text:
Fault Tolerance
The typical scenario for providing fault tolerance is to provide more resources than necessary and then let one unused take over if a busy one fails. Design for fault tolerance requires careful selection and evaluation of an error model, otherwise you might spend a lot of effort and money for handling failures that have a very low chance to happen and you might forget another one that occurs once an hour.
Providing fault tolerance works like an insurance, there is always a rate to pay for covering losses, sometimes such a rate can be prohibitively high and you might be better off without fault tolerance if you can tolerate the failures.
There is no absolute safety.
The physical environment might require a non-trivial physical distribution of the hardware (fire, water, earthquakes, nuclear war, aliens, etc.).
Not only the boxes also the connections must be secured.
"Fault-tolerance" usually connotes resistance to mishap or accidental damage (
unexpected failure of hardware, loss of network connectivity, accidental erasure of data) and not intentional sabotage. Hence it overlaps with, but has a different perspective than, the topic of security. In a sense, fault-tolerant design is a special case of designing for security, where the assumed attacker is Murphy.
Fault tolerance is not the same as ruggedness; see
For a discussion of the kinds of issues that must be considered in designing for fault-tolerance, see "A Fault-Tolerant System Architecture for Navy Applications",
IBM Journal of Research & Development,
Volume 27, Number 3, Page 219 (1983), on-line at
This is just an article I happen to remember having read, which happens to be available on-line. I'm sure it's not the only example of its kind, and it may not be the best. But it does give an overview of the issues involved, and it discusses a real-life system, designed over a period of years and intended to have a service life of two decades after installation, with an MTBF of 2000 hours. The article particularly mentions the need for cooperation between layers of the system: fault-tolerance must be designed in from top to bottom, including software, operating system, and hardware.
There is a
for fault-tolerance that says you should do every computation three times, on three independent processors. If they all agree, great; if two agree and one does not, the majority wins, and the dissenter is flagged for testing.
's novel
the Spielberg film
Minority Report
(based on a story by Philip K. Dick,
), and other standard engineering references.
Interestingly, the design for the Navy system referenced above did
take this approach: they used two CPUs, not three.
may help for some failures, but not in cases where the specification has a fault, in which case all 3 processes may have the same fault. Another approach is a "
back-up handler
". If it's known that the primary process has a non-recoverable problem, then a secondary process takes over. The secondary process is
usually simpler
and only handles basic survivable operations. It's roughly comparable to the autonomic nervous system in mammals (not to be confused with "automatic"). It keeps the heart and lungs going, but doesn't handle more complex things like finding shelter or avoiding prey. It's usually not useful if you are attacked by a predator and are about to be eaten, but it can be of use if say you slip and fall down the side of a hill, smashing into stuff on the way down. Your brain may be knocked out, but perhaps this "backup brain" buys time for your comrades to find and assist.
Similarly, a simpler back-up system may not help a spacecraft trying to land, for it needs its full faculties for such complex tasks. However, if parked in orbit or already landed, then a basic survival system may buy it time while ground controllers work out solutions. For example, the backup process may do little more than regulate temperature and aim solar panels to keep the battery and transmitter alive. I believe NASA calls this "Safety Mode".
Sorry, did you say
"where the specification has a fault"
?!? That makes no sense whatsoever. You are taking about a defective product that could not have worked correctly, ever. That is something which should have been discovered at the specification inspection phase. How would such a product ever get built?
Flowers help my fault tolerance.
View edit of
September 28, 2010
with title or text search


text:
The next episode of the myLifetime.com series, Hollywood Tails – The Dogfather. A dinner at an Italian restaurant takes a bad turn when a group of rough pups compete to become the alpha dog. This clip is brought to you by Lifetime Television's website, myLifetime.com, the ultimate digital destination for women's entertainment and escape.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Cullinane Design - Hartland, WI - Phone: (262) 367-6747
Garden Gate Nursery & Floral - Hartland, WI - Phone: (262) 367-6464
Keep It Green by Grounds Keeper, Inc. - Hartland, WI - Phone: (414) 531-5158
Lakeside Services - Hartland, WI - Phone: (262) 966-3333
Northland Irrigation Systems - Hartland, WI - Phone: (262) 367-0452
Scott's Lawn Designs - Hartland, WI - Phone: (262) 369-1820
Landscaping contractors in Hartland are a group of people or an organization of individuals responsible for bringing about modifications to the visible features of an area of land that includes- gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment within the landscape, modifying natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation, or bodies of water and human elements such as structures, buildings, fences or other material objects created and/or installed by humans. Landscape contractors in Hartland generally provide services on a contract basis. Once they are employed, they can be expected to finish off their assigned jobs within the stipulated period of time, as per the contract.
Alliance for Green Heat and NYSERDA Announce Seven Finalists in International Pellet Stove Competition
Two New York teams are among the finalists (Long Island, NY) Alliance for Green Heat and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced that seven pellet stoves have been chosen as finalists in the Pellet Stove Design Challenge. This international competition, administered by the Alliance for Green Heat, identifies innovative low emissions and high efficiency..


text:
A Lebanon County teenager has been charged with assault after police said he shot a 5-year-old boy with an air gun.
The incident happened on June, 18, around 8 p.m. on the first block of East High Street in Palmyra. Police filed charges Tuesday, June 25.
"It is alleged that the 14-year-old male juvenile shot a metal projectile from an air gun at a 5-year-old male juvenile. The 5-year-old juvenile was struck near his eye but did not suffer a serious injury," a police news released stated.
The 14-year-old, who has not been identified, is charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering and a violation of Palmyra Borough's firearm ordinance.


text:
To maximize federal aid New Jersey would receive should another superstorm wallop the Garden State, Sen. Robert Menendez and U.S. Rep. Albio Sires have introduced legislation to increase funding for hazard mitigation.
The Safe Building Code Incentive Act, which has bipartisan support, would make states that follow strict building codes eligible to receive an additional four percent of funding from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Menendez and Sires joined Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Freeholder Anthony Romano in Hoboken to announce the bill earlier this month. Flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy left much of Hoboken underwater.
Menendez said New Jersey is one of 16 states that enforces the most up-to-date standards of building codes from the International Code Council; and because of these high standards, those states should receive extra funding.
Menendez also said the bill would protect homes that are being rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy and would also apply retroactively to make more assistance available to residents.
According to Menendez's website, New Jersey is already eligible for HMGP funds up to 15 percent of total disaster assistance with a federal cost share of 75 percent. This bill would hike the federal cost share to 79 percent.


text:
Types of Viruses
There are thousands of viruses, and new ones are discovered every day. It is difficult to come up with a generic explanation of how viruses work, since they all have variations in the way they infect or the way they spread. So instead, we'll take some broad categories that are commonly used to describe various types of virus.
File Viruses (Parasitic Viruses)
File viruses are pieces of code that attach themselves to executable files, driver files or compressed files, and are activated when the host program is run. After activation, the virus may spread itself by attaching itself to other programs in the system, and also carry out the malevolent activity it was programmed for. Most file viruses spread by loading themselves in system memory and looking for any other programs located on the drive. If it finds one, it modifies the program's code so that it contains and activates the virus the next time it's run. It keeps doing this over and over until it spreads across the system, and possibly to other systems that the infected program may be shared with. Besides spreading themselves, these viruses also carry some type of destructive constituent that can be activated immediately or by a particular 'trigger'. The trigger could be a specific date, or the number of times the virus has been replicated, or anything equally trivial. Some examples of file viruses are Randex, Meve and MrKlunky.
Boot Sector Viruses
A boot sector virus affects the boot sector of a hard disk, which is a very crucial part. The boot sector is where all information about the drive is stored, along with a program that makes it possible for the operating system to boot up. By inserting its code into the boot sector, a virus guarantees that it loads into memory during every boot sequence.
A boot virus does not affect files; instead, it affects the disks that contain them. Perhaps this is the reason for their downfall. During the days when programs were carried around on floppies, the boot sector viruses used to spread like wildfire. However, with the CD-ROM revolution, it became impossible to infect pre-written data on a CD, which eventually stopped such viruses from spreading. Though boot viruses still exist, they are rare compared to new age malicious software. Another reason why they're not so prevalent is that operating systems today protect the boot sector, which makes it difficult for them to thrive. Examples of boot viruses are Polyboot.B and AntiEXE.
Multipartite Viruses
Multipartite viruses are a combination of boot sector viruses and file viruses. These viruses come in through infected media and reside in memory. They then move on to the boot sector of the hard drive. From there, the virus infects executable files on the hard drive and spreads across the system. There aren't too many multipartite viruses in existence today, but in their heyday, they accounted for some major problems due to their capacity to combine different infection techniques. A significantly famous multipartite virus is Ywinz.
Macro Viruses
Macro viruses infect files that are created using certain applications or programs that contain macros. These include Microsoft Office documents such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, Access databases, and other similar application files such as Corel Draw, AmiPro, etc. Since macro viruses are written in the language of the application, and not in that of the operating system, they are known to be platform-independent they can spread between Windows, Mac, and any other system, so long as they're running the required application. With the ever-increasing capabilities of macro languages in applications, and the possibility of infections spreading over networks, these viruses are major threats.
The first macro virus was written for Microsoft Word and was discovered back in August 1995. Today, there are thousands of macro viruses in existence-some examples are Relax, Melissa.A and Bablas.
Network Viruses
This kind of virus is proficient in quickly spreading across a Local Area Network (LAN) or even over the Internet. Usually, it propagates through shared resources, such as shared drives and folders. Once it infects a new system, it searches for potential targets by searching the network for other vulnerable systems. Once a new vulnerable system is found, the network virus infects the other system, and thus spreads over the network. Some of the most notorious network viruses are Nimda and SQLSlammer.
E-mail Viruses
An e-mail virus could be a form of a macro virus that spreads itself to all the contacts located in the host's email address book. If any of the e-mail recipients open the attachment of the infected mail, it spreads to the new host's address book contacts, and then proceeds to send itself to all those contacts as well. These days, e-mail viruses can infect hosts even if the infected e-mail is previewed in a mail client. One of the most common and destructive e-mail viruses is the ILOVEYOU virus.
There are many ways in which a virus can infect or stay dormant on your PC. However, whether active or dormant, it's dangerous to let one loose on your system, and should be dealt with immediately.
Re: Types of Viruses
The e-mail viruses you talk about are actually worms.
The difference is that a worm is self-encapsulated. A VB Script which passes itself via email for instace. A virus is a program which attaches itself to another program such that when its run.. the virus gets run followed by the original code.
so if I have a program
a virus will plant itself like this:
and be designed to be transparent such that it doesn't reveal itself to the user. The VIRUS itself is usually broken up into:
It'll first attempt to replicate itself once when the program is run.. then it will check if the detonator conditions have been met... and if so it will run the Payload(i.e. mess your system up). If not, it'll return control back to the original program at its entry point.
Re: Types of Viruses
But isnt a WORM (Write Once Read Many) also a type of virus that spread accross a network?
Astalavista! :D
Re: Types of Viruses
The only thing a worm and a virus have in common is that they replicate. The difference is that a worm replicates itself across a network to do its damage while a virus works within a file system.
Re: Types of Viruses
Thanx for the information...
I got that acronym when I did my A+ International, N+ international, Inet+ International, Server+ International, MCSE International, Security+ and ICDL... LPIC (Linux Professional Intitute Certification) did not state that and MCDST aswell did not state that, CCNA also did not state that acronym and nor did SQL Server or ICDL...
Just wanted to tell you that I got That WORM (Write Once Read Many) from those qualifications...
Astalavista! :D
|All times are GMT +5.5. The time now is 14:16.


