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You can never accuse Asus of being boring. In a market filled with "me too" products that lack imagination, the Asus Padfone, an Android phone that docks into a tablet shell, is one of the most interesting concepts we've ever seen. Disappointingly, at this stage the Padfone we have seen is too clunky, and the modular idea feels more like a concept rather than a finished product.
It is only fair to point out, however, that the Padfone was tested in our Australian office, and it is very early days for this intriguing hybrid product. We don't know yet when the Asus Padfone will be available in the UK, nor how much it will cost. We'll be updating this review with our own in-depth Padfone review as soon as we can get our hands on the UK product.
Asus Padfone: The phone
The Asus Padfone, as its name suggests, is a smartphone first and foremost. Its design keeps some consistency with most of Asus' recent product releases, particularly the well-designed Transformer Prime, an Android tablet. Like this tablet, the Padfone has sharp metallic edges, a gloss black bezel surrounding the display and an etched, swirl pattern on the back that provides adequate grip. The look and feel is very industrial and the phone feels well constructed. See also: Group test: what's the best Android tablet?
The Padfone has a 4.3in touchscreen so its dimensions are a little smaller than current flagship models on the market, such as Samsung's 4.8in Galaxy S 3 and HTC's 4.7in HTC One X. If you're put off by the extra large size of these smartphones, the Padfone is a nice balance between display size and sheer footprint. However, we found that the sharp edges, particularly where the aluminum frame meets the bezel surrounding the front glass, can uncomfortably dig into your hands. Visit Group test: What's the best smartphone?
Edges aside, the design of the Asus Padfone is well implemented. The power/lock screen buttons are well positioned and can easily be accessed with one handed use. On the left side is a micro-USB port for charging and a micro-HDMI port for connection to a TV — both of these ports are used when you dock the Padfone into the Padfone Station. The phone is powered by a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, has 1GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. A microSD card slot behind the rear battery cover allows memory expansion. See also: Group test: what's the best tablet PC?
The PadFone's 4.3in screen is a Super AMOLED panel with a qHD resolution of 960x540. It offers excellent viewing angles, the vivid colour we've come to know and love on AMOLED screens and is responsive to use. However, the qHD resolution means it can't quite match many flagship rivals when displaying text. It's not a huge issue, but you'll notice visible aberrations on the edges of text when you compare the Padfone's display with higher resolution smartphone screens.
Asus Padfone: The Padfone Station
The idea behind the Asus Padfone is a modular concept. When the phone is placed inside the PadFone Station, the PadFone in effect turns into a full 10.1in Android tablet. The PadFone Station is just a screen, so all the processing power, memory and connectivity comes from the PadFone, though the tablet component does have a 6600mAh battery. As the tablet dock utilises the processing power and connectivity of the phone itself, the PadFone negates the need for two separate data connections.
The Padfone concept is a notable one and makes sense in a number of areas, but Asus' execution is a real let down - at least in the model we have tested in Australia. The biggest issue is that the Padfone Station is heavy, big and bulky. It's significantly thicker (13.5mm) than most other Android tablets on the market and feels very chunky. It weighs a hefty 724g on its own and 853g with the Padfone docked into it. That makes it much heavier than most other Android tablets on the market.
Its design is rather appealing, too. The bulging Padfone door latch means the Padfone Station doesn't sit flat on a desk or table and rocks when you touch the screen towards the top and bottom. This poses a significant problem when trying to type on a desk or table using the on-screen keyboard, for example. The Padfone Station also lacks the sleek look and feel of Asus' other Android tablets, like the Eee Pad Transformer Prime and the Asus Transformer Pad TF300. The ultimate feeling we get when using the Padfone Station is that it still feels like a concept.
The Padfone Station's 1280x800 screen, while large, can't compete with the higher resolution panels of tablets such as the new iPad, the Acer Iconia Tab A700 and Asus' own Transformer Pad Infinity. All of these models boast sharper, clearer, and higher resolution displays that will soon become the norm on tablets. In this case, the specifications on the Padfone Station are a little outdated. It's certainly not a bad tablet, by any means, but its value will be determined by how much it costs in the UK when it launches.
Thankfully, attaching the Padfone into the Padfone Station tablet is a relatively simple process. Open the latch on the top of the tablet which will flip open the compartment, slide in the Padfone as shown until you hear a click, then close the compartment. In most cases, the Padfone Station is ready to use about five seconds after you dock the Padfone in its compartment. Removing the Padfone is also easy and we love the fact you can push the down the hinged cover to pop it out. The process does feel a little flimsy but is fairly effective.
From phone to tablet and back: a work in progress
The idea of the Padfone certainly makes sense. Use your phone when you want a phone, and dock the phone into the Padfone Station when you want a tablet. While the idea has plenty of merit, Asus hasn't executed it nearly as well as we'd have liked at this stage.
The biggest issue is one that plagues all Android tablets — there aren't enough apps that have been designed to suit the larger screen of a tablet. Some of the regular apps we use such as Facebook, Twitter and Spotify simply blow up to fit the Padfone Station's larger screen. The latter doesn't even work in landscape mode. These apps look and work better on the Padfone by itself, defeating the purpose of the Padfone concept altogether.
It gets worse when you switch from phone to tablet mode, or vice versa. Asus says its Dynamic Display technology automatically resizes apps when you dock the Padfone into the Padfone Station, or remove it. The problem is, it works in some apps but not in others. If you're typing an e-mail in Gmail with the Padfone docked, for example, removing it kills the app and you lose your work. The same applies to the Play Store, Google Maps and YouTube. To be fair many third party apps like Twitter, Facebook, Chrome and Dropbox support the feature and work reasonably well, but the fact that default apps like Gmail do not is a huge downside.
Even worse still is the fact that docking and undocking the Padfone removes all apps from Android's recent apps list. This is a huge annoyance and a big oversight. Asus clearly hasn't found an efficient way to combine both smartphone and tablet modes seamlessly, a critical issue and one that almost defeats the purpose of the Padfone concept entirely.
Performance in tablet mode is a hit and miss affair, too. The home screens, for example, are smooth when used in phone mode but are often sluggish to swipe through when using the Padfone Station. The app draw is fast and efficient on the Padfone, but the same function is choppy and laggy on the Padfone Station. These are basic tasks yet the Padfone Station clearly struggles with them. We also noticed that when removing the Padfone from the Padfone Station the screen would often flicker for a few seconds.
Oops. The error message you get when you dock the Padfone into the Padfone Station.
These issues are obviously bugs that need to be ironed out and will most likely be fixed with future software updates but they contribute to the overall feeling of the Padfone — a great idea let down by poor execution and a very inconsistent and unfinished user experience.
NEXT PAGE: Asus Padfone software and other features >>
NEXT PAGE: Asus Padfone software and other features >>
The Asus Padfone is an Android phone that docks into a tablet. We continue our Asus Padfone review with a look at the software, and other features.
Padfone software
The Asus Padfone software is largely a 'vanilla' version of Google's Android OS, though Asus includes a number of extra apps. Additions include a file manager, a MyCloud storage app with 32GB of free storage for three years, a MyLibrary books app, and a MyNet app for streaming multimedia content via DLNA. The MyCloud app offers one year of unlimited cloud storage and works similarly to the popular Dropbox service. Asus also includes handy e-mail, clock and weather widgets, along with a special Padfone Station Utility widget that displays two separate percentages for the Padfone and the Padfone Station.
Padfone: Other features
Using the Padfone isn't all bad news. Its 8-megapixel camera is decent, capturing images with plenty of detail and producing good colour. Image noise is really prevalent, though, and some of our photos were washed out. We also found autofocus a little erratic. The Padfone's camera can be best described as OK — it's not the best camera we've seen on a smartphone, but its not the worst we've seen, either.
Because the Padfone Station uses the Padfone's camera, thanks to a hole in the Station's case, its camera is actually one of the better ones we've used on a tablet device. However, the front camera is of poor quality, even purely for video calling apps like Skype and Tango, and the full HD 1080p video recorder is also poor.
For multimedia playback and hands-free phone calls, the Padfone Station's speaker rear speaker is one of the loudest we've used on an Android tablet. However, music notably distorts at high volume levels.
The Asus Padfone comes with the PadFone Stylus Headset. This capacitive stylus doubles as a Bluetooth headset, with an answer button, a speaker and a microphone. Holding a stylus to your head and talking into it is plain awkward, but the option is available should you desperately need to answer your docked PadFone, so it's a nice inclusion. The "smart sleeve" case included in the sales package is also a nice touch.
In terms of battery life, it's a mixed bag on the Padfone. When used solely as a phone, the device isn't really impressive, often failing to last a full day of use. However, the fact that docking the Padfone into the Padfone Station charges the device is a nice touch, even if lugging the Padfone Station around everywhere with you isn't ideal. In tablet mode, the Padfone Station lasted around two days with moderate use.
ASUS Padfone: Specs
- Display - Padfone: 4.3inches, qHD 960x540, Super AMOLED - Padfone Station: 10.1inches, WXGA 1280x800, TFT
- Camera - PadFone: Front VGA(640x480), Rear 8 Mega-Pixel, Auto Focus, LED Flash, F2.2 Aperture, 5 -element lens - PadFone Station: Front 1.3 Mega-Pixel
- Platform: Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 8260A Dual-Core 1.5 GHz
- Memory: 1 GB LPDDR2 RAM
- Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GBGB eMMc Flash, 32GB free ASUS Webstorage for 3 years
- Memory Slot: Micro-SD card
- Battery - PadFone: 1520 mAh Lithium - PadFone Station: 24.4 Whr/6600 mAh Lithium
- Accessories: Stylus Headset, Station Dock, Sleeve
- Dimensions: PadFone: 128 x 65.4 x 9.2 mm - PadFone Station 273 x 176.9 x 13.55 mm
- Weight - PadFone: 129 g (with battery) - PadFone Station: 724 g
- Display - Padfone: 4.3inches, qHD 960x540, Super AMOLED - Padfone Station: 10.1inches, WXGA 1280x800, TFT
- Camera - PadFone: Front VGA(640x480), Rear 8 Mega-Pixel, Auto Focus, LED Flash, F2.2 Aperture, 5 -element lens - PadFone Station: Front 1.3 Mega-Pixel
- Platform: Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 8260A Dual-Core 1.5 GHz
- Memory: 1 GB LPDDR2 RAM
- Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GBGB eMMc Flash, 32GB free ASUS Webstorage for 3 years
- Memory Slot: Micro-SD card
- Battery - PadFone: 1520 mAh Lithium - PadFone Station: 24.4 Whr/6600 mAh Lithium
- Accessories: Stylus Headset, Station Dock, Sleeve
- Dimensions: PadFone: 128 x 65.4 x 9.2 mm - PadFone Station 273 x 176.9 x 13.55 mm
- Weight - PadFone: 129 g (with battery) - PadFone Station: 724 g
Thre Asus Padfone is a nice idea and one that in time could work, but right now there are just too many things that do not operatate smoothly enough for it to be considered a success. ASUS clearly hasn't found an efficient way to combine both smartphone and tablet modes seamlessly, a critical issue and one that almost defeats the purpose of the Padfone concept entirely. However, we live in hope of developments that make the UK release better, and we'll update this review when that happens.
Best prices today


