the Chardonnay aroma was lightly scented with hints of vanilla and caramel and Merlot reminiscent of fig, fresh rhubarb and violet.
Not a wino? You can create your own scent to be delivered right to your door to keep you smelling sweet all season.


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Home Remedies for Yeast Infections
What is Yeast infection?
A yeast infection is a fungal infection affecting various parts of the body including mouth, throat, genitals and skin. It is usually caused due to an overgrowth of candida-a type of yeast which is found in small amounts in the body.
A yeast infection is a fungal infection affecting various parts of the body including mouth, throat, genitals and skin. It is usually caused due to an overgrowth of candida-a type of yeast which is found in small amounts in the body.
Causes of Yeast infection
Most commonly, antibiotics are believed to be the major culprits in causing a yeast infection. They do this by disturbing the normal healthy microorganisms and making conditions favorable for the growth of candida. Women using hormonal contraceptives too, are more likely to suffer from yeast infections in the vaginal area.
Immunocompromised individuals and patients suffering from conditions needing them to take immunosuppressants and other medications are more likely to suffer from yeast infections in different areas of the body. Many other factors such as lack of sleep, stress, overconsumption of alcohol, refined sugar etc, too, may lead to development of yeast infections.
Symptoms of Yeast infection
Different regions of the body respond differently to yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections are characterized by white, clumpy discharges, painful sexual intercourse, soreness, tenderness and redness in the vaginal area and sometimes extreme itching. Men may experience development of rashes on the penis, which may also be accompanied by itching and burning sensations.
Oral candida infections are usually characterized by development of cracks at the corners of the mouth, white spots inside the mouth and tongue, soreness of the throat accompanied by difficulty in swallowing and redness and discomfort in the mouth.
Home Remedies for Yeast infection
Maintaining good personal hygiene is the simplest and easiest way to prevent all types of infections. Keep yourself as clean as possible. Cranberries are believed to contain powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make them a wonderful home remedy for yeast infections. Other foods and substances that can help curb candida infections include vinegar, tea tree oil, yogurt, basil, garlic and rosemary.
Home Remedies for Yeast infection in Men
Intimate hygiene is the best step to preventing yeast infections. Use warm water and soap to clean the affected parts thoroughly, and wear clean, dry underwear made of breathable fabrics. You may also try boric acid as a remedy to curb recurrent yeast infections.
Home Remedies for Yeast infection in Women
Vulvovaginal yeast infections are the most common in women; and practicing cleanliness and hygiene is the first step to preventing these infections. Keep the vaginal area as clean and dry as possible, and use antifungal powders meant for internal use, if needed. Make sure you wear comfortable cotton underwear, and keep away from tight, synthetic undergarments.
Following sexual activity, make sure you clean the pelvic region properly so as to avoid any possible infections. Washing the vaginal area with vinegar, too, can help restore the optimum pH of the vaginal area, discouraging growth of fungi.
Home Remedies for Yeast infection during pregnancy
Since pregnancy is a crucial and delicate stage in a womans life, it is important to stick to safe, natural remedies for yeast infections. Adding more yogurt to the diet can help the body maintain the optimum pH levels, discouraging yeast growth.
Diluted tea tree oil, too can work wonders in curbing yeast infections of the vagina naturally, thanks to its antifungal properties. Douching the vagina with water containing basil extracts too, can help curb yeast infections naturally.
Home Remedies of Yeast infection on Skin
Keeping yeast infections of the skin at bay is comparatively easy-make it a point to keep your body as dry and aerated as possible. Wipe your sweat often and avoid staying too long in wet clothes. Use antifungal powders and creams on areas that are moist and more prone to yeast infections. Avoid wearing tight clothing-choose light, loose, soft fabrics that are clean.
Home Remedies of Yeast infection in Animals
Animals, just like humans, too, suffer from yeast infections. Simple home remedy to cure yeast infections in animals, especially dogs, would be to wash the affected area with a solution of 1 part water, 1 part apple cider vinegar. Mixing yogurt in your dogs food too, can help prevent yeast infections.
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Fermented foods are very effective too in treating and managing the infection. Fermented food and alcohol depletes nutrients which allows the proliferation of the fungus.For people who need help there's this website with great information on getting read of yeast infection and it really helped me.
Portia23 Tuesday, March 11, 2014