text:
An investor in a Charleston real estate development was sentenced today to time served for his role in a 2007 mortgage scheme that bilked lenders out of more than $400,000.
Jason G. Haywood, who has no prior criminal history, agreed in a deal with federal prosecutors to turn over 31 villas at 1 Rice Drive in West Ashley to the banks involved.
That would enable the lenders to sell the properties and recoup some if not all of their money.
Haywood, 43, also will report for two years to a supervised release program. U.S. District Court Judge Duffy said he would determine restitution after the villas are transferred.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhett DeHart said the government did not object to the sentencing terms.
Haywood pleaded guilty in March to one count of making a false statement on a loan application.
The married father of two and former Air Force Reserves officer briefly addressed Duffy, saying he accepted responsibility for his actions and that he learned a harsh lesson.
"I'm just very sorry for what happened," he said.
Originally, Haywood also had been accused of falsifying a federal closing document and conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud. The government dismissed those two charges.
The case centered on residential units at Starcastle Villas that Haywood bought from a former co-defendant for about $1.68 million.
Contact John McDermott at 937-5572.


text:
A rough, gruff and tough bluesman to the core, he is at the forefront of modern blues-rock, where the mix of intensity and integrity has made him one of the genres most popular figures. And he's an imposing figure at that, performing a style he describes as the Stooges meets Buddy Guy, Motörhead meets Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix meets meets Robert Johnson. Last year's StageOne performance was a prime example of how the stage trumps a sterile studio when it comes to Popa's gritty sound. Boundary-pushing blues rocker Joe Louis Walker is a modern and legendary blues icon. The New York Times raves, "Walker is a singer with a Cadillac of a voice. His guitar solos are fast, wiry and incisive, moaning with bluesy despair." According to Living Blues, he is "one of today's modern musical masters." Rolling Stone simply calls him "ferocious."
He can deliver gutbucket blues, joyous gospel, Rolling Stones-style rock crunch, and aching R&B. Blues fans already know Walker's famous ability to shred - he expertly incorporates his intense, racing solos into blues, spirituals and crashing rock jams - meanwhile, aficionados of all sorts of music, played with skill and conviction, would do themselves a favor by giving a listen to this guy.
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.


text:
We're sorry, but there are currently no articles in our health information library that exactly match the topic you selected. However, our library may contain information related to the topic. You may want to browse our Health Topics A-Z library to look for a related topic, or enter the topic in the search box at the top of any page on uwhealth.org. If you have specific questions about your health care, please contact your clinic.
Make better health decisions
Browse health information
Healthwise® Knowledgebase


text:
Download citation file:
The summary below is from the full report titled "Change in Coronary Flow Reserve on Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography after a Single High-Fat Meal in Young Healthy Men." It is in the 2 April 2002 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine (volume 136, pages 523-528). The authors are T Hozumi, M Eisenberg, K Sugioka, AR Kokkirala, H Watanabe, M Teragaki, J Yoshikawa, and S Homma. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine.
The heart is a hollow muscular organ that constantly pumps blood through the body. The heart needs its own blood supply to function properly. The main blood vessels that supply blood to the heart are called coronary arteries. If a part of a coronary artery is blocked for any reason, the surrounding vessels expand (vasodilate) in an attempt to compensate for blocked or reduced blood flow. The difference between normal blood flow and the increased blood flow that occurs with vasodilatation is called the coronary flow reserve. The coronary flow reserve indicates the heart's ability to compensate for clogged arteries by increasing flow through unaffected arteries. Meals that are high in fat raise levels of fatty substances (triglycerides) in the blood within a few hours. Researchers think that these fatty substances may alter the ability of blood vessels to vasodilate and thus decrease coronary flow reserve.
To see how a single high-fat meal affects coronary flow reserve.
15 young healthy men (average age, 29 years) without heart disease.
The authors used special tests (Doppler echocardiography spectral velocity tracings) to estimate coronary flow reserve. Five men had this test before and after a high-fat liquid meal and before and after a low-fat liquid meal. Ten additional men had the test only before and after the high-fat liquid meal. The high-fat meal contained 1200 calories, 100 grams of fat, 50 grams of saturated fat, and 300 milligrams of cholesterol. The low-fat meal contained 1200 calories, 10 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, and 6 milligrams of cholesterol. All 15 men had blood drawn after the high-fat meal to measure levels of fatty substances (triglycerides).
Five hours after the high-fat meal, triglyceride levels had increased from about 100 mg/dL to 250 mg/dL. Coronary flow reserve decreased after the high-fat meal by about 18%. There was little change in triglyceride levels and coronary flow reserve after the low-fat meal.
The study was small and short. It does not tell us anything about the long-term consequences of frequent high-fat meals. The study involved healthy young men. People with known heart disease might have different reductions in blood flow reserve with high-fat meals. Finally, the study was not able to determine whether increases in triglyceride levels were directly responsible for the observed reductions in coronary flow reserve.
A single high-fat meal can reduce blood flow reserve to the heart in young healthy men.
Please read the other comments before posting. Contributors must reveal any conflict
of interest.
Comments are moderated and will appear on the site at the discretion of The American
College of Physicians editorial staff. Please be sure your email address is
updated in your account, otherwise the American College of Physicians will not be
able to contact you about your comment.
Anyone can submit a comment any time after publication, but only those submitted within 4 weeks of an article's publication will be considered for print publication. One month after publication, editors review all posted comments and select some for publication in the Letters section of the print version of Annals. (Not peer reviewed)
Authors: No more than 5
Text: Word Limit 400 (excludes references), 5 references, no figures or tables
* = Required Field
Disclosure of Any Conflicts of Interest*
(applies to the past 5 years and foreseeable future) Indicate any potential conflicts
of interest of each author below, including specific financial interests and relationships
and affiliations relevant to the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript
(eg, employment/affiliation, grants or funding, consultancies, honoraria, speakers
bureau, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, royalties, donation of medical
equipment, or patents filed, received, or pending). If all authors have none, check
"No potential conflicts or relevant financial interests" in the box below. Please
also indicate any funding received in support of this work. The information will
be posted with your response.
Terms of Use
The In the Clinic® slide sets are owned and copyrighted by the American College
of Physicians (ACP). All text, graphics, trademarks, and other intellectual property
incorporated into the slide sets remain the sole and exclusive property of the ACP.
The slide sets may be used only by the person who downloads or purchases them and
only for the purpose of presenting them during not-for-profit educational activities.
Users may incorporate the entire slide set or selected individual slides into their
own teaching presentations but may not alter the content of the slides in any way
or remove the ACP copyright notice. Users may make print copies for use as hand-outs
for the audience the user is personally addressing but may not otherwise reproduce
or distribute the slides by any means or media, including but not limited to sending
them as e-mail attachments, posting them on Internet or Intranet sites, publishing
them in meeting proceedings, or making them available for sale or distribution in
any unauthorized form, without the express written permission of the ACP. Unauthorized
use of the In the Clinic slide sets will constitute copyright infringement.
Learn more about subscription options