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American Airlines Puts Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Sale for Travel Through March 29
Are you looking for an exotic, sun-drenched tropical getaway this winter but not sure that you can afford a trip -- or even that your passport is in order? Then consider Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on American Airlines.
American, a founding member of the global oneworld® Alliance, is having a sale for travel between select destinations in the United States and Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands through March 29, 2007, so now is a great time to get a great fare to a great getaway spot. And passports are not required for travel from the United States to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or to return, making it quite possibly your perfect destination this winter.
Beautiful beaches, great golf courses, and fabulous shopping await you in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. No need to worry about currency exchange rates, either. So what's stopping you? Contact American Airlines, pack your bag, and we'll see you under the warm Caribbean sun.
Here are the highlights of American's sale to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:
American's Puerto Rico / U.S. Virgin Islands Sale
* Available between the United States (select destinations) and Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
* Begin travel by March 27, 2007; complete travel by March 29, 2007.
* Purchase tickets no later than Feb. 14, 2007.
* Other restrictions apply. For complete rules and restrictions, see the terms and conditions below, or visit American's Web site, AA.com.
Here are samples of American's great low fares to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Fare amounts shown are for round-trip, off-peak Economy Class travel purchased on AA.com.
City Pair Round-Trip Fare Available on AA.com*
Miami - St. Croix $228
Miami - St. Thomas $228
Tampa - San Juan $228
Dallas/Fort Worth - St. Thomas $318
St. Louis - St. Thomas $338
Chicago O'Hare - St. Croix $378
Los Angeles - San Juan $398
* Fares shown are for round-trip, off-peak Economy Class travel purchased on AA.com, and are in U.S. dollars. Fares are valid for travel commencing through March 27, and returning by March 29, 2007. Fares do not include all government-imposed taxes and fees.
Travelers can check schedules and fares and book flights by visiting http://www.aa.com/ . Book travel and purchase your ticket on AA.com and earn up to 500 AAdvantage® bonus miles. There are no online booking fees. In addition, on AA.com you'll find the absolute lowest fares available for American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® flights - guaranteed. For details about the AA.com bonus-mile offer and for full details on our Lowest Fare Guarantee, visit http://www.aa.com/benefits .
AmericanAirlines Vacations(SM) has a number of exciting and affordable travel packages available to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit http://www.aavacations.com/ .
*Fare Sale Terms and Conditions
Fares shown are for round-trip, off-peak Economy-Class travel purchased on AA.com, and are in U.S. dollars. Fares shown are valid for travel Monday through Thursday; other travel days are available at additional cost. Fares are subject to change without notice.
Fares do not include (a) a federal excise tax of $3.40 per U.S. domestic flight segment, defined as one takeoff and landing, of a passenger's itinerary; (b) up to $18 per round trip in local airport charges; and (c) September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. For Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Island destinations, government taxes and fees of up to $65, varying by destination, are not included.
Tickets must be purchased at least seven days prior to departure or within one day of making reservations, whichever comes first, but not later than 11:59 p.m., Feb. 14, 2007 (Central Standard Time).
Fares shown are valid for travel commencing through March 27, 2007. Return travel must be complete by midnight, March 29, 2007.
A two-day minimum stay is required.
Advertised fares are valid only on American Airlines, American Eagle, and AmericanConnection® and do not apply to other codeshare flights. Seats are limited. Fares may not be available on all flights. Schedules are subject to change without notice.
Fares are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Changes to your ticket may be made if you meet the restrictions of the new fare and pay up to a $100 fee plus any fare difference. Changes must be made before your ticketed flight's scheduled departure time. If you cancel your flight prior to the scheduled departure time, the ticket will be valid for one year from the date of issue for an unused ticket or one year from travel origination for a partially used ticket. If you do not cancel your flight prior to the scheduled departure time, the ticket has no value.
A portion of or all travel booked on American Airlines may be operated by American Eagle or AmericanConnection. American Eagle is operated by American Eagle Airlines, Inc., or Executive Airlines, Inc, which are wholly owned by AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines. AmericanConnection service is operated by one of the following independent contractors: Trans States Airlines, Inc.; Chautauqua Airlines, Inc.; or RegionsAir, Inc.
Tickets may also be obtained through an American Airlines Telephone Reservations Office for an additional $10 or at an American Airlines Travel Center or Airport Ticket Office for an additional $15.
To purchase tickets on AA.com you must use a credit card with a billing address in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, the United Kingdom, or select Latin American and Caribbean countries.
AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AAdvantage, AmericanAirlines Vacations, and AA.com are registered marks of American Airlines, Inc. American Airlines reserves the right to change the AAdvantage program at any time without notice and to end the AAdvantage program with six months' notice.
About American Airlines
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve more than 600 destinations in over 135 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation . AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: email@example.com
SOURCE: American Airlines, Inc.
CONTACT: Tim Smith, Corporate Communications of American Airlines, Inc.,
+1-817-967-1577, or firstname.lastname@example.com
Web site: http://www.aa.com/

subset: commoncrawl


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SteelSeries Kana and Kinzu v2 Pro Review
Kinzu v2 Pro Up Close
Published: 12th March 2012 | Source: SteelSeries | Price: |
Kinzu v2 Pro Up Close
The smaller brother to the Kana is the Kinzu v2 Pro. Here in limited edition silver, but also available in red and black. The standard Kinzu v2 is in yellow, white, orange and black, so you've got a lot of coordination options. Of course the downside to a shiny silver mouse in a plastic cover is you get a reflection of my orange OC3D t-shirt, but don't worry it's purely silver as you'll see in the lower photos.
Although we haven't got the two-tone cable braiding we saw on the Kana the Kinzu still has the same high quality, soft braid on the cable.
The Kinzu is very much a pared down mouse, lacking any side buttons at all. All we have is a soft plastic that nicely inverts the setup of the Kana.
The Sensei is the biggest of the three in this stable, with the Kana a few mm smaller and the Kinzu smaller still. They're by no means tiny with the Kinzu being 117mm long and the Kana 124mm.
Most Recent Comments
Fancy all the benefits of a bonkers sensor but don't need all the multi-button frippery? SteelSeries might have just the ticket.
Continue ReadingQuote
With the ability to swap the buttons over in the SteelSeries Engine software, it's as left-handed as you could hope for I believe.Quote
Didn't the Deathadder have some sort of DPI problems when you configured it to 1600DPI or something along those lines? Don't remember to well.Quote
I think I would have liked to see at least more consistency for the Kana, like a 'soft grip' on the sides as well. That would have been very nice. This is probably digressing from both the mice, nit does anyone think Steelseries will release another version of the Ikari Laser? Quote
I thought that the Xai, Kinzu and the Sensei were all good for left handers?
Didn't the Deathadder have some sort of DPI problems when you configured it to 1600DPI or something along those lines? Don't remember to well.
As for gaming mouse for lefties, the Deathadder is the only dedicated ergonomically left handed gaming mouse. So the best you'll get is an ambidextrous mouse. I use my right hand for mice, but I find the Steelseries ambidextrous mice to be extremely comfortable, but that's just me. Based of that, I assume they should be fine for lefties as well.
@Umzok. I doubt Steelseries will make a left handed mouse, because 90% of people are right handed, so it's a significantly smaller market to develop a product for. Also many lefties use their right hands for mice anyway, which decreases the market even further.Quote
Yeah, something along those lines mate. The SteelSeries mice just looked pretty ambidextrous to me and I think it said so on it's packaging or somewhere...
The Deathadder is certainly a good mouse, but personally I would just prefer a Xai or Sensei, though I don't even own one myself. Sensors on the SS mouse seem pretty decent as I hear.
I use an old school MX518 myself so yeah Quote