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The Italian powerhouse behind MaxMara is responsible for more than just fabulous coats, tailored pieces and jaw-dropping gowns, proven this June as it teams up with Women In Film, Los Angeles (WIF, LA) to honor actress Zoe Saldana with the 2010 Women In Film MaxMara Face of the Future award.
Professionally, Saldana has had a questionably glamorous existence as of late, ruling the sci-fi screens in both Avatar and Star Trek. Yet the multitude of red carpet fetes that come along with stardom have given her plenty of opportunities to prove her fashion aptitude. Her fresh look and fashion daring have endeared her to movie-goers and fashion folk alike.
The Face of the Future award, first presented in 2006, is dedicated to showcasing an actress who's at a pivotal turning point in her career, as evidenced by both professional choices and community involvement. Past recipients have included Elizabeth Banks, Maria Bello and Emily Blunt.
"At the dawn of a new decade, it is heartening to acknowledge careers marked by independent vision, daring creative choices and unique talent," said WIF, LA president Jane Fleming.
With a career that shows no signs of stopping, and with her embodiment of grace and poise, Saldana surely fits this bill.


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Tony Award-Winning God of Carnage: Parents Behaving Badly
* Additional fees apply. No coupon or promo codes necessary to enjoy the displayed discount price.
The last date listed for God of Carnage was Saturday October 5, 2013 / 8:00pm.
Currently at Shelton Theater
San Francisco Magic Underground: Mentalism & More
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San Francisco Fringe Fest favorite Sebastian Boswell III hosts a weekly show featuring an… More
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Featured review from Ray F Matthew F
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Great actors and fast paced. I found the play a bit repetitious, but
I would still recommend it, however, we felt the theater itself it's a total fire trap. No announces were made about exits. You are in a basement with seemingly one way out! the way you entered and up a narrow stairway. Scary to say the least.
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It's a light comedy that did a good job of capturing how spouses can have a love/hate relationship. Perfect 70-minute length for my attention span.
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Small theater so there are no bad seats. Excellent set design. Well-cast. Players acquitted themselves well. I very much enjoyed the performance.
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Good acting, great cast, good performances.
Basically a stressful play
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"The set is both artistic and realistic. The acting was uniformly outstanding and the audience was totally enthralled. They stood up, and wildly applauded. Now, you can't get any better than that." -BeyondChron
"A hilarious, sharp-eyed, cringe-inducing exposé of what's hidden under individual veneers of civilization … At the Shelton, in Lisa Drostova's tight direction, text and movement all come across loud and clear." -examiner.com
The Shelton Theater presents Yasmina Reza's God of Carnage, translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Lisa Drostova.
About the Ticket Supplier: Jean Shelton Foundation
The Shelton Theater (Jean Shelton Foundation), founded in 1993 by Matt Shelton, is an extension of the (Jean) Shelton Studios founded in 1961. The theater hosts live performances of musicals, narrative plays, improv, poetry, solo performances, and concerts. Film screenings and contemporary fine art are exhibited as well. We provide artists with the creative respect they need and a venue within which to observe their works. There are two intimate venues of 74 and 60 seats. Literally thousands of performing artists have created works here and the energy of those creations gives the theaters an atmosphere of truth and power. Many have revealed the aches of their heart and the strength of their imagination on these stages.


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Wednesday, February 6, 2013
UWG's International Student Club (ISC) recently celebrated it 28th Annual International Night with food, fun and festivities. This year's event, themed "Citizens of the World," saw a crowd of over 600 students, faculty, staff and guests who were anxious to see what the club had planned for the fete. Many attendees were lined up early hoping to be some of the first to indulge in the culturally diverse dishes the event had to offer. The dinner saw delicacies from over 30 countries, including South Korea, Nigeria and India, as well as Carrollton-area food businesses.
Once guests had eaten their fill, many made their way to the lower level of the Z6 for the entertainment segment, which included skits from members of the club and other students. After a welcome address from ISC President, Nuzair Nuwais, the entertainment segment opened with a fashion show, with students representing an estimated 20 countries.
Highlights of the fashion show included natives of Jamaica who did the "Bolt" pose made famous by their countryman and Olympian, Usain Bolt. The entertainment continued with various musical and dance performances. The MCs, Annie Clinton and Richard Morris, entertained the audience with stories about cultural differences they discovered after coming to the United States from Scotland and England, respectively. The entertainment segment also included the dance performance by the UWG African Student Association (ASA), the demonstration by the UWG Judo Club and the hip-hop performance by two Chinese students, Bo Lu and James Liu.
"It was awesome and impressive," said Chinese exchange student, Christine Wu. "I'm glad I could be here to witness and experience all that International Night has to offer."
The climax of the festivities, however, came with the event finale, a performance of the internationally chart-topping song of 2012, Gangnam Style. Chinese student Bo Lu played the role of Psy, the South Korean songwriter and rapper responsible for the hit song. International students and audience members later joined Lu on the stage to perform the dance moves associated with the song.
"I knew it would be a success, but I had not anticipated that it would be this successful," said Joy Esiemokhai, ISC entertainment chair and event organizer. "It is my final International Night as a UWG undergraduate student, so I am excited that I could contribute to such an extraordinary event.
If her sentiment echoes that of other attendees, then ISC can congratulate itself on another International Night well done. It will be exciting to see what new foods, fashions and fun students bring to next year's event.