text:
- Table View
- List View
Blitzing Emilyby Julie Brannagh
All's fair in Love and Football . . .Emily Hamilton doesn't trust men. She's much more comfortable playing the romantic lead in front of a packed house onstage than in her own life. So when NFL star and alluring ladies' man Brandon McKenna acts as her personal white knight, she has no illusions that he'll stick around. However, a misunderstanding with the press throws them together in a fake engagement that yields unexpected (and breathtaking) benefits.Every time Brandon calls her "Sugar," Emily almost believes he's playing for keeps--not just to score. Can she let down her defenses and get her own happily ever after?
Catching Cameronby Julie Brannagh
Julie Brannagh's sexy, charming Love and Football series continues ... Star sports reporter Cameron Ondine has one firm rule: she does not date football players. Ever. She tangled with one years ago, and it did not end well. Been there, done that.But when Cameron comes face-to-face with the very man who shattered her heart--on camera, no less--her world is upended for a second time by recklessly handsome Seattle Shark Zach Anderson.Zach has never been able to forget the gorgeous blonde who stole his breath away when he was still just a rookie. They've managed to give each other a wide berth for years, but when their jobs suddenly bring them together again and again, he knows he has to face his past once and for all.Because as they spend more time together, he becomes less focused on the action on the field and more concerned with catching Cameron.
Chasing Jillianby Julie Brannagh
Score a touchdown with Julie Brannagh's latest Love and Football novel--about discovering who you are and finding love along the way.Jillian Miller likes her job working in the front office for the Seattle Sharks, but lately being surrounded by a constant parade of perfection only seems to make her own imperfections all the more obvious. She needs a change, which takes her into foreign territory: the Sharks' workout facility after hours. The last thing she expects is a hot, grumbly god among men to be there as witness.Star linebacker Seth Taylor has had a bad day--well, a series of them recently. When he hits the Sharks' gym to work out his frustration, he's startled to find someone there--and even more surprised that it's Jillian, the team owner's administrative assistant. When he learns of her mission to revamp her lifestyle, he finds himself volunteering to help. Something about Jillian's beautiful smile and quick wit makes him want to stick around. She may not be like the swimsuit models he usually has on his arm, but the more time Seth spends with her, the harder he falls.And as Jillian discovers that the new her is about so much more than she sees in the mirror, can she discover that happiness and love are oh-so-much better than perfect?
Covering Kendallby Julie Brannagh
The Love and Football series continues ... Kendall Tracy, General Manager of the San Francisco Miners, is not one for rash decisions or one-night stands. But when she finds herself alone in a hotel room with a heart-stoppingly gorgeous man--who looks oddly familiar--Kendall throws her own rules out the window ... and they blow right back into her face.Drew McCoy should look familiar; he's a star player for her team's archrival, the Seattle Sharks. Which would basically make Drew and Kendall the Romeo and Juliet of professional football ... well, without all the dying.Not that it's an issue. They agree to pretend their encounter never happened. Nothing good can come of it anyway, right?Drew's not so sure. Kendall may be all wrong for him, but he can't stop thinking about her, and he finds that some risks are worth taking. Because the stakes are always highest when you're playing for keeps.
Guarding Sophie: A Love and Football Novellaby Julie Brannagh
Hearts beat and sparks fly when two people find shelter in each otherSeattle Sharks wide receiver Kyle Carlson needs to escape and Noel, Washington, is the perfect place for him to do it and figure out his next step. He likes the seclusion and predictability of the small town...until the biggest surprise of his life turns up in the local grocery store.Sophie Hayes has her own reasons for disappearing without a trace and moving to Noel. This mountain town makes her feel safe for the first time in a long time. But her quiet routine is threatened when Kyle walks back into her life. Growing up in the same Florida town, she always had a little thing for the sexy football player. This tie to her old life, though, could mean she has to run again, even if her heart wants to stay.When the reason she fled shows up in Noel, Kyle and Sophie, with a little extra help from his teammates, must decide to stay and fight for the life, and love, they've found together.An Avon Romance
Holding Hollyby Julie Brannagh
Julie Brannagh's delightful Love and Football series returns in time for Christmas ...Holly Reynolds has a secret. Make that two. The first involves upholding her grandmother's hobby of answering Dear Santa letters from dozens of local schoolchildren. The second ... well, he just came strolling in the door.For the last two years, Holly has not been able to stop thinking about gorgeous Seattle Shark Derrick Collins. His on-field exploits induce nightmares in quarterbacks across the NFL, but she knows he has a heart of gold.Derrick has never known a woman he wanted to bring home to meet his family, mostly because he keeps picking the wrong ones--until he runs into sweet, shy Holly Reynolds. Different from anyone he's ever known, Derrick realizes she might just be everything he needs.When he discovers her holiday letter writing, he is determined to play Santa too. And as the pair team up to bring joy to one little boy very much in need, they discover the most precious Christmas gift of all: love.
Intercepting Daisy: A Love and Football Novelby Julie Brannagh
When Daisy Spencer wrote an erotic novella about the Seattle Sharks' backup quarterback and her #1 crush, Grant Parker, she never expected it to become a runaway bestseller. If anyone discovers she wrote the sexy story, her days as a flight attendant for the Sharks would be over. But once she gets to know the real man behind the fantasy, her heart may be in more danger than her job.Having Seattle fans think squeaky clean Grant is wild in bed is the last thing he needs--even if it might be closer to the truth than he will ever say. As he spends his days, and nights, with the gorgeous Daisy, he's not interested in going back to the lonely life he once led. But when the real author of the novella is finally outed, Grant and Daisy must both reveal the secrets they've hidden away or risk losing a love that's better than any fantasy.
Rushing Amyby Julie Brannagh
Julie Brannagh's sparkling and romantic Love and Football series continues!For Amy Hamilton, only three Fs matter: Family, Football, and Flowers. It might be nice to find someone to share Forever with, too, but right now she's working double overtime while she gets her flower shop off the ground. The last thing she needs or wants is a distraction ... or help, for that matter. Especially in the form of gorgeous and aggravatingly arrogant ex-NFL star Matt Stephens.Matt lives by a playbook--his playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would come in the form of a stunning florist with a stubborn streak to match his own. Since meeting her in the bar after her sister's wedding, he's known there's something between them. After she refuses--again and again--to go out with him, Matt will do anything to win her heart ... But will Amy, who has everything to lose, let the clock run out on the one-yard line?
Select your format based upon: 1) how you want to read your book, and 2) compatibility with your reading tool. To learn more about using Bookshare with your device, visit the Help Center.
Here is an overview of the specialized formats that Bookshare offers its members with links that go to the Help Center for more information.
- Bookshare Web Reader - a customized reading tool for Bookshare members offering all the features of DAISY with a single click of the "Read Now" link.
- DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) - a digital book file format. DAISY books from Bookshare are DAISY 3.0 text files that work with just about every type of access technology that reads text. Books that contain images will have the download option of 'DAISY Text with Images'.
- BRF (Braille Refreshable Format) - digital Braille for use with refreshable Braille devices and Braille embossers.
- MP3 (Mpeg audio layer 3) - Provides audio only with no text. These books are created with a text-to-speech engine and spoken by Kendra, a high quality synthetic voice from Ivona. Any device that supports MP3 playback is compatible.
- DAISY Audio - Similar to the Daisy 3.0 option above; however, this option uses MP3 files created with our text-to-speech engine that utilizes Ivonas Kendra voice. This format will work with Daisy Audio compatible players such as Victor Reader Stream and Read2Go.


text:
Three Sault Ste. Marie businesses were recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit at the 2012 Bridges to Better Business Nov. 7.
The Bridges to Better Business Award was given to Soogoma Industries, a non-profit organization that provides support and development services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The award goes to a local enterprise that demonstrates innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial excellence.
Youth entrepreneur Kristine Dovigi received the Summer Company Award, which goes to the recipient with the highest revenue generated in the Summer Company youth entrepreneurship program, which provides grants for students to start their own seasonal business. Dovigi operated the Howliday Inn, which cared for people's pets while they were out of town.
Bruce Strapp was presented with the Alynn Burke Award of Excellence, which recognizes an individual who champions youth development or entrepreneurship. As executive director of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp., and former CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp., Bruce has been a longtime advocate of youth entrepreneurship.
More than 150 people came to the event, which featured learning seminars, networking opportunities and the awards ceremony.


text:
Each of those years the Tigers scored more than 40 points vs. the Mississippi State Bulldogs as they coasted to blowout victories over the SEC West opponent.
On Saturday, the talented receiver and his teammates will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing opening night loss when Coach Sylvester Croom's Bulldogs come to Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Taylor says he expects to see an improved team over the squad the Tigers defeated 43-14 last September in a game that wasn't as close as the score.
"They are a pretty good defense," says Taylor, who has been watching video of the Bulldogs, who cruised to a 38-6 opening night victory over Murray State.
"Croom has got those guys playing tough," Taylor notes. "He has got them believing they can win. That is the thing you see in those guys. They are flying around like we're the best. They are going to be a good defense."
Courtney Taylor is one of Auburn's most talented players.
While the Bulldogs were starting the season 1-0, the Tigers had a frustating opener they lost 23-14 to Georgia Tech on a night in which the Tigers came agonizingly close time after time to making a big play that could have turned the momentum in their favor.
"On so many plays, especially the receivers, we were an inch away from breaking a tackle," Taylor says. "The thing with our coach (Greg Knox), we play together as a unit. He is always on us about 'downfield blocking, downfiled blocking' and helping this teammate get in the end zone. I feel like we are just so close to being a deadly bunch at anytime. That is something we need to continue to work on."
Knox says he liked the intensity he saw from Taylor and the other receivers in the opener. "I had no problem with the effort," Knox says. "We made a few mistakes and dropped a few balls, but the effort was there every play."
Taylor caught six passes for 80 yards and had a 22-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Cox called back on a holding call by the ACC officiating crew.
Taylor says the focus is on putting that game in the rear view mirror and getting ready for the SEC opener.
"I feel like we have a real good team," the junior says. "We have a talented team. Now it comes down to us not making too many mistakes and beating ourselves.
"I am not taking anything away from Georgia Tech because they came out and played a good game, but we had so many opportunities and that is on us."


text:
Many conspiracy theories abound about the TeaParty. Some say they are just a front for the billionaire Koch brothers and other special interest groups hell-bent on pushing their selfish, sinister agenda, subversively.
Others say they are a bunch of racists who are beside themselves with rage at some 'Color' ensconced in the White House for the first time--a personal hatred of President Barrack Hussein Obama, with his 'different' sounding name-- being our first African American leader.
They however, claim to be a grass-root organisation born from mounting frustration, disappointment and anger at our growing unemployment; ballooning debt; expanding government; big bank bailout and corporate coddling while main street suffered, etc.
So which is it?
The dissatisfaction is quite lengthy and we have heard them shout on many occasions at rallies across the land, that they have vowed 'to take their country back." Back from whom I'm not quite sure.
Our last midterm election reflected that dissatisfaction and growing political power and clout, to the dismay of the Democrats. They were indeed taking somethings back...Democratically held seats.
Fast forward to the present contentious debt ceiling debate, the TeaParty backed candidates show just how much control they have on our political system--for they are credited with stalling the Capitol Hill machine by their unyielding staunch stand and the resulting deep partisan atmosphere corroding the halls of Congress and the House of Representatives.
The attached video is an espose'-- an in-depth journey into the heart of the Teaparty, peeling back the layers and peeking into the nooks and cranny to what lies underneath.
Click on the video tab above to take a listen.