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Academic Flexibility:
Classes are on a set schedule and there is a specific order in which the teachers want things done. So some basic classes like math and english can transfer but most other classes do not.
Online Courses:
There aren't many online courses, and as new students it can be difficult to get into the system. The online platform often has problems, but there's a great team of people to help with IT problems.
Career Services:
There's people in the school whose sole job is to help students go on to find work when they get out of school, the final term of school is actually an internship.
Overall Experience:
The classes are as varied as the teachers, some of whom have a rep for being difficult, but as long as you do what you're supposed to and treat them with respect there's very few to no problems.
Overall Experience:
As one of the top 10 schools a degree from here is very valuable, and chefs across the country are constantly reaching out to the school for interns from here. With more internships available than students to fill them we are spot for choice on where to go and finding the right place for each person.
Academic Experience:
The culinary program is very defined and set to make sure all students are work ready when they leave the school.
Overall Experience:
The schedule is busy and before you know it you'll be taking a final, but the atmosphere is great. Plus the groups are small enough that everyone is getting what they need out of the process. However, it's a small school and gossip travels fast.
Online Courses:
I have not had any online classes yet.
Student Body:
Being a female in the culinary field and not baking puts me in a weird position. I feel the men in my classes look down upon me but the teachers love me, they push me harder and have never made me cry yet. All the men at the school are really tall, and I am short. I wished the non culinary classes for example tech/writing were more mixed up with students from other classes. Everybody is accepted because we all wear the same uniform in class so there is nothing to judge but personality, and all of us are there because we have a passion for food.
Tuition & Financial Aid:
The school is not at fault for my parents being poor, but hearing the word financial aid just gives me a headache. I am getting what I am paying for although I wish I could have some of the money for my internship so I could go to the places I was offered jobs at. They need more workers in the financial aid office. Save up your whole life for college that is my tip.
Academic Experience:
I am going to school for my Bachelors in Culinary Arts, the workload will get larger as I continue to go through school but that's okay because I love learning all this information. The job opportunities for internships is amazing with the career fair but it really sucked turning down amazing job offers because I could not afford to go there. The facility is great with supporting you and helping in any way they can.
Academic Experience:
I do not choose my classes, they are given to me. The schedule is set and I go with it. All the professors are amazing, my teachers have so much information to tell you, they tell you so much in a day its hard to keep up sometimes but you can not hold that against them. The volunteer opportunities at NECI are so fun, I always want to sign up for so many but I have class at the same time. The classes I take all have helped me in one way or another.
Academic Flexibility:
It is hard to have a steady schedule due to the often class changes, but I do not need to do other things. I moved to Vermont to get a culinary degree at a great school and fully commit myself to that. My only frustration has been loans, grants, paying for the school. Having to find co signers because my parents were denied, the school pulls you from class if your paperwork etc. is not ready in time which just flustered me because my family had to keep waiting on the loans, and it wasn't are fault it took forever.
Career Services:
To be completely honest I am only in my first year at New England Culinary Institute and have not looked into this information fully. I have no doubt in my mind I will find a high paying enjoyable job very quickly after I graduate from NECI.
Campus Resources:
My input on campus is going to be more difficult to answer because I live off of campus, but I have visited the dorms on multiple occasions. NECI provides each student a gym membership, the gym establishments are wonderful. The library at NECI is weak, I love to read and have gone to enormous libraries so it is disappointing but the library in town is across the street from the school building. NECI needs more activities to do that are not culinary related, other than that the school is great on resources on campus.
Campus Quality:
New England Culinary Institute is not like any other college my friends are attending. There is no drinking, partying, late nights, or pajamas to class here at NECI it is strict but for all good intention. When you have a seven hour class, and than a three hour class after that, and your class schedule changes every three weeks exams come fast and time fly's by. NECI is unique in so many ways I tasted wine my first month in college at school for a class, the class to teacher ratio is incredible. The only thing I would change is having other activities to do on campus, but when your trying to become the best constant focus is needed.
Overall Experience:
I have a passion for what I do, and NECI helps me reach my goals of becoming a great chef, NECI pushes me to try harder. I did a volunteer day with the head pastry chef at NECI for the holidays where I got to decorate Christmas cookies with little children all day, it was an unforgettable experience. Along with my volunteer work with Chef Jim where I helped judge a junior chef competition. All of my teachers have made an impact on my life as a person and culinary student. I made the best decision of my life by choosing to attend New England Culinary Institute, small class to teacher ratio, all hands on work to show what the industry is exactly like, and the teachers care. If I could choose my college all over again I only would have changed my start date at NECI so right when I finished high school I could have started school the next week. I never complain about class, I look forward to going to school I love everything about New England Culinary Institute.
Tuition & Financial Aid:
Phone calls and emails were not returned which was very very frustrating. If you are persistent you will get the answers you need.
Campus Quality:
The faculty and the staff know your name when you walk into a building its unreal.
Campus Resources:
Could use some more activities but there are some and if you seek things out you'll have stuff to do.
Student Body:
For the most part people are friendly no one really looks at what color you are or what religion you are we are all just working toward a degree and goal.
Academic Experience:
Faculty are awesome and caring and know your name. You are expected to be prompt and professional and treated as such in return.
Academic Experience:
Classes are lecture but you can easily speak to the faculty after or before class and your emails are answered in a timely manner.
Career Services:
LOTS of alumni thats doing very well!
Overall Experience:
I couldn't get a better education any closer to home.
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013
More than 850 kids and the folks who love them turned out in Saturdays balmy weather to greet Santa and give them their wish list for Christmas at the second Breakfast with Santa hosted by The Summerville Journal Scene.
Chris Zoeller, Regional Advertising and Marketing Director for Summerville Communications and the event coordinator said this years crowd was bigger and more enthusiastic than last year.
We were amazed at how early families came out to see Santa! My favorite part was when we introduced Santa and Summerville welcomed him with such excitement, Zoeller said.
The event featured Santa (of course) as well as a breakfast of sausage or egg and cheese biscuits and juice provided by Alexs Restaurant.
Teresa Blitch of Alexs made 800 biscuits for the breakfast.
Thats a lot of biscuits I was still baking at 1 a.m., Blitch said, laughing. This is a great event! With her were other Alexs employees, serving breakfast and greeting attendees.
The morning had plenty to keep little hands busy as they waited their turn to sit on Santas knee. Craft and activities were set up in the breezeway between the two town hall buildings from First Citizens, Lowcountry Orhtodontics, Nicklas Dental, Pinewood Preparatory School, Summerville Pediatric Dentistry and Realtor, Trina Woods.
Century 21 returned as the North Pole Sponsor and stationed their own Santas Helpers to assist with the event.
We could not host Breakfast with Santa without the amazing support of our local sponsors and the student volunteers. They made the magic happen for Summerville, Zoeller said.
A highlight of the morning was Mayor Bill Collins reading to the children as they gathered around. This years books included Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdneg.
Photos from Breakfast with Santa can be viewed and downloaded on www.JournalScene.com/Santa.
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THE BEST: Haddon Township, Metuchen, Mountain Lakes, McNair.
THE REST: New Providence, Bordentown, Shore Regional, Dunellen, A.P. Schalick, Haddon Heights, Lindenwold, Pennsville, Kinnelon, Bogota, North Warren, Park Ridge-Emerson, Secaucus, Lyndhurst, Verona, Palisades Park
TOP CONTENDERS: Ben DeVenezia, Mountain Lakes; Jimmy Hampsey, Metuchen; Trey Thatcher, Haddon Township; Jorge Maldanado, Palisades Park; Reid Hawkins, Glen Ridge; Ramon Fantauzzi, Pompton Lakes; Chris Luciano, Mountain Lakes; Andrew Shaw, Haddon Township; Luke Kessler, Haddon Township; Chris Dugan, Hopatcong; Jordan Price, New Providence; Owen Long, Haddon Township; Omar Lopez, McNair.
PREDICTIONS: Haddon Township's front four will be too strong for any team to deal with as the Camden County powerhouse repeats by about 15 points over Metuchen. DeVenezia breaks away after the bowl and wins in around 16:30.


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Pokemon GYM Battle [Remix]
Credits & Info
- Uploaded
- Dec 21, 2013 | 1:47 PM EST
- File Info
- Song
- 2 min 37 sec
- Score
- 4.45 / 5.00
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- Score:
- Rated 4.45 / 5 stars
- Plays & Downloads:
- 14,731 Plays | 2,029 Downloads
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- Genres:
- Electronic - Drum N Bass
- pokemon
- remix
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Author Comments
Rated 5 / 5 stars
I've been looking for this for a while, great job making this.
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Is it ok if I use this in a YouTube video?
Rated 5 / 5 stars
This music really nails the feeling you have when you face the gym leader in the fact that SHIT IS GOING DOWN!!!
Rated 5 / 5 stars
This is the first music entry I've viewed, and I kinda wanted to give it a 3 because of the description of that rating. BUTTERSCOTCH, YO! Otherwise this song is awesome, even though i found it on this site just 'cause I couldn't download it on soundstream.
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Really great song. I don't know what to say really since I am not very fluent in music terms. This makes me think of all the time I have spent playing the various pokemon games. Sigh, all the years that have gone by.