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Information Technology Services
Electronic Accessibility
The UC IT Leadership Council formed the UC Electronic Accessibility Leadership Team (EALT) in April 2010 to provide systemwide strategic direction for initiatives to enhance the accessibility to University electronic resources for all individuals and particularly those with disabilities. The EALT seeks to promote the sharing of best-practices and tools among the campuses, and build collaborative relationships with the California State University system and other institutions to advance common goals.
Electronic accessibility site
Read more about the UC electronic accessibility initiative, including standards, guidelines, tools, and resources.


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TC TO EDWARD CHAPMAN ; 25 November 1847; DOI: 10.1215/lt-18471125-TC-EC-01; CL 22: 168
Chelsea, 25 Novr, 1847—
Dear Sir,
One of the Copies of Miscellanies was addressed to "The Lady Harriet Baring, 12 Gt Stanhope Street, Stanhope Gate"; and I find it has never yet been sent. Will you be so kind as send it now immediately,—this day if possible.
The others also please forward, without regard to the F. Revolution,1 if that chance not to be ready to go along with them by your monthly Packet.—— In haste
Yours always truly /
T. Carlyle


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Special Group of Psychologists & Social Care 2011
While visiting the National Gallery recently I reflected on the way that many of the pictures drew the viewer's attention to the foreground rather than the background. Although the foreground contained key images that captivated the viewer's attention, the symbolism contained within the background was also very significant but could potentially be missed.
We have a similar situation in our work within services that provide Social Care. The predominant focus this year has been on the output of the Commission on Funding of Care and Support (the Dilnot Report*) in July 2011. The cost of Social Care, particularly for older people, continues to be the defining issue within Parliament.
Though essentially the Commission dealt with wealth conservation, there was a recommendation that there should be National Eligibility Criteria and portable assessments.
In the background and less discussed, the Law Commission produced their report on 'Adult Social Care' laid before Parliament in May 2011 - if you cannot locate a copy, please email me.
The Law Commission report is significant in that it is proposing, for the first time, that within England and Wales there should be a consistent and coherent legal framework for adults who are seeking Social Care. There are 76 recommendations so plenty of background reading!
As a Special Group we responded to the original consultation and our contribution was acknowledged.
One key recommendation (number 5) from the Law Commission report is that there should be a single overarching principle that adult social care, ' must promote or contribute to the well-being of the individual'. The notion of 'well-being' is not defined but clearly must include psychological factors and represents an opportunity for a psychological perspective to be incorporated into the assessment process.
Such an opportunity neatly interfaces with the Special Group's mission statement viz., the 'promotion of psychologically informed social care at all levels of the social care system'. The active promotion of our mission statement is currently one of our key strategy objectives.
Although the work of the Special Group is not always visible we continue to promote the inclusion of Social Care into the thinking with the BPS via our representation on the various Boards of the Society. Currently we are also participating in a BPS working group on Behaviour Change that is considering how psychological knowledge can be made available to governmental policy makers.
The Special Group has developed a link with 'Skills for Care' through which we are consulting about a proposed learning curriculum within the Social Care sector. In these austere times we have not been able to hold a conference this year but hopefully there may be opportunity for a joint one next year.
The Special Group has also been actively considering a repeat survey of where psychologists can be found within the Social Care sector. The survey will provide information that can again be used to promote psychologically informed Social Care.
In passing, the regulation of Social Care workers appears to be a receding issue although the Health and Social Care Bill 2011 does contain, in Part 7, legislation that abolishes the General Social Care Council (GSSC), whose regulatory function for Social Workers devolves to the Health Professions Council (HPC). The legislation could also enable the HPC to regulate the wider Social Care workforce.
The numbers, however, suggest that this is unlikely to happen in the immediate future. The HPC currently regulates around 200 000 registrants and will see about 100 000 registrants transfer from the GSSC. The estimated size of the unregulated Social Care workforce currently outside these professions is 1.5 million!