text:
The latest version of Adobe Flash Player is required to watch this video.
Please click on the link below to download the latest version. Thanks!
A federal judge has upheld Arizona's ban on abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy.
U.S. District Judge James Teilborg said the new law may prompt women to make decisions about abortions earlier, but it is constitutional because it does not prohibit them from making that decision.
"In choosing to put a limit on abortions past 20 weeks gestational age, the Arizona Legislature cited to the substantial and well-documented evidence that an unborn child has the capacity to feel pain during an abortion by at least 20 weeks gestational age," he wrote in his 15-page decision.
This new law bans abortions about four weeks earlier than previous restrictions.
Arizona is now one of 10 states to enact a 20-week ban. The law takes effect Thursday.
The Center for Reproductive Rights is appealing the decision to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Arizona Gaining Upper Hand in Battle for Unborn
Ariz. Passes Bill Banning Late-Term Abortions
AZ Lawmakers Move to Cut P. Parenthood Funding
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting? Are you facing a difficult situation?
Find peace with God, discover more about God or send us your prayer request.
Call The 700 Club Prayer Center at 1 (800) 823-6053, 24 hours a day.
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
CBN News is a national/international, nonprofit news organization that provides programming by cable, satellite, and the Internet, 24-hours a day. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.


text:
Layoffs at Microsoft
By Dave Meyer • Feb 1, 2012
Several news outlets, including the Seattle Times and ZDNet, are reporting layoff notices are going out at Microsoft today.
Ad Age is reporting 200 layoffs in marketing, including Chief Creative Officer Gayle Troberman.
Previously, Microsoft cut about 5,000 jobs over an 18 month period in 2009-2010.


text:
Main Content
- 100% Polyester
- Adjustable mesh shoulder straps
- Extra versatile
- Five-year limited manufacturer warranty
- Folds into its small front zippered pocket
- Heat-sealed graphics
- Imported
- Inner small zippered pouch
- Inner zippered pouch
- Large zippered main compartment
- Lightweight
- Measures approx. 13" x 10" x 9" when opened
- Measures approx. 7" x 6" x 2" when folded
- Measures approximately 10" x 16" x 4"
- Officially licensed
- Printed graphics
- Transforms from small pouch into full size backpack
- Water resistant
- Imported
- Brand: Athalon
Other Customers also liked:
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


text:
April 2015 Newsletter
– Rev. Warner Traynham Health Center Grand Opening
– Jim Mangia Lends His Support to Raising the Minimum Wage
– Homeless Services Documentation Pilot Program
March 2015 Newsletter
– Dr. Alexis Gomez Talks Vaccination Concerns
– Leavey OB Clinic Offers Prenatal Services
– Obamacare Enrollment Event with SEIU UHW
February 2015 Newsletter
– St. John's Enrolls 20% of All MHLA Applicants in LA County
– St. John's Partners with America's Tooth Fairy
– Kids N Fitness Program Begins
January 2015 Newsletter
– Holiday Food Bag Giveaway
– St. John's Receives NCQA PCMH 2 Level 2 Recognition
– Mental Health Highlighted by KPCC
December 2014 Newsletter
– St. John's Kicks Off Mobile Unit Services at Guatemalan Consulate
– Health and Fitness Classes are Back
– Transgender Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic
November 2014 Newsletter
– MHLA Press Conference and Enrollment Event
– St. John's and Terroni Promote Childhood Literacy
– Working with the Guatemalan Consul General
December 2013 Newsletter
– Advancing Health and Human Rights in South LA
– Ready for Obamacare – St. John's Annual Report
– Green and Getting Greener!
August 2013 Newsletter
– St. John's Celebrates National Health Center Week
– Digging In to Create a Healthier LA – blog post
– Support for Quality Care- New Grants
July 2013 Newsletter
– Help Grow a Garden for Health in Sough LA
– Tenants Demand Healthy Housing Conditions
– Support for Quality Care- New Grants
June 2013 Newsletter
– Mobile Access Express Now in Overdrive
– Summer's best fruits and vegetables at St. John's produce stands
– Promise of school-based health – blog
February 2013 Newsletter
– The expanded S. Mark Taper Health Center re-opened
– Food baskets distributed to 500 patients
– Program Spotlight: Mobile Dental Services
December 2012 Newsletter
– Launched Mobile 'Health Access Express'
– Head Over Heels Fundraising event, benefiting the transgender community
– St. John's patients and staff join in the Walk for Health
August 2012 Newsletter
– A joint press conference held at St. John's on Supreme court ruling on ACA
– Save the Date! Head Over Heels Fundraising event.
– Program Spotlight: Mobile Dental Services
May 2012 Newsletter
– Tastings from some of the city's finest eateries will be available at Movable Feast
– St. John's Celebrates 2nd Anniversary of Health Reform
– Program Spotlight: Diabetes Education Program
February 2012 Newsletter
– St. John's Second Annual Movable Feast Gala Event
– St. John's Breaks Ground on Major Health Center Renovation
– Specialty care impact at St. John's
June 2011 Newsletter
– HealthMatters Video: Funding Cuts to Community Health Centers
– St. John's Right to Health Committees Protest Federal Medicaid Cuts
– St. John's First Movable Feast Gala Event
June 2010 Newsletter
– How Healthcare Reform Impacts a Community Clinic – "Through the Clinic Door"
– Community Health Promoter Ana Ruth Varela Recognized by La Opinión
– "Sometimes, good legal help is the best medicine"


text:
AMPAS settles with RAI over use of Oscar
Is "Oscar" just another word for "award"?
Italy's pubcaster RAI thought so, and has been using the word for years in shows such as "Oscar del vino" (Wine Oscars), "Oscar del teatro" (Theater Oscars), and "Oscar della TV" (TV Oscars).
But the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences thinks otherwise, aggressively defending its Oscar trademark worldwide.
After filing a lawsuit three years ago, AMPAS announced June 19 that it had settled amicably with RAI over the channel's use of the word in these shows, which also aired Stateside thanks to an RAI Intl. deal with satcaster EchoStar.
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
According to Academy attorney David Quinto the case was settled after the Acad submitted evidence that the Oscar trademark is strongly recognized by Italos.
Quinto cites "a consumer survey that determined RAI viewers would likely be confused by RAI's use of the Academy's trademark."
It also says there is "undisputed evidence that Italian dictionaries first and foremost define 'Oscar' as the award given by the Academy."
That's true. But the second definition for "Oscar" in widely used Italian dictionary Zanichelli reads, "The first prize of any yearly event."


text:
Barefoot in the Park: Neil Simon's Classic Newlywed Comedy
* Additional fees apply. No coupon or promo codes necessary to enjoy the displayed discount price.
The last date listed for Barefoot in the Park was Saturday February 22, 2014 / 7:00pm.
Currently at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
Guys and Dolls: Broadway Musical Celebrates the Grit & Glamour of Old New York
- Full Price:
- $25
- Our Price:
- $12.50
Luck might be the only lady (and even her character is in question) among the delightfully dubious… More
Venue Details
Reviews & Ratings
Featured review from Fritz Miller
view more less of this review
Don Bluth Front RowTheater is known as the small theater that puts on a big show and Barefoot in the Park is no exception. It is a true gem and a fun evening.
star this review starred report as inappropriate
Fun play, great performance and i absolutely loved the theater...small and intimate - up close. Felt like it was a private showing. I really enjoyed this little theater.
star this review starred report as inappropriate
It was fantastic. The show was great, I don't know how it could have been any better on broadway
star this review starred report as inappropriate
The venue was small and intimate.The staff was very warm and friendly, I felt welcomed and appreciated. Two rows of seats surround the stage on three sides, with the first row being about six feet from the stage. Truly theater at it's purest. Then...continued


text: i had a tummy tuck to remove loose skin from pregnancies. no amount of exercise would make it better. in fact, the fitter i became, the more the skin sagged because there was less frame to support it. i would advise you to be very close to goal weight when you do this type of surgery and the recovery can be painful/difficult but i feel it was totally worth it.


text:
How to upload your JOTAJOTI adventure here:
Login to Scout.org From the menu choose Create and select Scout NewsRead more
Posted 18th Oct 2014
Login to Scout.org From the menu choose Create and select Scout NewsRead more
Posted 11th Oct 2014
Listen to radio transmissions from GB3SP at the 1957 World Scout Jamboree or listen to Les MitcheRead more
what a wonderful legacy he has left. Millions of scouts and guides have had their lives enriched by his wonderful idea, by friendships, challenges and knowledge that comes from being involved in jota,joti and scoutlink. Thank you
kaylene, guide contact and joti coordinator bankstown jota/i , sydney australia, regular on scoutlink (ausranger) non leader adult member of girl guides NSW and act Translate
Posted 30th Mar 2014
The new World JOTA-JOTI team met at the World Scout Bureau in Geneva on 22 March: Jim Wilson, Hannu Ratto, Pedro Salomao, Ali Al-Mamari, Philip Bird and Richard Middelkoop. News on JOTA-JOTI will follow soon. Watch this space. TranslateRead more
Posted 25th Jan 2014
Relive Scouting's largest youth event: the World JOTA-JOTI Report is now available at www.jota-joti.tk. TranslateRead more
Posted 13th Dec 2013
Hi Scouts, have yo sent your amazing JOTA-JOTI story to your National Organizer yet? There are 2 more days to forward it to Geneva for inclusion in the World JOTA-JOTI Report..... TranslateRead more
i like it because is my farauvite in radio scouting Translate
Posted 24th Nov 2013
We will start compiling the World JOTA-JOTI report soon after 15 Dec 2013. Please make sure your National Organizer has received your text and photos that you would like to share with the world. Report forms for your NJO are at www.jota-joti.tk. TranslateRead more