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Frustrating minigames you have to complete to move on.
Frustrating minigames you have to complete to move on.
I agree, with games like golden sun. Its a good game, but the puzzles are quite annoying.
usually i'll play a game just to see how its story progresses. but with rpg games, the only think i dont like is with some rpg games, during monster encounters there is no way to escape or run away you have to fight it first.
"Protect X from Y" all the while X is not even putting the tiniest effort of avoiding an early death.....
For it it'd be load screens. Some games do them better than others, like some show character art while the next scene/level is loading. But when all you got is a black screen with a little loading icon in the corner, it gets really annoying really fast. Especially when it takes a minute or more to load whatever comes next. It makes me wish that cardridge systems would come back since there'd be no load screens.
RPG's that have a set story and no variation and only 1 ending. I actually enjoyed FFX-2 because there were multiple paths you could take and more than 1 ending. I even enjoyed some of the side stories like the sabotage of Machina on the Mihen Highroad story. If you do it just right so that the prophet guy is the culprit it plays out like an episode of Scooby Doo. Heck the guy even has Shaggy's voice. Star Ocean: Till The End of time was also a good game, there wasn't quite as much variation in the story that I'd like. But there was plenty of alternate endings.
Lack of a world map kinda buggs me too. I mean in Final Fantasy games up till FFX there was usually a world map that you could explore and find hidden stuff and the only things in your way would be mountains and oceans, everywhere else was fair game. Now its like the games are big dungeons in that all your doing is going from one screen to the next and there's usually not much to explore.
I would have to say both bad gameplay and bad storyline, but even if a game is only missing one of those things I just don't want to play it because there is no point.
bad camera,story, gameplay and sound
.Sig & Ava By Ravona
Well most games I buy have a good story, that's the reason I buy them. I mostly play japanese RPG's, to bad not all are translated here. Big fan of Square Enix. So only problem I have are very annoying minigames or something to continue, and stupid camera problems.
Avatar and Signature by Ravona
I hate games with short storys. I bought me games and finished in 2-6 hours. 60 Euro for nothing
The first game that can't be finished that fast is Oblivion and Gta4 for Xbox
Props to Ravona for the awesome sig! Noel is the greatest and I challenge you to prove me otherwise!
MyAnimeList MyMangaList


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Not all news has to be bad news, and we were reminded of that over and over in 2013.
Here are 13 of those momentswe wanted to revisit most, from Good Samaritans to 'Breaking Bad' thank-yous.
The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.blog comments powered by Disqus


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3 Mercyhurst players named All-American
Mercyhurst men's lacrosse player Andrew Wagner was named to USILA's All-American first team for the second straight year, while teammates Brian Scheetz and Zac Reid were named to the second team and honorable mention, respectively.
Wagner, a junior defender, totaled 25 groundballs and 11 caused turnovers while also consistently defending opposing teams' top offensive performers this season.
Scheetz, a senior attackman, leads the top-ranked Lakers (18-0) with 72 points (26 goals, 46 assists) while also collecting 36 groundballs. Reid, a senior midfielder, has 29 goals -- including seven in an 18-17 overtime win against second-ranked Limestone in the NCAA Division II semifinals this past Saturday -- and 43 points.
The Lakers, which have recorded All-Americans in 10 straight years and 13 honorees overall in program history, face third-ranked Le Moyne (17-2) in the national championship game Sunday at 1 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.


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Carhartt Men's Trumbull Plaid Long-Sleeve Shirt
Item # 452380
Key Features
Rugged 100% ringspun cotton flannel fabric
Triple-needle stitching at all main seams
Button-down collar; button-front closure
Separate back yoke with centered box pleat
Two-button adjustable cuffs with extended plackets
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Product DescriptionThis classic long-sleeve plaid shirt features a button-down collar; button-front closure; separate back yoke with centered box pleat; two-button adjustable cuffs with extended plackets; and two buttoned chest pockets. Built with rugged 5.5-oz., 100% ringspun cotton flannel fabric, the Trumbull Plaid is triple-needle-stitched at all main seams for exceptional durability. Carhartt logo embroidery at the left pocket. Relaxed fit. Imported. Style #: 100124.


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PT INKUD Exchange signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday with Malaysian biotechnology firm Lestari Pasifik Berhad to establish a joint venture aiming to set up 616 bio-refinery factories to process oil palm waste into bio-ethanol in Indonesia and Malaysia over the next five years.
Following the agreement, INKUD Exchange — a joint venture between the Federation of Indonesia Rural Cooperatives (Inkud), green advocates and Lestari Pasifik Berhad will set up a pilot project in Sumatra.
"We will survey any possible areas in Sumatra; probably in North Sumatra, Riau or West Sumatra. We hope to have established a factory by the end of this year," Inkud chairman Herman Y.L. Wutun said.
Herman said that Inkud, through PT INKUD Exchange, agreed to collaborate with Lestari Pasifik because it had secured an exclusive license for a bio-ethanol production system by creating a joint venture collaboration with Russian technology company Arter Group.
Lestari Pasifik's scientific advisor Gurmit Singh said that large oil palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia, which currently reach almost 12 million hectares in total area and produce 60 million tons of oil palm empty fruit bunches per year, offered opportunities for bio-fuel production to further substitute consumption of fossil fuels.
Bio-ethanol is usually mixed up to 85 percent with gasoline.
Singh said a bio-refinery factory, which operates 20 hours a day, will process 12 tons of waste from 60 tons of empty fruit bunches per hour. The factory can produce 130 liters of bio-ethanol from one ton of waste.
The completion of 616 factories in 2016, according to Lestari Pasifik vice president for strategy and planning, Saravanan Rasaratnam, will produce up to 3.71 billion liters of bio-ethanol annually.
INKUD Exchange and Lestari Pasifik agreed to locate 316 of the 616 planned factories in Indonesia, which Herman said relates to the number of palm oil mills in the country.
"We will talk to owners of the 316 mills to let us build the factories next to their mills. If the factories are far from the mills, we will have to pay delivery costs which reach up to Rp 150,000 [US$16.86] per 8 tons of empty fruit bunches," he said.
A factory would cost 3.5 million Malaysian ringgit ($1.13 million), Lestari Pasifik CEO Clement Tan said, adding that mill owners would also benefit from the sales of bio-ethanol in return for permission to use oil palm waste and set-up plants.
"We will not buy the oil palm waste. We give them part of what we have from the bio-ethanol sales," Tan said. China will be the primary market for bio-ethanol produced by the factories. However, Lestari Pasifik plans to allocate 20 percent of bio-ethanol production for local consumption.
"We are looking to giving back bio-ethanol to the rural areas which cannot access petrol. It may be 20 percent [output] going back to locals and 80 percent for export," Tan said. (rcf)


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On 'American Idol,' a chance to inspire
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on February 6, 2014 1:46 PM
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Goldsboro native Majesty York performs for the judges during the "American Idol" auditions in Atlanta. The singer is among the group going to Hollywood.
"I try not to look too far ahead," she said. "The goal is to win, but with me I just want to take it step by step and see why I'm in this position right now, how am I going...
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Lot # 1139 (of 1560) < Previous Lot | Next Lot >
1934 Tour of Japan Program
Starting Bid - $300, Sold For - $4,113
Extremely rare thirty-two-page Japanese baseball program issued during the historic 1934 Tour of Japan by Connie Mack's All-American Team. The 1934 Tour of Japan is significant today due to the fact that it was the only overseas barnstorming tour that Babe Ruth ever participated in. As the members of the tour soon discovered, Ruth's fame was not constrained by cultural barriers. The Japanese people revered him and he was treated like royalty in each city he visited. His popularity in Japan is evidenced by the design of this program, which features a large portrait illustration of Ruth on the cover. Additionally, he is represented again on the interior with a full-page photo (he is the only player on the tour given a full-page photo in the program). The remaining pages feature smaller, bust-length photos, and brief biographies, of every player on both the American and Japanese teams, including Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Connie Mack, Jimmie Foxx, Charlie Gehringer, Al Simmons, and Moe Berg. An interesting side note to the tour concerns Moe Berg's presence on the American roster. Berg was a journeyman catcher of little note and his inclusion on the roster was not by Connie Mack's choosing, but rather by that of the United States government. Unbeknownst to everyone at the time, Berg, a Princeton graduate who spoke seven different languages, was living a dual life. On the surface he was a professional ballplayer. His other career, however, was that of an undercover spy for the U.S. Government. Intelligence officials saw the 1934 baseball tour as an ideal opportunity to acquire important information regarding Japan's major cities, and for that reason Berg was hastily added to the roster just before the team set sail. Armed with a movie camera, Berg took hundreds of reconnaissance films that were later used by the government during World War II. The program (7.5 x 10.25 inches) has a few minor flaws that do not significantly detract from its overall Excellent appearance. A very light water stain along the bottom and side borders permeates a number of pages, and the first page of the program is partially affixed to the interior front cover. The back cover displays a few minor creases. The program is perfectly flat, bright, and clean. Despite the flaws (and these programs are rarely found in technically high grade, because they are both rare and fragile), it has a tremendous overall appearance and display value. This would be an ideal accompaniment for display with a 1934 World Tour signed baseball. This is an extremely rare program chronicling what is often regarded as the most famous overseas barnstorming tour in baseball history. Reserve $300. Estimate $500/$1,000. SOLD FOR $4,113
(Click the smaller thumbnails to the left and right (if any) to cycle through each photo in the gallery of images for this lot.)


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Germany may have just won the 2014 World Cup but it's back to business this Sunday after a summer of celebration with the coming Euro 2016 qualifiers kicking off with a home tie in Dortmund against Scotland.
Joachim Low's side have been forced into some serious changes following their Brazilian's success, with captain Philipp Lahm announcing his retirement alongside World Cup top goalscorer Miroslav Klose and central defender Per Mertesacker.
In a friendly against World Cup Final foes Argentina on Wednesday night, Low's untested side fell to a determined South American team that were desperate for revenge. The final score was 4-2 in Dusseldorf, suggesting that the next crop of German stars need some work.
As such, the bundestrainer may be forced to dig deep into his pool of eligible players and begin reshaping the next generation of young German stars to come.
Here are 10 players who could make their German national team debut this season.