Creating voluntary registers has been discussed as a way forward. The Special Group remains concerned about the fact that such an unregulated workforce provides services to vulnerable people every hour of every day of the year.
As ever it is important to extend thanks to existing committee members for their contribution of time and expertise. There are still vacancies on the committee so please feel free to contact me about the nature of the commitment.
Dr John Newland, Chair
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For a limited time, Canadian residents can enjoy 20% off prevailing rates (as quoted on the Disney Cruise Line website) on the May 24 and June 2, 2014 Alaska sailings departing from Vancouver, Canada!
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At Arizona: Will contend for a linebacker role ... Forced into action in his true freshman year in 2011 ... Played in 10 games with starts in the first three contests ... Recorded 10 tackles with a season high of five in the Stanford game.
High School: Dallas Morning News All-Prospect Top 25 ... Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools All-District II-2 honors as a sophomore and junior ... PrepStar All-American as an athlete ... The Sporting News Top 100 ... InsideTexas.com Top 30 ... Texas High School Football Top 40 ... MaxPreps Top 25 inside linebacker ... Collected 126 tackles, seven sacks, six forced fumbles, an interception and three fumble recoveries ... Parish Episcopal head coach Scott Nady - who played at Cal - likened Hankins to Arizona great Tedy Bruschi for his nose on the ball and an extremely high "motor" ... Considered among top LB prospects in Texas and top-10 nationally by ESPNU ... Dave Campbell's Texas High School Football Top 20 ... 136 tackles and 12 sacks, with three forced fumbles as a junior ... Had 105 tackles and three forced fumbles as a sophomore.
Personal: Majoring in pre-business.


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Lean manufacturing
Manufacturing activities have undergone major changes in all industries. Production has largely been moved to low-wage countries to cut costs and gain access to new markets. This has led to serious challenges for production managers.
In brief
Manufacturing activities have undergone major changes in all industries. Production has largely been moved to low-wage countries to cut costs and gain access to new markets. This has led to serious challenges for production managers. Sites that have remained in Europe and North America have to cope with ever-increasing price competition. What's more, production at the new locations has to meet customers' quality and service requirements, while at the same time fully exploiting potential cost advantages.
These trends will continue as globalization moves ahead. To tackle challenges and benefit from new opportunities, manufacturers have to operate with the highest quality and service standards while keeping costs low.
Our approach
With such improvement initiatives as Kanban, one-piece flow, advanced planning systems, overall equipment efficiency and self-directed work teams, manufacturing is undergoing an improvement revolution. But although each initiative has its own focus, the ideas and activities often overlap.
In our experience, the key to success is finding the right mix of approaches. We therefore tailor a combination of feasible, leading-edge practices to precisely address the company's problems. During the improvement process, we provide our clients with coaching and facilitation services. This means that we manage the process steps: we thoroughly analyze the problem, draw up strategies and implement actions to achieve measurable results. In order to ensure acceptance of the strategies, we make sure that production managers and functional experts are involved throughout the process.
Sample projects
Implementing best practices in global production
We developed a global production system for a leading automotive supplier whose service range covers production planning, shop-floor control, inter-company logistics and standard IT systems. The project focused on getting buy-in from all regional organizations to ensure that best practices were consistently implemented around the world.
Reducing production costs
We redefined the core competencies of a machine tool manufacturer's German operations. To this end, we optimized both manufacturing and assembly processes by introducing concepts such as one-piece flow and self-directed work teams in component production and slot times in assembly. In so doing, we helped the client to significantly reduce costs, inventory and throughput time.
Streamlining production overhead
We streamlined production overheads for a leading European printing company. More specifically, we introduced TPM concepts to increase equipment efficiency and reduce downtime. We also introduced a team system to replace overly hierarchical structures in production and increase worker involvement.