text:
Zōsan (象さん、Little Elephant) a letterpress book and more!
Several weeks ago, Ian Tadashi Moore contacted me about about his latest project.
Zōsan (象さん、Little Elephant) is a letterpress book/audiobook about an a elephant who discovers beauty in the world... Read more
Check out Steam Court, a new board game with it's own custom type!
Hello again, friends. I had the distinct pleasure of working with a team putting together a new font related kickstarter called "Steam Court."
In early 2014, some friends from my... Read more
The Clothes Letters Wear is now available through Amazon.com
First, here's some very happy readers of TCLW:
It's great to see the young ones enjoying some type!
Second, I'm pleased to announce TCLW is available through Amazon.com, both... Read more
Books in hand.
Here they are: The Clothes Letters Wear, in boardbook form! It looks like we will definitely meet our May deadline, as the posters are being printed even now.
I will... Read more
Cabrito Inverto Released & TCLW Pre-press
Here it is: Cabrito Inverto, which features the reversed stress of the strokes from a font's "normal" traits. Inverted stress fonts are most often associated with cowboys and the... Read more
TCLW is in the review process!
Hello Backers,
The review process is underway!
To get some background on what's been going on, I started with my best confidant, my wife. I moved onto some Facebook friends,... Read more
The latest on TCLW.
Hello friends, it's definitely time for an update. Work on finalizing the book and getting it print ready is proceeding steadily.
After the conclusion of the Kickstarter, I realized... Read more
We did it!
Great news, everyone! We did it. The Kickstarter started slowly, but you just can't hold a project like this down. Thanks to you, we had some strong momentum to carry... Read more
Thank You.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
Will and I are thrilled to let you know that, just three days before the deadline, THE CLOTHES LETTERS WEAR OFFICIALLY MET ITS KICKSTARTER... Read more
So where did the idea for The Clothes Letters Wear come from?
I'm glad you asked!
After my son was born, I found that his very simple books started me thinking (as I'm sure happens with many new fathers) about a lot... Read more
H is hot.
The Clothes Letters Wear received a nice write-up over on Co.Design. Many thanks to Margaret Rhodes! Over the next few days, I hope to release a excerpts from the extended interview... Read more
A Stretch Goal Work-In-Progress
Hello friends,
I wanted to show you something cool I've been working on as a stretch goal. If we make it to $9,000, everyone who pledged for a reward that... Read more
Cabrito Pro
Hello Friends,
It looks like we have momentum! Kickstarter has selected The Clothes Letters Wear as a project of the day.
I wanted to let you all know that you... Read more


text:
The latest version of Adobe Flash Player is required to watch this video.
Please click on the link below to download the latest version. Thanks!
The State Department says Iran's influence in Latin America is "waning," but some say that assessment is wrong.
Experts who testified before the House Homeland Security Committee Tuesday said the radical Islamic regime is still cultivating a vast terrorist network in Latin America, which threatens the United States.
"In effect, what the Iranian regime is doing is, as it has been constrained in its immediate periphery, it has begun to look further afield for allies in various regimes of the world," Ilan Berman, vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council, told the panel.
Missing from the hearing was the star witness, Argentine Special Prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who was prevented from traveling to Washington by his government.
In May, Nisman announced that Iran has infiltrated several countries in Latin America, including Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, for the purpose of setting up intelligence networks to carry out more terrorist attacks in the region.
Nisman was the prosecutor who brought charges against Iranian officials for masterminding the 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish community center that killed 85 people and injured hundreds of others.
Meanwhile, members of the House panel sent a letter to the Argentine government protesting its decision to prevent Nisman from attending the hearing. That in itself could be a sign of Iran pressuring a Latin American country.
Iran Expanding War Base on America's Doorstep?Iran, Hezbollah Tentacles Reaching Latin America
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting? Are you facing a difficult situation?
Find peace with God, discover more about God or send us your prayer request.
Call The 700 Club Prayer Center at 1 (800) 823-6053, 24 hours a day.
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
CBN News Sr. Reporter
A CBN News veteran, Dale Hurd has reported extensively from Western Europe, as well as China, Russia, and Central and South America. Since 9/11, Dale has reported in depth on various aspects of the global war on terror in the United States and Europe. Follow Dale on Twitter @HurdontheWeb and "like" him at Facebook.com/DaleHurdNews.
More Info


text:
Comme Yeung
Comme Yeung is no longer a member of the WPJA and so their Member Profile cannot be accessed at this time.
The Wedding Photojournalist Association proudly recognizes the accomplishments and creative excellence of Comme Yeung. The following awards have been earned by Comme from the WPJA. These achievements come with great merit considering the high level of competition that a member faces in the contests.
|19th Place - Toasting/Speeches


text:
You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page.
Turn on more accessible mode
Turn off more accessible mode
Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
This page location is:
City of Cape Town
Sign In
City Home
Site guide
Site index
Search temporarily not available
City of Cape Town
City of Cape Town
Pelican Park housing project construction to start by September
Access to information
Application forms
City documents
City management
City stats and maps
Useful contacts
Have your say
Investing in Cape Town
Media releases
Payment options
5 Year Plan (IDP)
Services & departments
Service requests
Site index
Supply chain mngt
Website feedback
Pelican Park housing project construction to start by September
Page Content
A turnkey developer has been appointed for the exciting new housing project near Zeekoevlei, which will feature environmentally-friendly subsidy and bonded houses, as well as a retail centre and sites for future schools, a clinic and a community centre.
The first sod of the Pelican Park Phase 1 project was turned at a ceremony on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 that was attended by the Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, and Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Dan Plato.
The developer will now proceed with final detailed planning and designs. Construction is expected to start by September, after the winter rains.
The project, which will provide 2 000 subsidy houses and 1 300 bonded houses, will help reduce the City of Cape Town's housing waiting list, which is currently sitting at about 400 000 people. "Reducing this number is a daunting task for which there are no quick fixes - it requires a concerted and sustained effort from both the public and private sector. Through initiatives such as this project, we can start to aggressively address this challenge," Plato said.
The beneficiaries have been drawn off the consolidated database (housing waiting list), with 60% from the nearby area and 40% from outside the subcouncil. About 10 000 people who had been on the list the longest received letters requesting them to indicate if they were interested in applying, and 4000 responded. They will be screened to ensure their eligibility to receive a subsidy once the timelines are confirmed.
Pelican Park was acquired by the government in the 1980s for the development of housing, but two previous attempts to further develop Pelican Park housing estate failed due to a lack of funding.
A third Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process started in early 2007, with an environmental scoping exercise, public meeting, specialist reports, and various assessments of the impact of the development on the area. The EIA addressed concerns about the biodiversity and ecological systems in the area, and the need to conserve the Dune Strandveld system, of which very little remains intact in the Cape Peninsula. It also identified the need to protect the habitat of a rare butterfly and factored in future sea level rise and storm surges.
Following an extensive public participation exercise, a decision has been taken to split erf 829 in two and develop an 80 hectare portion of it now.
The split was a result of scientists not being able to agree on where the boundary between the development and the area to be conserved should be located.
Although erf 829 is 360 hectares in total, 200 hectares will be protected to conserve the natural environment and ecosystems. A service road will run on the development side of the boundary fence with houses facing onto the boundary, in order to increase surveillance and prevent residents discarding trash over the fence into the conservation area.
This area will be accessible to pedestrians via gates, which will be locked at night to prevent anti-social or illegal behaviour.
The project will also be sensitive to the environment, and all houses, including subsidy houses, will feature a 100-litre solar water heating system and grey water recycling.
Unlike other state-subsidised housing projects, every beneficiary of a house in Pelican Park will have a grassed front yard with boundary wall, solid hardwood front and back doors, concrete tiled roofs, and electrical reticulation in every room.
In order to address the lack of affordable housing to families who earn between R3 500 and R10 000 a month, some of the 1 300 bonded houses will be priced in the region of R280 000, so those who do not qualify for housing subsidies can afford them. Some rental units are also planned.
"The City of Cape Town has recently been awarded housing accreditation from National Government, a move that will see the City have more control over housing delivery in Cape Town. The City remains committed to making housing delivery quicker in the long run," Plato said.
Published by Martin Pollack.
© City of Cape Town, 2016
Contact us: 0860 103 089