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Created in this Craftsy class
Adorn your cakes with brush-embroidery flowers, golden filigree and cameo embellishments with cake artist Colette Peters.
Other projects made as part of this class:
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|Here are some details about my project:
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Share a little about the materials, processes and techniques used to create this cake: I made this cake while taking Colette's awesome 5 day Professional Cake Decorating course at the Wilton School. Though I have been decorating cakes for some time I learned a tremendous amount during that time. I used sponge painting techniques taught in this course for the first time on this cake, and utilized the puff border which I learned while taking her craftsy course "A Piece of Cake", then fine tuned my skills at using a fondant drape which is also from that course. Many thanks to Colette for being such an inspiration and wonderful instructor!
Very pretty! Love the colors...
Thank you for the encouraging feedback. I truly enjoyed making this cake.


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Upstate News
Darryl Geddes 315 464-4828
New York Times' personal health columnist Jane Brody to speak Feb. 18 at SUNY Upstate
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Jane Brody, the Personal Health columnist for the New York Times whose weekly offerings provide insight and often first-person accounts of how to live healthier lives, will present the Elizabeth Blackwell Day Lecture at SUNY Upstate Medical University Wednesday, Feb. 18.
The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will begin at noon in the Ninth Floor Auditorium of Weiskotten Hall, 766 Irving Ave.
Brody will discuss her new book, "Jane Brody's Guide to the Great Beyond," (Random House, 2009), which is billed as a practical primer in preparation for the end of life. Brody tackles a variety of issues, especially financial, legal and emotional that take on greater importance when preparing for the end of life. Brody will sign copies of her new book immediately following the presentation.
"It is important that we recognize and celebrate those who have paved the way for our successes today," said Alyssa Williams, a second-year medical student and chair of the Elizabeth Blackwell Day Committee. "The first woman physician in America, Elizabeth Blackwell is certainly one of those people. As a distinguished author and columnist, Jane Brody exemplifies Elizabeth Blackwell's legacy of innovation and leadership in a health field."
In 1976 Brody became The Times' Personal Health columnist. Her widely read and quoted column appears every Tuesday in The Times' Science Times section and in more than 100 other newspapers around the country. In addition, her articles on other aspects of science and medicine appear in Tuesday's Science Times from time to time. Brody has written ten books including the best-sellers Jane Brody's Nutrition Book and Jane Brody's Good Food Book.
Elizabeth Blackwell became the first women to receive a medical degree. She earned her doctor of medicine in 1849 from Geneva Medical College, which is today SUNY Upstate Medical University.
For more information on the Brody lecture, call 464-8668.
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Third Thursdays
The city of Santa Clarita hosts a themed party 7-11 p.m. every third Thursday of the month, on Main Street in Newhall. Free. Enjoy live music and entertainment, art displays, food trucks and more. Info: 661-250-3787 or
The Fourth of July festivities will begin with the 30th Annual Independence Day Classic, which begins at 8 a.m. at Newhall Park, located at 24933 Newhall Ave. Presented by the Santa Clarita Runners' Club, races start at 7 a.m. for the 10K, 7:45 a.m. for the Kids K, and 8 a.m. for the 5K race/walk. Community members can register for races at scrunners.org.
After the run, residents can enjoy the Santa Clarita 4th of July Parade, beginning at 9 a.m. beginning on Main Street in downtown Newhall. The mile-long parade route, which will feature horses, floats, music, classic cars, military presentations and more, will travel down Main Street, Lyons Avenue and Orchard Village Road before finishing at 16th Street.
The day's festivities will culminate with the City of Santa Clarita Fourth of July Fireworks Show at the Westfield Valencia Town Center starting at 9:15 p.m.
Thursday, July 12
Goddess Night benefitting Single Mothers Outreach 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 12 at Balance Point Spa, 18285 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Raffles, mini services, angel card readings, reiki. Bring a gift card donation. Info: 661-200-0743, Kat or 661-252-0650 Balance Point Spa.
Saturday, July 14
A Texas Hold 'Em tournament to benefit the Santa Clarita-based Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children's Cancer is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at Diamond Jim's Casino, 118 20th St. W., Rosamond. Individual entry is $125, limited to 200 spots. Cash prizes and complimentary buffet. Registration/check-in starts at 11 a.m.; register online at www.mhf.org.
Saturday, July 14
The fourth annual High Heel-a-thon to stomp out domestic and teen dating violence will be held 9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 14 in downtown Newhall. The 150-yard walk (high heels optional) will begin at Market and Main Street. Benefits Domestic Violence Center of SCV, Break the Cycle and the Valley Trauma Center. Info: www.highheelathon.org or www.sigscv.org.
Sunday Aug. 5
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Education Foundation for an afternoon of wine tasting, entertainment, raffles and more, 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5 at Cheer s at All Corked Up, 26340 Diamond Place, Santa Clarita. Costs $40 per person. Proceeds benefit local public schools. Info: 661-414-4465, www.scveducationfoundation.org.
Saturday, Aug. 18
Circle of Hope's 11th Annual Vine 2 Wine Classic, 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. at city of Santa Clarita's Sports Complex, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita. Cost: $65 in advance, $75 at the door. An elegant evening featuring more than 100 vintners, wines and champagnes, Beer Garden of Hope, foods, a raffle of rare and desirable wines and silent auction. 661-254-5218 or email firstname.lastname@example.com for info.
Gently used clothing needed
Wayman Cleaners is collecting gently used men's, women's and children's clothing, shoes and accessories such as purses to distribute to the homeless and low-income populations in and around the SCV. Clothes can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Wayman Cleaners, 23120 Lyons Ave, Suite 15, New-hall. Info: 661-259-5857.
Low-cost spay & neuter services
AngelDogs Foundation provides low-cost spay/neuter for dogs and cats through its mobile clinic the first three Wednesdays of each month behind Backwoods Inn Restaurant, 17846 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country. Procedure includes vaccinations, microchip, pain medication and post-surgical cone. Info: 888-504-SPAY or www.angeldogsfoundation.org.
Hart Park
Walk Club
Walking for Health, light exercise with optional walking paths and pedestrian trails (3K), free, 9:15-10:45 a.m., Fridays, meet at Hart Park log cabin, 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Info: 661-702-8953.
Walking Wonders group at Rioux Park
Walking Wonders welcomes beginning, intermediate or advanced walkers, go at your own pace, 8:30-9:30 a.m., every Wednesday, Drive Richard Rioux Memorial Park, 6233 W. Faulkner Drive, Stevenson Ranch. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Info: 661-222-9536.
Santa Clarita Silvertone Singers
You are invited to join the Santa Clarita Silvertone Singers & Rhythm Review every Monday from 1:30-3 p.m., Bouquet Canyon Senior Living Facility (rec. room), 26705 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus. Info: 661-296-1969.
Men of Harmony Chorus seeks voices
The SCV Men of Harmony Chorus meets 7:30-9:45 p.m. every Tuesday, Valley Oaks Village Apartments, 24700 Valley Street Santa Clarita. The group's specialty is singing in four-part harmony without musical accompaniment, also known as a cappella singing. All singing men in any voice range are welcome. The 15-man group entertains for local organizations and enjoys vocalizing on a regular basis. Wouldn't you rather sing along than sing alone? Info: Dave Norman at 661-259-6109, www.scmenofharmony.com.
Pet Assistance seeks volunteers
Pet Assistance Foundation SCV staffs a hotline providing our community low-cost resources for cat and dog spaying and neutering. As a volunteer, you will use your telephone to return hotline calls as needed, about four hours a week. We provide training. Info: 661-260-3140 or www.SCVPetAssistance.com.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Free family nature walk and native live animal presentation, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., every Saturday. Docent-led bird walk every second Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. Blooms of the Season wildflower walk every fourth Saturday, 9:30 a.m.. Placerita Canyon Nature Center, 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, New-hall. Info: 661-259-7721,
email@example.com or www.placerita.org.
'Primp Your Pit' spay or neuter
To help reduce the number of homeless dogs, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) will spay or neuter Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes for $20 while funding lasts. Also included is a nail trim. Make an appointment by calling 323-730-5303.
Domestic Violence Center counseling
The Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita will be offering free group sessions for survivors of domestic violence 10.-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday; 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. All group sessions are free and will be held at 24509 Walnut St. Newhall, CA 91321. Info: 661-259-8175.
Happy Feat Running Club welcomes all
Walkers and runners of all levels, beginner to experienced, are welcome to join this 8- to 10-week 10k and 10-mile challenge training program. Meets every Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. beginning June 9, at Chuck Pontius Commuter Trail, 22921 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: www.happyfeatrunning.com.
Santa Clarita Valley Corvette Club
The Santa Clarita Valley Corvette Club is a nonprofit organization and the focal point for all things Corvette locally. For information on monthly meetings visit www.scvcc.org.
The Lost Patrol support group
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 355, chapter meeting/brunch held monthly, usually at 10 a.m., third Sunday of every month, at Marie Callender's, 27630 N. The Old Road, Valencia. Info: 818-508-9626.


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UK May Withdraw Ambassador to Israel, France Seeks 'Other ways' to Protest E1 Plans
Britain is considering withdrawing its ambassador to Israel following the decision to revive settlement building plans, Sky News reported.
The British Government will be deciding today how to respond to Israel's plan to pick up housing construction in the "controversial" E1 zone, off of East Jerusalem.
Sources have told Sky News that the Foreign Office is considering what action to take saying "all options are on the table".
This could include withdrawing the British ambassador to Israel and the suspension of trade agreements.
Last Thursday, Netanyahu's government approved a proposal to build 3,000 additional homes that would effectively cut off Arabs in Bethlehem and East Jerusalem from the PA controlled territory.
Britain's apparent diplomatic threat comes the day after the settlement plans were condemned by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as an "almost fatal blow" to peace hopes.
Britain's diplomatic action is likely to be coordinated with other European powers, most notably with France, which is laboring on a joint response.
Except that, according to Israel Today, the French government denied rumors about returning its ambassador from Israel, saying "there are other ways to show our disagreement."
Sources have described "an appetite for action" within the Foreign Office, which could also mean of "revisiting" the EU's trade agreements with Israel, or, in other words, reneging on them.
The UK could invoke human rights clauses in those agreement, to suspend the trade association agreements.
Matthew Gould was appointed as Britain's first Jewish ambassador to Israel in September 2010.
On taking up the post he said: "We come out determined to help build the strongest possible partnership between Britain and Israel, and to help ensure that Britain and Europe do everything they can to help the people of Israel move forward on the difficult path towards peace and lasting security."Jewish Press Staff
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THE Young Communist League (YCL ) wants to talk to the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) about its president Julius Malema's insults against South African Communist Party (SACP) general secretary Jeremy Cronin.
It was "disgusted" by the insults against Cronin, who is also the Deputy Minister of Transport, YCL spokeswoman Gugu Ndima said in a statement yesterday.
In his attack on Cronin, Malema said the ANCYL did not "need the permission of white political messiahs to think". This, after Cronin published an article criticising Malema's call to nationalise mines. Ndima said, "The YCL believes that Malema has sunk to the lowest ebb of being racist and hurling insults, instead of engaging with profound debates that Cronin was raising."
"We view the labelling of Cronin as a 'white messiah' not only as racist, but as an insult to the principle and ideology of the national liberation movement, that of nonracism. We are confident that the majority of members of the ANCYL do not share these racist and insulting labels," Ndima said. She said the YCL also noted that Malema substituted a sensible debate for insults and racist labels, and bravery for disrespect.
"But we believe that we can disagree on any issue and still maintain respect as comrades. What is worse is that Malema invokes the names of respectable leaders of the ANC, including Nelson Mandela, to justify these nonsensical insults and racist remarks."
Ndima said the YCL was also disappointed that a call by President Jacob Zuma and the alliance for a ceasefire in the trading of insults was being undermined by Malema.
The YCL wanted to meet with the ANCYL leadership before the end of the week, she said. The SACP has already defended Cronin and condemned Malema's insults.
Malema described the Cronin piece on mine nationalisation as "openly reactionary".
Cronin provided an analysis of the issues surrounding the nationalisation of the mines. In it, he criticised Malema and the league's calling for nationalisation, saying: "Comrade Malema hasn't always helped his case with off-the-wall sound-bytes. The impression of a policy being made on the hoof, individualistically, is reinforced by the fact that we are yet to see any serious attempt at a collective policy document on this matter from the ANCYL. "I suspect that comrade Malema and others are missing this bigger systemic picture because when they speak of mineral beneficiation they are thinking of bling . sorry, jewellery," he said.
In his response, Malema described the Cronin article as reactionary, "clothed in quasi- Marxist rhetoric, with potential to make a sorry and sad reflection of the true character of the SACP's ideological steadfastness."


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Pre-tracking is usually good for me, unless I "plan" say a 300 calorie dinner and then something unavailable comes up (usually business related). Hate it when my plans go astray!
I'm so glad your cabbage soup is in our recipe group. I'm forever having to search for it and now I can go find it easily:)
I think the FF is a good experiment for us both. If it works, then I'll work even harder on my macros. I'm actually at about 80% fat right now. If 90% works, well, it'll give me some kind of information. If nothing else, maybe I do 3 days 1x/month to get a little weight loss. I'd be happy to lose 1 pound/month as long as it could be somewhat consistent!


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Smudge - Married Queen Carmen - RIP Angel Wilson
Active within 1 Day
Hi! My name is Smudge - Married Queen Carmen - RIP Angel Wilson
I am Domestic Shorthair from Santa Margarita, CA
Nicknames: Mugsy, Mini-Me (smaller version of Buster)
Age: 7 years old
Gender: M
Coat: short haired
Education: Walks on a leash and comes when called
My favorite tricks and treats are: walks on leash and comes when called and cream cheese - doesn't like hard or soft treats much
Where I hang out: Did I say I like outside? Or anywhere my humans are
My favorite grubs: Any kind of dried food
My pet peeves: vaccuums, garbage trucks
What I love about my owners: They took in me when I was lost
My cat hobbies: play with his toys and going outside
Pet motto: Can we play?
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We had a bad storm that spring he showed up cold, wet and lost. It was raining for a good 3 days with 4-6 inches of rain and high winds - gusts above 65 mph. He sheltered in our garage along with Buster. We put up fliers, put ads in the paper and talked to neighbors but no one knew who belonged to. We took him in and had him vaccinated and neutered. Thanks for the COTD and CROTD Badges on 9/4/2012. Mom will try to get back to everyone as soon as possible. Married the love of my life: Dame Carmen on 8/3/2013 in a quiet ceromony.
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Thursday, June 6, 2013
Attorney General Alan Wilson told the Berkeley County Republican Breakfast that the ongoing SLED investigation into the Berkeley County School District's involvement in the "Yes 4 Schools" campaign will be reviewed impartially and thoroughly once it is complete.
Wilson said he could not comment on the investigation, which centers on whether district employees improperly participated in the campaign.
"There are a thousand reasons why it can be taking as long as it's taking," Wilson told Saturday's audience at the American Legion Post 166 in Goose Creek. "The public often thinks investigations take way too long. It's like an iceberg, there's a lot more beneath the surface than above the surface that's going on, and there are also lots of other cases going on."
Wilson anticipated a barrage of questions regarding the SLED investigation and jumped "straight to the meat" as he began his speech.
"This is a clinical process," he said, comparing the investigation to preparing a death row inmate for lethal injection execution. "They swab the inmate's arm with alcohol prior to injection so there will be no infection. In an execution you'd think worrying about infection is the last thing on their minds. Swabbing the arm is part of the clinical process. You do the same thing every time so as to keep passion, prejudice and personal judgment out of the process.
"This is my way of swabbing the arm."
Wilson said he could only confirm that there is an investigation ongoing.
"We don't investigate, SLED and the Grand Jury investigate," he said. "But I can assure you that the process is currently working. SLED is working very hard to give us a formalized, criminal SLED report, an investigative report."
The local Republican Party has been publicly critical of the Berkeley County School District, accusing district employees of promoting the $198 million "Yes 4 Schools" bond while on school district time and using district resources. The bond passed last November.
Republican Party members have been openly critical of the school board for offering to pay attorney's fees for its employees under investigation.
Wilson assured his audience that the investigation would be thorough and not glossed over, and added the investigation will be finished when it's finished. "It would be unfair and unethical for me to talk about the case," he added.
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The Lehigh Valley, Pa.-based chain explains the design steps that made the store a success.. by Michael Ferrari ____________________________________________ Top Star Express has made its mark in the area with its fuel and product offering. However, the chain told Convenience Store Decisions that it keeps customers coming back by giving them a store that both
Archives for 2007
top star express qa
rutters helps customers fuel up for free
Popular gas giveaway returns offering more prizes than last year. Rutter's Farm Stores' "Fuel Up Free!" gas giveaway returns May 28 and runs through Aug. 26. Four lucky customers will win free gas for three years, compared with three grand-prize winners in 2006. "We had an incredible response to 'Fuel Up Free!' in 2006," said
pmaa seeks relief from gouging accusations
New bill in play sets new ground rules. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on "Gasoline Prices, Oil Company Profits and the American Consumer" on Tuesday, May 22. Afterwards, thanks to the efforts of the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA), the committee released a new version of Rep. Bart Stupak's
fourteen pennsylvania gas stations fined for air pollution
Civil penalties from 2005 costs 11 stations $9,500 in total fines. The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has reported that 11 stations agreed to pay a total of $9,500 in fines for violations found in late 2005three more agreed to pay $2,375 for violations found in 2006for failing to properly maintain air pollution control devices
gas stations losing against driveoffs
Record-high prices driving desperate drivers to desperate measures. Escalating gas prices are becoming standard fodder for nightly news programs, all of which have been accurately reporting on the dangerously high records recent gas prices have been shattering. With the ever-increasing prices at the pump comes desperation from motorists who either cannot or choose not to
7eleven reaches a state of xen
Xenergy energy drinks to be sold at more than 5,000 company stores.. 7-Eleven has entered a new distribution agreement with Xyience, allowing Xenergy energy drinks, to be stocked in more than 5,000 locations. "This partnership represents an enormous opportunity for Xyience to bring the Xenergy name and product to a broader customer base," said Bill
exxonmobils memphis conversion
Forty stores rebranded from Tigermarket to On the Run. ExxonMobil has converted its 40 Memphis-area Tigermarket convenience stores to On the Run convenience stores at Exxon service stations. "When you walk into an On the Run store, you'll notice a difference," said Ben Soraci, U.S. retail sales director, ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Co. "We've worked hard
nice n easy earns its honors
New York chain to be recognized for its proprietary foodservice program. by Kate Quackenbush ____________________________________________ Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes Inc. (Canastota, N.Y.) is no foodservice novice. The company has culled its expansive family of proprietary brands under the Easy Street Eatery umbrella, which remains a popular foodservice destination in its upstate New York market.
village qwik stop celebrates 25 years of service
Store holds raffle to reward the customers that kept it going strong. The Village Qwik Stop in Pigeon, Mich. is celebrating 25 years of filling gas tanks and its customers' needs. Opened in 1982, owners Mike and Lorraine LePage bought and converted an old drive-through car wash after realizing the convenience niche in the area
sheetz prepares to give back
For the Kidz Golf Classic helps raise money for Sheetz Family Christmas charity. Sheetz Inc. today is hosting the 9th annual Sheetz Family Christmas "For the Kidz" Golf Classic at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio to benefit Sheetz Family Charities. Among other professional athletes, celebrity guests of honor include Marshall Faulk, Jim Kelly, Jim
spykes gets spiked
Anheuser-Busch pulls controversial beverage. After receiving heat from critics, Anheuser-Busch has stopped producing "Spykes," a 2-oz. Alcohol-based energy shot. Much of the condemnation aimed at the beverage came from critics who felt that the beverage was aimed at a younger crowd and encouraged underage drinking. "Due to its limited volume potential and unfounded criticism, we
schnucks readies grander cstore strategy
Grocer plans standalone units in Illinois, acquires Tenn. units. Schnucks, the St. Louis-based grocery chain is preparing to test the waters for stand-alone convenience stores with gas pumps outside its grocery stores by adding them to its two stores in the Champaign-Urbana and the one under construction at Savoy Plaza, according to Schnucks spokeswoman Lori
xtremely tasty
The ultimate in performance enhancement hashit the market with a product that brings scienceand nature together in a new, healthy and greattasting variety—vitamin water xxx. The flavor of xxx blends the taste of acai, blueberry andpomegranate together, bringing the antioxidantlevels for this new brand variety off the charts.With 15 varieties, each providing a unique flavorand
variety stand
Calico Brands c-store rack configurations offer a threeprice-point strategy: entry level, mid-tier and premiumretail. Included in the four-tier racks is a combination of Calico Texas Hold'em Cigar lighters, Calico Electronic,Scripto Mini Match, Scripto Mighty Match, ScriptoElectronic, Cricket Plus and Cricket Electronic. Each 4-tierrack includes a free pre-selected 50-ct. tray of CalicoJeweltone lighters or custom logo
turn up the torque
Point Blank Beverages introduces Torque,alcohol-fueled with caffeine, ginseng, taurine and guarana. Torque has a lemon-lime citrusflavor to it and comes in cases of 24 16-oz. cans. Torque, which has been on the market for more than a year now, is available from 45wholesalers and is sold across the U.S. in 16 states. The product is
tools for buying
DTN announced importantenhancements to DTN Fuel Buyer, a Web-basedapplication that provides instant access to supplierprice messaging from DTN DataConnect. Users can now leverageenhanced analysis tools in DTN Fuel Buyer to add contract prices and special prices based on adifferential off-rack or index prices at multiple terminals, and can createproduct blend recipes for automatic compare. New
sweet surprise
Swisher International introduces the newestaddition to the family—Swisher Sweets GrapeLittle Cigars. This mild, sweet, new little cigaroffers high profits per ring and is bursting with grape taste and aroma. It's the perfectlittle cigar to sell and for customers to enjoy.Available in 10-pack cartons and displayswith 20 Little Cigars per pack. For More Information fromSwisher International800-874-9720
soup sensations
Knorr Easy Bistro Soups is a new line delivering fresh-tasting,scratch-quality soups with incomparable operational ease. The EasyBistro line is delivered in a shelf-stable pouch format, making it ideal foroperations with limited or no cooler/freezer space. Each pouch yields about60-oz. and can be heated in 11 minutes on the stove-top, boil-in-a-bag,microwave, combi-steamer or steam table. Once
shure thing
Shure Manufacturing Corp.'s Shuresafe Deal Trays are designed as anefficient pass-thru system when installed in a countertop with a wall belowand a glass security window above. Model #670094 has a stationary base with a sliding stainless steel tray and features perfect economical securitysolution for cashier windows or other high-risk areas. Model #670100Stationary Deal Tray comes
mall variety
Coinstar Inc. announced an agreement between Coinstar E-Payment Services Inc. and Charter One for Coinstar to distribute the universal Charter One MasterCard Gift Card through Coinstar gift card malls. Theprogram offers consumers the convenience and flexibility of being able to usethis card at millions of locations where Debit MasterCard is accepted. Thebalanced program allows retailers
keeping in the know
OPW Fuel Management Systems introduces its new Mag Sump Sensor that provides immediate detection of the presence ofhydrocarbons and/or water in a tank sump or dispenser sump. The newsensor uses magnetostrictive technology for accurate detection of liquid incontainment sumps and pans, and has been proven to provide the fastest reaction times in the industry by
fresh breath latches on
Attach/Mints LLC is launching a revolutionary product to solve one of the most common problems experienced by smokers—losing or carrying bulky mint containersin one's pockets or purse. The attach/Mint is designed specifically to clipperfectly on to the top or bottom of any standard cigarette pack. Attach/Mints potency is strong enough to eliminate the odor of
dispensing deals
To help merchandise and promote fountainbeverages, Modular Dispensing Systems offers a "Custom Decal/Cup Dispenser Program." This program includes custom decals and one modularcup dispenser per decal with all mounting hardware included. Modular's Simpli-Flex cup dispensers areself-adjusting, accurate dispensers for paper, plastic and foam cups to 64-oz. The Simpli-Flex gasket isdesigned to seal the cup from
choice cuts
Jack Link's Beef Jerky beefs up its product offerings with the introduction of six innovative new snack items—two A.1. Steak Sauce-branded meat snacks and an entirely new deli-style product line. New mouth-watering varieties include: A.1. Steak Sauce Beef Jerky and Beef Steak Nuggets, Deli Cuts Sausage Bitesand Sticks in Original and Pepperoni. The Steak Sauce
Ruiz Foods introduces a fifth flavor to its El Monterey Butcher WrappedBurrito line—Chorizo, Egg and Cheese. The 8-oz. El Monterey Butcher Wrapped Chorizo, Egg and Cheese Burrito is the third in the A.M. line and offers a more traditional Mexican favorite to the dashboard diner. The burritos are made with tortillas fresh from the Ruiz