text:
We are thrilled that the team behind domestic sluttery just found crumb! ("Domestic Sluttery: The home and lifestyle blog for women who have better things to do. The Domestic Sluts like their ordinary things to be extraordinary") Our offering of complete cake experiences sent through your letterbox for ultimate convenience seems
Launch of Petite Afternoon Tea and Cocktails Gift Box Cake and Cocktails Gift Buy Online Delivered to Your Door
We are excited to announce the launch of our Petite Afternoon Tea and Cocktails Gift Box. Delight a friend with cocktails and cake, treat yourself or enjoy with a loved one; it's the perfect gift for a birthday, thank you or just to show someone you care. Contains 8 slices of exquisite home baked delicacies: 4
Jubilee Party Ideas How to Celebrate the Queens 60 Year Diamond Jubilee – Predicted Weather Forecast is Sunny!
It's only 14 days until we will all be celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee with a 4 day holiday. Here our crumb's top suggestions for how to do it in style. If you haven't heard, here at crumb we are specialists in afternoon tea parties by post so if you
This weeks free cocktail recipe is an african violet martini
It's friday afternoon again and here at crumb. HQ that means it's cocktail o'clock! We hope you all have a great bank holiday weekend planned, here to help is this week's free cocktail recipe. You'll find the lovely violet cocktail syrup in our afternoon tea and cocktails box
Have you seen our new testimonials page?
Thank you for being such lovely customers! We have had such lovely feedback and have finally had time to share some of it with you on our new testimonials page. We do hope you continue to enjoy our products and service. Thank you x
Free Cocktail Recipe Vanilla Violet Champagne
It's friday afternoon and here at crumb. HQ that means it's cocktail o'clock! We hope you all have great weekends planned, here to help is this week's free cocktail recipe. You'll find the violet cocktail syrup in our afternoon tea and cocktails box. Tea, cake, cocktails napkins, doilies and decorative
The Afternoon Tea and Cocktails Box – Tea cake and cocktails delivered to your door
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our afternoon tea party cocktail edition. It has all the same benefits of the original crumb afternoon tea party -afternoon tea delivered to your door in a letterbox friendly box, ready to delight when you – or the lucky recipient arrives
Wedding Community Blog – Product of the Week!
We are very pleased to be featured as product of the week on the wedding community blog. You can read their full post here
Vintage Life Magazine enjoy their afternoon tea party by crumb.
The lovely team at Vintage Life Magazine enjoyed their afternoon tea party. We were glad to provide some delicious cakes to help see them through their deadline – cakes in the office on a friday? we feel it's a necessity! Read their full post here:
Jubilee Afternoon Tea Party Launched – Tea cake and all the trimmings. Host your own afternoon tea at home to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
We are pleased to announce the launch of our Jubilee Edition Afternoon Tea Party Box. It includes lots of tea, cake, union jack cake topper flags and even decorative stamps to embellish your invitaions or crockery. Everything you need for a sophisticated jubilee afternoon tea party is simply ordered online


text:
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Having Steven Spielberg take over a Stanley Kubrick film is sort of like letting Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, raise the Wicked Witch of the West's kids. Glinda is constantly dressing up those bratty little bastards to look nice and teaching them how to act nice, but at their core, they're just nasty.
In the case of this film, Kubrick undoubtedly wanted to make something that showed human beings at their most conflicted and technologically unsound. However, he hit a few roadblocks. For starters, he couldn't figure out how to make a robot boy. Then, to make matters worse, he died. The project was handed over to Spielberg, who hired cute lil' Haley Joel Osment to play the lead role of David and make everyone feel really bad for the poor robot kid when mommy Monica (Frances O'Connor) abandons him in the woods because he's such a huge pain in the ass.
Because Kubrick's only reviews these days are being written by worms ("the corpse was robust, but inspired"), one can only speculate as to what he might have done differently with "A.I." However, it's a pretty safe assumption that he would have left out all the boring crap about Pinocchio. Why? Because Kubrick would have understood that the smart people in the audience would automatically make that connection while the stupid people would flounder in their intellectual morass wondering whether the little robot boy could fart or not, despite Kubrick's best attempts to lead them to the central theme.
After David wanders around in the woods with his trusted talking teddy bear, he runs into Gigolo Joe (Jude Law) and discovers the horrible underbelly of robot existence. Again, because this is a Spielberg film, this is all toned down and one would assume Kubrick would have reveled in showing some good old fashioned robot bump-and-grind. While being chased by the likes of Lord Johnson-Johnson (Brendan Fraser), David drones on and on about the Blue Fairy from "Pinocchio" who's going to turn him into a real boy. Eventually, he gets the idea to travel to Manhattan.
The last twenty minutes of this film is a disgusting, sappy, Spielbergian fiasco. (SPOILER ALERT) One could safely assume that Kubrick would have ended the film in one of two places -- with David killing himself, or with David at the bottom of the ocean praying to the statue of the Blue Fairy. Because Spielberg is Hollywood's pimp, he tacked on twenty extra minutes to manufacture a happy ending, with David getting to spend that final elusive day with a mommy who loves him. Those final minutes feel like the director's cut of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" as Spielberg finally gets to go back and do those aliens right. It is truly a disconnected mess.
Ultimately, this entire story hinges precariously on the fact that once this new robot is imprinted on a person, his love cannot be reversed. If the robot is rejected, he must be destroyed. Hey, guess what, everyone? This is a machine. Just pull out that part that loves and replace it. This, my friends, is a product begging for a recall.
To spread the word about this A.I. Artificial Intelligence review on Twitter.To get instant updates of Mr. Cranky reviews, subscribe to our RSS feed.
Rate This Movie:
Other Cranky Content You Might Enjoy
- Login to post comments
- Email this page


text:
Divers trying to uncover mysteries of sacred Maya pools
Submitted by Jamie Williamson on Fri, 07/23/2010 - 12:15
Washington, July 23 : A team of divers mapping some of the 25 freshwater pools of Cara Blanca, Belize, has found fossilized animal remains, bits of pottery and - in the largest pool explored - an enormous underwater cave.
The project, led by University of Illinois anthropology professor Lisa Lucero, was the first of what researchers hope will be a series of dives into the pools of the southern Maya lowlands in central Belize. The divers will return this summer to assess whether archaeological excavation is even possible at the bottom of the pools, some of which are more than 60 meters deep.
Lucero said: "We don''t know if it''s going to be feasible to conduct archaeology 200 feet below the surface. But they are going to try."
The Maya believed that openings in the earth, including caves and water-filled sinkholes, called cenotes, were portals to the underworld, and often left offerings there. Ceremonial artifacts of the Maya have been found in pools and lakes in Mexico, but not yet in Belize.
Maya structures have been found near two of the eight pools the team surveyed.
"The pools with the most substantial and most obvious settlement at the edge also turn out to be the deepest that we know," Lucero said. The divers so far have explored eight of the 25 known pools of Cara Blanca.
The use of these pools at the end of the Late Classic period (roughly A. D. 800-900) corresponds to an enduring drought that deforested parts of Central America and - some believe - ultimately drove the Maya from the area.
The need for fresh water could have drawn the Maya to the pools, Lucero said. No vessels other than water jars were found in the structures built near the pools.
"They could have been making offerings to the rain god and other supernatural forces to bring an end to the drought," she said.
Patricia Beddows, one of the divers and a hydrologist and geochemist at Northwestern University, found that the chemistry of the water in each of the pools was distinct. She also found that the water in Pool 1, the pool with the huge cave and a Maya structure at its edge, held the freshest water of the pools surveyed. But the water contained a lot of soluble minerals, Lucero said, making it problematic for anyone who used it as their primary water supply. Those who drank the water over an extended period would have been at risk of developing kidney stones, she said.
The divers extracted core samples of the sediment at the bottoms of two of the pools. An analysis of the soil, debris and pollen in the cores will offer insight into the natural history of the cenotes and the surrounding region. (ANI)
Technology News
- Twitter accounts of New York Post, UPI hacked
- UC Web, Facebook come together to enable in-browser mobile notifications in India
- Samsung rolls out its first Tizen-powered phone Z1 in India
- Carbon nanotubes bring 'flexible electronics' with longer battery life closer to reality
- No fixes for IE on Microsoft Patch Tuesday this month


text:
Welsh internet users wring hands over slow speeds
Broadband would be welcome in the valleys
WEB USERS IN WALES have reacted to news that they have some of the slowest internet speeds in the UK by complaining about it.
We reported about slow speeds in Wales and elsewhere last week. Then, thanks to Uswitch, we learned that Erw Fawr of Henryd, Conwy in Wales has a lowly connection speed of 0.60Mbps, which is some 30 times below the national average.
The BBC found a number of Welsh internet users and spoke with them. To a man they said they are not happy.
"They say the broadband speed around here begins with a minus sign. It is absolutely ridiculous. You read about all these places getting this high speed broadband, all we want is a decent speed - that's all we want," one Erw Fawr resident told the BBC.
"If we really are the slowest, surely someone out there is going to say 'let's do something about it'. It can't be that hard in this day and age - surely."
The South Wales Argus found an architect who has such a poor internet connection that it really isn't worth bothering having the internet at all. Frustratingly for him, he runs a business through it. "It got absolutely ridiculous at one point, when we could barely get on the internet," he said. "There was no point having it."
Wales defended itself though, and told the BBC that every road is marked with a broadband tick. "The good news is that Erw Fawr in Henryd, Conwy is included in our rollout plans to receive fast fibre broadband under the Superfast Cymru programme."
In Essex, which was also shamed in the Uswitch survey, moves are also afoot to improve things. We reported that Wheatley Road in Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex also endures a 0.60Mbps connection speed.
Essex County Council was quick to respond to the report and told The INQUIRER that many of the streets named by Uswitch were already lined up for an upgrade.
"Five of the six streets identified by Uswitch as receiving the slowest speeds in Essex are already programmed to receive fibre either as part of the BT commercial rollout or the Superfast Essex programme. South Hanningfield Road, in Chelmsford, is not currently included in the programme of work because our information from BT states that homes in this area are already receiving speeds of at least 2Mbps," it said in a statement.
"We want to ensure that a minimum of 2Mbps download speed is available across Essex." µ
INQ Latest
Court hears closing arguments in Kim Dotcom's extradition appeal
Tweet by Megaupload founder suggests he thinks he has won his case
Apple to shove 1,400 UK staffers in tarted up Battersea Power Station HQ
Firm will move in when renovations are complete in 2021
Galaxy Note 7 recall, release date, price and specs: new handset explodes in China
Handset causes minor images and damages an Apple MacBook
The hateful eight: Europol warns of major cyber security threats
Somewhere a saloon door is swinging on its hinges