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92 individually decorated rooms and suites sprawl over 14 acres of gardens with landscaping designed for privacy. The Inn's casita-style rooms and suites have been robustly maintained and restored, keeping their original warmth, privacy, comfort and charm while gaining all the modern day amenities a guest might desire.
Guest Room Amenities –
available in all guest rooms
Guest Room Amenities –
available in select guest rooms
Resort Amenities – available to all guests
(no resort fee)
– Main Dining Room & Catlin Room – breakfast, lunch, dinner daily
– Audubon Bar & Patio – breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night dining until midnight daily
– Live piano music every evening
– Room Service – (6:30am – midnight) full menu, no extra charges
– Poolside Dining – Cocktails and Light Fare served poolside


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on 1 Jan, 1970
Thanks to Marion Cotillard's Road to Oscar for the heads up. This year's Oscars Portfolio in The New York Times Magazine features Marion Cotillard. The issue will come out this Sunday, February 10.
Their website features many goodies: Overview, article, Breakthroughs (Interviews), Shooting Stars – Behind the Scenes, Audio Slide Show.
Language may also be an obstacle for Marion Cotillard, who played the legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf in "La Vie en Rose." In what is a particularly striking breakthrough performance, Cotillard shifts in age and mood from Piaf's early days as a hustling street urchin to her death at 47. Cotillard has starred in hit films in France and appeared opposite Russell Crowe in "A Good Year" in 2006, but "La Vie en Rose" is, much like Penélope Cruz's performance in "Volver" in 2006, a breakthrough, because suddenly she was seen as a serious actress. Yet no French actress — including Catherine Deneuve or Isabelle Adjani — has ever cracked the accent barrier in America. Cotillard is determined to try: she has taken intense Berlitz classes to learn pitch-perfect English, and she has already been cast in a big-screen adaptation of the musical "Nine," which will also star Javier Bardem. Cotillard's ability to mesh utterly with the life of Edith Piaf is not unlike the sense of commitment and attention to detail that dominates Daniel Day-Lewis's work.
I've updated the gallery with all the new pictures. If anyone is able to send in file versions of the videos for the Media Vault please consider doing so. I would be so happy 🙂
01 Session 003
28 2008 Oscars Portfolio – Breakthroughs
07 2008 Oscars Portfolio – Shooting Stars
3 Responses to "2008 Oscars Portfolio"
"Yet no French actress — including Catherine Deneuve or Isabelle Adjani — has ever cracked the accent barrier in America."
Actually, Audrey Tautou did, with The Da Vinci Code.Feb 09, 08 at 6:09 pm
And Julie Delpy did as well but she moved to the US for that. And Juliette Binoche did because she wins at life.
Marion is the hard-working type. She learned the viola to play in "You and Me", if she needs to sing, she sings, if she needs to shave, master a Parigot accent, she does, she can play the little naive rose or the dark characters, she can do whatever a director tells her to do. If she want to open up her horizons she can and for her greatest pleasure… 😉Feb 10, 08 at 4:20 pm
Well said Eulalie!Feb 10, 08 at 6:58 pm