text:
Latest news for estrogen
Omni Energy Services Corp. (), an oil and gas exploration company said last week it has plans to purchase Charles Holston Inc. , an environmental services company, for $23 million. Omni will use cash and promissory notes for the purchase. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2007. Audio Podcast: An audio podcast of this article is available at: . The services Charles Holston provides include the transportation of non-hazardous oil and gas drilling byproducts, site cleaning and waste disposal. Omni representatives say the environmental company's pre-tax earnings will be around $5 million in 2006 on sales of $28 million. James C. Eckert, OMNI's CEO, made the public comment, "The proposed acquisition of CHI is an exciting continuation of OMNI's execution of its business model to facilitate expansion of its core businesses through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. " Eckert went on to say, "We believe the proposed acquisition of CHI will be immediately accretive to earnings, offer us further organic and strategic growth opportunities, and afford us synergies through consolidation of facilities and services. The CHI acquisition also brings an excellent management team with a well-seasoned employee base. We also believe the anticipated integration of CHI with our core environmental cleaning and equipment rental business units will continue to position each business segment with further growth and expansion opportunities. The continuing execution of OMNI's business model to grow through a well orchestrated combination of organic growth and carefully planned acquisitions and integration should continue to translate into increased shareholder value. " Awarded Three-Year Contract: In a public statement OMNI announced 19 December Trussco, its environmental cleaning unit, was awarded a three-year contract by a major exploration and production company. The scope of the contract will include the cleaning of onshore and offshore tank and vessels along the American Gulf of Mexico coast. Eckert commented on this news saying in a public statement, "We are very excited about the award of this new contract. As we extend our environmental cleaning operations from the offshore and dockside markets into available land-based oil and gas operations in Texas, Oklahoma and the Rocky Mountains, we hope to capitalize on Trussco's success as a leading provider of environmental cleaning services for the oil and gas industry. " Company Profile: OMNI Energy Services Corp. operates an oilfield service company in the United States. Its two divisions are: Seismic Drilling and Environmental Services. The Seismic Drilling division works in marshy, swampy, shallow water, and contiguous dry land areas along the American Gulf Coast. The company owns and operates seismic drilling equipment to provide seismic drilling and related services. The Environmental division provides offshore hazardous and non-hazardous oilfield waste management and environmental cleaning services. The company also has a fleet of revenue generating and oilfield related rental equipment. The company, formerly known as OMNI Drilling Corporation, was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Carencro, Louisiana. Competitors: Competitors for OMNI include: Clean Harbors Inc. Estrogen (), petroleum geo services asa (pgs), and veritas dgc inc. (). Potential Trade: With the bullishness of oil and OMNI's positioning, OMNI Energy Services is looking bullish and a strategy appears attractive. The following trade scenarios were discovered using PowerOptions' powerful web based search tools. quickly provides the data needed to make clear and informed decisions.
|Covered Call -- OMNI Energy Services Corp. () $ 9. 75
|Strike Info
|Opt Bid
|% Dnsd. Prot.
|% If Inch.
|% If Asgnd
|$0. 55
|5. 60%
|6. 00%
|8. 00%


text:
AutoRuns 11.50
- User
- 7.4
- Good
- 36
- Softonic
- 6
- Not bad
- Not bad
- Your rating:
Your rating has been saved
Oops, something's gone wrong. Try again.
AutoRuns is fully compatible with:
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
AutoRuns is also compatible with
Report this software
Thank you! Your feedback will help us make software better for all of us.
Oops, something's gone wrong. Try again.
Available languages
- English
Versions of AutoRuns
|AutoRuns 11.50 28/03/13
|AutoRuns 9.56 04/07/13
|AutoRuns 9.55 04/07/13
|AutoRuns 9.53 04/07/13
|AutoRuns 9.51 04/07/13
|AutoRuns 9.40 04/07/13
|AutoRuns 9.38 04/07/13
|AutoRuns 10.03 04/07/13
Apps & Games content ratings on Softonic
Find all the programs that start when Windows is loaded
Articles AutoRuns
AutoRuns can be used to view all the programs that load automatically on your PC during start-up.
Some programs such as anti-virus software, for example, are useful to load every time your PC starts. Others are less necessary. And if enough of them automatically load at once, it can substantially slow down your PC's start-up process.
AutoRuns quickly scans your computer and provides a list of all programs that load every time you turn your computer on. You can filter the results on AutoRuns by a number of different categories. These include print monitors, network providers, and scheduled tasks, among others. You can also just simply view everything at once.
Click on an individual program and AutoRuns will provide further information on it in a panel below the full list. The size of the program is one of the most important things to note, as it will help you determine if that particular program should not be loaded upon start-up for the best results. From there AutoRuns lets you opt to prevent certain programs from loading on start-up.
Unfortunately, AutoRuns' help file didn't work during our test, so if you have questions about how to use the program, you'll be out of luck without a further internet search.
AutoRuns provides an easy way to see what programs load during your PC's start-up.
- Many ways to filter your results
- Additional program information is provided with one click
- Help file does not open
"AutoRuns and then some"
- 10
- 10
An excellent program. everyone should have some idea of the registry, what it looks like, what it does, and so. That's the good news. The bad news, it's not really for the techno-mechno challanged. What exactly am I looking for? How do I tell the "good guys" from the "bad guys"? Who/what are the forces of evil and what supports the computers functionality. If I get a virus, where in the registry do I go to delete it? And so on. Computer security is too imporant to be left to by guess or by golly. Banking, paying bills, communicating with Social Security, identity, etc all can be compromised when the computer gets hijacted. So in theory Autoruns is a good idea, without a user freindly manual to interpret the data, then it's just data. I'm glad I have it and feel I better understand the computer and its operation. But it presents a sharp leaning curve.
- Views:
- 1,093
- Date:
- 03 Oct 2010
Top Downloads: General
Top Downloads
Microsoft Fix It Center
Maintain and fix your PC with ease
- FAT32 Format
- Computer Repair Free
- Free PC optimizer
- Ultimate Boot CD for Windows
- ...
- 12 AutoRuns
Top Downloads
Microsoft Fix It Center
Maintain and fix your PC with ease
- FAT32 Format
- Computer Repair Free
- Software Informer
- PCSpeedUp
- ...
- 12 AutoRuns
Articles AutoRuns
Kapersky finds new Android and PC threat
Kapersky has discovered malware Android apps that were designed to infect PCs. The apps, DroidCleaner... See more
The ultimate guide to USB drive security
USB sticks, memory keys, pendrives. It doesn't really matter what you call them, memory sticks are... See more


text:
Our People
Valerie MacCartney, RN, BSN
Emergency Department Assistant Nurse Manager,
Community Hospital
I have worked at Community Hospital for 9 ½ years. I grew up in Northwest Indiana and my family has always had great experiences coming here for care. When I graduated from nursing school, I attended a job fair at the hospital. I was able to talk to a few nurse managers to see what was available and what Community had to offer. I knew when I left the job fair that Community was the place for me! I had an official interview a few days later and I was hired as a new grad in the Neuro ICU/IMCU.
Through the years, I've worked in Neuro IMCU/ICU, CVU, and then the ED as a staff nurse. I was promoted to ED Clinician and from there I was promoted to my current job, assistant manager of the Emergency department.
I also have recommended friends and family to apply to the hospital. In fact, one of my Capstone students who I trained currently works in the ED.
I think Community is a great place to work because they really take care of their patients and employees. The hospitals encourage continuing education for staff and like to see everyone get involved. It really feels like everyone is working on the same team!


text:
Game Development Books
Featured Book
Shipping Greatness: Practical lessons on building and launching outstanding software, learned on the job at Google and Amazon
By Chris Vander Mey
Buy from Amazon:
Top Selling Books
Latest Books
- 1. Shipping Greatness: Practical lessons on building and launching outstanding software, learned on the job at Google and Amazon By Chris Vander Mey
- 2. Learn Objective-C on the Mac: For OS X and iOS By Scott Knaster, Mark Dalrymple, Waqar Malik
- 3. Core HTML5 Canvas: Graphics, Animation, and Game Development (Core Series) By David Geary
- 4. PayPal APIs: Up and Running By Matthew A. Russell
- 5. The Game Developer's Dictionary: A Multidisciplinary Lexicon for Professionals and Students By Dan Carreker
The Game Developer's Dictionary: A Multidisciplinary Lexicon for Professionals and Students
Buy it now:By Dan Carreker
Published January 2012
List Price:
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,155,112
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
The video game industry has evolved. What was at first hobbyists working in their spare time in school labs or converted garages has grown into veteran specialists working in high-rise offices and multimillion-dollar studios. Some of these professionals came from those early days of video game development, but many emerged from other disciplines, including traditional game design, art, software programming, film animation, screenwriting, engineering, music production, and many more. Each of them brought along their own language--a collection of terms and definitions relevant to their field--which filtered in and out of the industry as they did. Games continued to change and so did the way we talked about them. Confusion inevitably arose as each discipline had, up until then, been largely independent and therefore had its own unique vocabulary. For example, what was known as "value" by an artist would have been called "brightness" by a programmer (to whom value meant something else entirely). "Theme" had a different meaning to a game designer than it did to a writer. A common language had not, and still has not, developed; yet in order for the members of any multidisciplinary venture to communicate efficiently, it must. The Game Developer's Dictionary is the first attempt to collect the terms and phrases used within all avenues of game development, and define them, with hundreds of definitions covering game art, design, programming, production, writing, and sound. Terms are categorized alphabetically and by discipline so that entries can be accessed quickly and easily. The book emphasizes creating an understanding between the game development disciplines - great care has been exercised to define terms in ways that someone outside the related area of expertise can easily grasp. A survey of game industry job titles and their descriptions is also included.
GDNet Staff Review:
In an era when the Encyclopedia Brittanica is no longer publishing encyclopedias, the concept of a paper dictionary, even a specialty one, is a tough sell. After all, it is a good bet that nothing in The Game Developer's Dictionary that isn't available on Google or Wikipedia or dictionary.com.
The book's tagline is "A Multidisciplinary Lexicon for Professionals and Students", and it is a very well-organized The terminology leans more towards the conceptual than the technical. For example, while "PERT chart" (a kind of project management organizational chart) and "Pickup Session" (an additional re-recording session) are defined, PHP (a popular server-side programming langauge) is not. Definitions are all accompanied by one or more of about a half-dozen icons showing the related concept (art, music, design, etc).
The Game Developer's Dictionary is a well-organized collection. Its value to you really depends on whether or not you need a printed-out lexicon of game development terminology. While it would likely be at home in an academic or conceptual-design setting, it is not a book that you will have on the desk next to you while you write code. So make sure you are getting this book for the proper setting.
Buy it now:


text:
But fear not - there is plenty to explore...Shop all Burton Shop sale Burton
Get buck with the Burton Malavita Snowboard Bindings - the Burton team's favorite. Supportive, comfortable and prepared to withstand the wear and tear from aggressive boarding. The extremely lightweight baseplate provides a consistent response and elevated rider-to-board connectivity. Burton s B3 Gel absorbs landing impact before they have a chance to transfer to your boots. The mega-comfortable Asym Hammock™ ankle strap's binding-to-boot interface gives you the ultimate lateral leverage, for perfect presses rail after rail. Clearly, nothing but the best ingredients are loaded into the buttery Burton Malavita Snowboard Bindings.
Flex Rating: 6 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff) Medium-stiff flex for all-mountain performance.
Re: Flex™ Baseplate The minimalistic baseplate design is made of a short glass and nylon composite blend to give you long-lasting performance, durability and an epic response.
Re: Flex™ FullBED Cushioning Full coverage cushioned platform maximizes comfort while minimizing fatigue. Anchored to the baseplate, the trap door design makes it easy to access the mounting hardware.
B3 Gel In the footbed, B3 gel dramatically dampens vibrations and absorbs impacts. Formulated to withstand repeated impacts without breaking down or hardening up in cold temperatures.
Asymmetrical Hammock™ Strap Simple, seamless 3D curved construction. The laterally supportive asymmetrical shape is reversible so you can choose between power or mobility. Made of ultra light padding that remains soft in cold temps, and a triple axis spine for response and flex.
Flex Slider Makes the ankle straps move out of the way so you can step into the binding without obstruction. Burton's Flex Slider has a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Super Grip Capstrap™ Utilizing a minimalist design comprised two materials blended together to create a high-performance toe strap. A firm material in the spine adds durability, strength, and support. The soft over molded material improves grip and comfort.
Double Take Buckles Tracking teeth and Insta-Click engagement combined for increased cranking power. Not only does this vastly improve the binding's strength; it makes them easier to use -- You can achieve a tight, secure fit with minimal effort.
Canted Living Hinge™ Hi-Back [All Other Colorways] Burton created a lightweight, minimal hardware hi-back that allows you to adjust your forward lean and rotation separately. In addition, the hi-back offers an ergonomic (canted) design. For you this means a seamless interface that contours to you and your snowboard boots, providing unmatched comfort and board control.
DialFLAD™ Use the tool-free DialFLAD™ feature on your hi-backs for a quick and easy forward lean adjustment.
Heel Hammock Reinforced rubbery material wraps around the heel of your boot for greater response.
Winged Hi-Back [Reaper Colorway Only] Wraps around the outside of your boot for greater lateral support. Increased leverage and control when pressing, buttering and spinning.
Zero Forward Lean Riders who prefer a more playful relaxed feel will love Burton's Zero Forward Lean hi-back design element. You can still crank them forward for the pipe or gnarly carving.
Compatible with All Major Mounting Systems
Features re-ground materials to reduce waste.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 1 customer
Comments about Burton Malavita Snowboard Bindings 2016:
Great bindings. Perfect stiffness.


text:
Welcome to the Alan Bates Archive, created
in 1997 to document the work of Sir Alan Bates, CBE
on stage, in films, and on television.
For a few days at the end of December, I have removed the
usual news page items, to mark the ninth anniversary of Alan's
death. The normal page contents will return after Alan's birthday
in February.
Eight years ago we spent a fortnight in England during the
holidays. My husband Tom and I were in London with our daughter
for a while, and then drove to Somerset, where we had rented
a 15th century barn, for a Christmas house party with Duncan
and Rosemary Geddes (Alan's secretary).
It was a happy time - the weather
was mild, London was festive, and Alan seemed finally on the
mend after several months of recovery from hip replacement surgery.
His knighthood would be announced in a week.
He was still visiting his orthopaedist
regularly, but could joke about the cane he sometimes still used.
One afternoon he came in with a gift bag. "I was leaving
my doctor's surgery," he said, "when I realized that
it would be nice to give you all something to remember me by
in the country at Christmas. So I HOBBLED into a shop..."
(he grinned, making the most of the huge effort his thoughtfulness
had cost him) "... and found this."
It was a lightly scented candle.
He had written "Karen" on the bag, and on the tissue
wrapping added a Christmas greeting to all of us.
In Castle Cary, our hosts had
decorated the stone barn for our arrival. There was a small Christmas
tree with winking lights, and festoons of holly, ivy and mistletoe
on picture frames; a bowl of oranges, chocolates and Christmas
crackers greeted us. The grass and hedgerows were very green;
a tree outside the lounge window was glowing with red berries,
and over a tall fence cattle could be heard, lowing.
We put the candle in the center
of the dining table, where it scented the room. We toasted Alan
by its light, never thinking that it would be our last holiday
with him.
At his death on 27 December 2003 there was an outpouring of
affection and respect for Alan from friends, fans, colleagues,
the media. I have gathered the best tributes, my own message
and an account of the September Royal Court Celebration in a
permanent Archive section, In Memoriam.
"London by Dickens" is a DVD produced by Creative
Arts Television. It includes two television performances; one
is a 1958 production of Camera Three, featuring a young Alan
Bates. The 25-minute program is a montage of Dickens short writings,
based on "Sketches by Boz," but drawing on other short
works. It will interest the Bates completist.
Far more engaging is beautifully presented version of "A
Child's Christmas in Wales," aired on 24 December 1961.
Richard Burton, in his prime, walks the streets of Greenwich
Village, where he knew Dylan Thomas, speaking about him from
personal experience, and seguing into a reading of Thomas' classic
Christmas story. It is thrilling, and the reason you'll want
this DVD, which seems not to be available from conventional sources.
For more information, visit this page.
Here is one of Alan's most amusing Hardy readings, from the
National Trust recording "Thomas Hardy, Words and Music."
It comes to you with the very best wishes for a safe and happy
holiday season, from the Bates Archive.


text:
Born and raised in Chicago, Mark Reitman moved to Wisconsin in 1990 and was dismayed to find the state lacking in the hot dogs he'd grown up eating -Vienna beef, Chicago-style hot dogs.
Of course, Wisconsin has bratwursts and many varieties of sausage - but Chicago-made dogs, with toppings like neon green relish, dill pickles and fresh tomato nestled in freshly steamed buns were what made Reitman's mouth water.
So he brought his traditional Chicago dogs to the people, beginning in 2003 with a simple cart at the Prime Outlets shopping center in Pleasant Prairie.
Reitman still runs that one cart, but after people began asking him how they could get into the business, Hot Dog University was born. The two-day course, which includes classroom and behind-the-cart training, now attracts students from across the nation. Since forming in June 2006, the school of mobile food service has produced about 30 graduates in the art of hot-dogging.
"I was an educator for 35 years, and this combines my love for food, sales and teaching," said Reitman, 59, who taught middle school science and driver's education in Illinois and was an elementary school counselor in Kenosha for 24 years.
So what exactly goes into making the perfect Chicago-style hot dog? In Milwaukee recently to teach a seminar, the Kenosha resident parked his cart outside Journal Sentinel offices and walked us through the process.
Reitman first heats water to 180 degrees and then adds his 100% Vienna Beef hot dogs, made from brisket of beef.
Reitman continually turns the wieners to avoid discoloring before serving them in fresh poppy seed buns, which he gets from the S. Rosen's Bakery in Chicago. He purchases the buns half-baked and steams them at the stand to ensure freshness.
A Chicago dog simply denotes an all-beef, natural casing hot dog made in Chicago; a Chicago-style dog means the sandwich has specific condiments - and never ketchup.
At Reitman's cart, he sells a standard size hot dog ( 1/8 pound) for $2 and a jumbo all-beef Polish hot dog ( 1/5 pound) for $3. The Polish has hints of garlic and paprika. "The Polish is the king of the Chicago hot dogs," he said.
Once Reitman hands off the dog, it's up to the customers to make it their own.
"Customers in Wisconsin use ketchup two to one over mustard, and that's their choice," said Reitman. "I'm not going to get into the political correctness of using ketchup."
A true Chicago-style dog, however, does not include the tomato-based condiment. Instead, it has a combination of mustard, onions, neon green sweet relish, kosher dill pickles, sport peppers, tomatoes and a dash of celery salt.
How can you achieve the taste of a cart-boiled hot dog at home?
Reitman emphasizes that you must start with a high-quality, all-beef hot dog. If you're boiling it, don't add the meat until the water has already come to a boil, then throw it in and simmer for about five minutes - until the dog floats.
Reitman also chars hot dogs at home on the grill by first making three to four cross-cuts down the side of the dog or by cross-cutting the ends of the dog to prevent overheating and splitting.
So one might conclude that Mark Reitman is in hot dog heaven, surrounded by the Chicago-style dogs he grew up eating. Alas, no. His wife has him on a 90% organic diet, limiting his hot dog intake.
"After a while, you don't want to eat them," he said. "But I sneak one from time to time."


text:
If you have a conference to attend, don't cancel class. Invite the Career Center staff to present on topics that contribute to the outcomes of your course.
Written communication skills
- Students will write a resume using action verbs and describe work experience in measurable terms.
- Students will write a persuasive cover letter and describe the skills, qualities and experiences that make them the perfect candidate for the job.
Verbal communication skills
- Students will listen for the true meaning behind interview questions and answer questions in clear and concise statements.
- Students will effectively introduce themselves.
- Students will demonstrate body language that conveys confidence.
Research skills
- Students will identify resources available to research corporations and find the hidden job market.
- Students will know how to research salaries and the cost-of living for a specific area.
- Students will develop an electronic portfolio showcasing their academic success by using the latest technology.
To schedule a presentation, contact Toni Ripo, Coordinator of Career Services USF SMC at 941-359-4586 or firstname.lastname@example.com.