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How does the iPad perform?
According to Steve Jobs, a device that sits between the laptop and the smart phone must be better than either at several key tasks. So how does the iPad perform in these all important fields?
Web browsing
iPad's Safari is very similar to the iPhone's, though it obviously benefits from a bigger screen. It doesn't support Flash. Like all the apps on iPad, Safari makes use of 'popovers' – menus that look half way between OS X menus and drop-down lists. An example of popover is in the image from Mail on the right.
iPhone users will find iPad's Mail app very familiar, but there are a few enhancements. When viewing in portrait mode, your inbox is displayed in a popover window, floating over the email you currently have open. Rotate the device to a landscape orientation and it's added as a permanently visible sidebar.
Pressing Compose gives you a virtual keyboard that's almost life-sized in landscape mode. The iPhone's much lauded auto-correct feature is retained in the iPad Mail app too.Maps
The iPad's Maps application is very similar to the iPhone's. By default the classic street plan is displayed, but you can easily switch to a satellite view, a hybrid of the two or the new terrain view showing hills and valleys, which is found on the Google Maps website but not the iPhone's Maps.
Integration with Google Streetview is again implemented, and it's far more usable on the iPad's larger screen.
Like the iPhone app, Photos lets you flick through your snaps by swiping your finger over the screen. Open pictures can once again be manipulated using Gestures. The iPad application displays albums as stacks of photos.
Tap or pinch to open the stack and look for specific photos. Syncing with your Mac retains Faces, Places and Events information from iPhoto, and you can also view a slideshow set to music.
Video viewing is a key feature with the iPad. The original YouTube application has been revamped, making it easier to navigate. But there's also a dedicated video viewing application; you don't have to watch your films and home movies through the iPod feature.
Video files are divided into movies, TV shows and music. Select a movie and you're invited to pick a chapter, or watch from the beginning. Selecting a television show brings up a list of available episodes, and tapping the screen toggles between full screen and widescreen modes. With no buttons or controls to get in the way of the video, you can really immerse yourself in the on-screen action.Music
iPad includes iPod functionality, as well as full access to the iTunes Store. Making good use of the larger screen, navigating through your music feels more akin to the Mac's iTunes than the iPhone's iPod app. Albums are displayed in a grid, and clicking on an individual album gives you a floating window listing its songs.
Calendar is far more accessible on the iPad. Taking its lead from OS X's iCal, the extra screen space allows individual event titles to be displayed in the Month view, instead of entries being indicated by a dot under the date. Weekly, daily and list views are also available, and the application can be navigated in portrait or landscape orientation.Contacts
The iPad Contacts app is designed to look just like a paper address book.
Your contacts list is shown on the left-hand page, with the currently selected entry displayed on the right.
The iPad offers exciting opportunities for games developers. Existing iPhone games will of course run on an iPad, but the larger form factor allows for a greater degree of interaction with the touch screen, meaning games will be specifically written for the iPad.
For example, Gameloft's first-person shooter N.O.V.A. – demoed at the iPad launch event – benefits from an overhauled interface. To select a weapon you drag its icon onto the fire button, a feature that would be space-prohibitive on the tiny iPhone. An expandable on-screen map has been added too, taking even more advantage of the larger screen.
Long-time iPhone supporter Electronic Arts demoed an iPad version of its popular racing game Need for Speed Shift. You can now switch to an in-car view by tapping on the vehicle. Mirrors have also been added; touch them to switch to a rear view.
These developments have been achieved in just a couple of weeks, building on already-existing iPhone games. Just imagine what will be possible over time…Ebooks
One of the iPad's key selling points is its new iBooks application that includes an iTunes-like online store where you can purchase and download ebooks. Books purchased through iBooks are displayed on an attractive virtual bookshelf. Just tap a cover to open it. Hold the iPad in Portrait mode to display a single page, or turn it sideways to show two facing pages.
Graphically it looks just like a physical book, with the edges of the cover visible around the pages' perimeter and a shadow in the centre as they bend into the spine. To turn a page, just tap the side of the screen. Like most ebook readers, you can adjust the text size, but with iPad, you can also change the font.
Five of the world's largest publishers are already on board; HarperCollins, Penguin, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan and Hachette Book Group. More are sure to follow in the near future.iPhone apps
According to Apple, "virtually every one" of the 140,000 applications is already available in the App Store function on the iPad. At the time of writing it hasn't elaborated on which ones won't work, though anything requiring telephony or a camera are obviously not iPad-friendly at this time.
An iPhone/iPod touch application can be run with "pixel-for-pixel accuracy" in a window the size of the iPhone's screen. Alternatively, they can be scaled to fill the iPad's viewing area using a technique called pixel doubling.
A new version of the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) has been released for programmers to tailor their applications specifically for the iPad, taking full advantage of the large touchscreen display.
But perhaps most interesting is that Apple's iWork applications have been reimagined for the iPad. Mobile versions of Keynote, Pages and Numbers are compatible with OS X's iWork '09 and Microsoft Office, and are sold individually for just $10 each, which is around £5.90. This is welcome and aggressive pricing from Apple.


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West Virginia politicians, both at the national and state levels, have rushed to present their middle-of-the-road views on proposals to control the use of firearms in the wake of the tragic event in a Connecticut school that claimed the lives of 20 innocent young children as well as a half dozen adults.
Most of them appreciate the public opinion tightrope they must negotiate to keep the desired support of national groups that advocate the right to bear arms while at the same time appealing to those who desire much tighter gun control laws nationwide. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D, W.Va., started the debate last week by saying he believes "everything should be on the table. We should be talking about everything."
This non-definitive approach was designed to avoid upsetting voters on either side of this issue and was echoed later by many national and state political figures. Most of this state's political representatives in Washington responded with the most neutral comments possible while state lawmakers gladly passed the ball to the federal government. But Manchin still had to make it clear two days later to those constituents who don't want any messing with the right to bear arms that he was merely suggesting the topic be discussed.
Congressman Nick Rahall, a Democrat representing the 3rd District, adopted the age-old "some of my friends are for it and some of my friends are against it - and I stand with my friends." He said the "causes of violence in America are bigger and broader than just firearms (and) I want to hear from all sides before Congress moves forward, so we can move forward together." No wonder he's been re-elected routinely every two years for nearly four decades.
Republican Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, who represents the 2nd District, was even less specific, if that's possible. She said she was "deeply saddened by the heart-breaking events in Newtown, Conn. There's no question (these) devastating shootings will ignite a debate."
At the state level, State Senate President Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, said he would "not expect the state to consider any kind of ban legislation (on guns). These kinds of things are better addressed at the federal level, for uniformity."
Delegate Tim Armstead of Kanawha County, the leader of the Republican minority in the House of Delegates, was equally reserved in his comments. He said legislators "need to step back ... it's too soon to say we are going to do this or that. After we step back, we can think thoughtfully about what policies need to be looked at."
To his credit, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, came the closest to actually suggesting a course of action. After first mentioning his credentials as an "outdoorsman", he said this state's laws that "give us the freedom to bear arms should not prevent us from putting reasonable restrictions on assault weapons..."
These responses make it clear leaders in West Virginia government don't intend to upset members of the National Rifle Association and other groups that strongly oppose any movement toward widespread gun control in this country. Remember, the mascot at West Virginia University even carries a gun, even though its prime purpose is to make noise.
The state of West Virginia has the second highest rate of adults who smoke in the nation (28.6 percent) and nearly one of every five high school students in this state also smokes, according to a report released earlier this month. But the more alarming news is that this state is spending far too little on programs to discourage this unhealthy habit.
West Virginia is spending only 20.5 percent of the amount recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for preventing the use of tobacco by adults and youngsters as well, according to a recent national report entitled "Broken Promises to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 14 Years Later."
This state will receive about $231 million this year from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but a mere 2.5 percent of this sum will be directed to tobacco prevention and cessation programs, according to the report. In fact, most of the states don't adequately fund tobacco prevention programs.
Only Alaska and North Dakota currently provide funding at the level recommended by the CDC, according to this report. Critics of our state's low support for programs to encourage kids to avoid smoking argue that state government is being "penny-wise and pound foolish" to not provide adequate funding for these important programs.
At a time when you are paying about $3.25 or more per gallon for gasoline in West Virginia, the news that this state's tax on gasoline will go up 1.3 cents per gallon Jan. 1 doesn't seem like a big deal. The state currently charges 33.4 cents per gallon in addition to the federal government's flat rate of 18.4 cents per gallon on unleaded gas. So this means the combined state and federal tax per gallon that currently is 50.8 cents will climb to 52.1 cents in a few days.
The increase is required by one of the two components that fixes the state tax rate on gasoline. The first component is a flat 20.5-cent tax on each gallon sold. The second is determined by applying a variable rate equal to 5 percent of the average wholesale price of motor fuel. Last month state officials determined the average wholesale price had jumped more than 25 cents from $2.574 per gallon to $2.831 a gallon. So the state's 5 percent share will go up from 33.4 cents per gallon to 34.7 cents on Jan. 1, 2013. We should be thankful the state is limited to a maximum increase of 10 percent in a single year, or otherwise the new state tax would be higher.


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Throughout its 28-year history, Love in the Name of Christ of Hudsonville has passed along the community's gifts of cash, goods, and services, no matter how small, to those in need.
Now the ministry has launched the Everlasting Love Endowment Fund to make the most of large gifts.
"The development of our Everlasting Love Endowment does give supporters of Love INC several increased options for their gifting," said Love INC executive director Norma Berens. "Many currently would like to give to have a longer term impact. We are truly thankful to be in a place where our ministry could establish this endowment.
Love INC recently received the proceeds of two donated condominiums, and some designated financial gifts. The Love INC board of directors decided to commit those larger gifts to launch funding for the future of the ministry, and has committed the investments of those funds to the Barnabas Foundation in Tinley Park, Ill.
The endowment fund will promote, accept, and manage gifts of property, securities, life insurance, bequests, memorials, cash, and other forms of contributions for the sole benefit of the Hudsonville Love INC Ministry. Gifts are permanently held in trust with only the invested income used to aid the ministry. The fund "takes a long-term view of financial needs and security for the ministry."
"For every $1 given to our Love INC ministry, we are easily able to provide more than $55 (value) of help and support for those in need," said Berens. "This does mean that even endowment dollars can be greatly beneficial for the ministry which we provide."
The Love INC Board of Directors will be responsible for use of revenues from the fund.
"Our goal is that the endowment will help provide operational support for the Love INC Ministry as a whole," said Berens.
For information about LOVE INC ministries and services, or how to volunteer or donate, call 662-3300.