text:
|By Business Wire
Article Rating:
|February 28, 2013 11:30 AM EST
ABI Research evaluates technology vendors critical to monetizing 4G networks in the "Next Generation Optimization, DPI, and Policy" Competitive Assessment. These three technologies are essential for operators to maximize the profitability of their 4G investments and represent a $20B market opportunity for vendors in the next 5 years. The overall leaders considering both Innovation and Implementation are Bytemobile (Web and Video Optimization), Sandvine (DPI), and Broadhop/Cisco (Policy). A key focus in this assessment considers the 4G network evolution to a distributed architecture, and with this in mind:
- Bytemobile Unison and T3100 platforms provide the right granularity of processing power to distribute web and video optimization into the 4G network, can scale with operators from less than 1M to over 100M subscribers, and pack extra functions, such as DPI, into the package.
- Sandvine Policy Traffic Switch provides the high performance needed for inline DPI, scales to operator needs with different models, and supports a hierarchical and distributed PCRF PCEF/DPI.
- Broadhop/Cisco Quantum Suite wins by a nose in the fiercely competitive Policy (PCRF) market with many advanced features for operators to differentiate and monetize their 4G brands.
The leaders at the 4G control points must continually innovate to maintain their lead as the virtualization cloud, and eventually SDN, moves into this market. "Virtualization aligns with the 4G distributed architecture, and we see those vendors moving fast," says Joe Hoffman, principal analyst at ABI Research. "Virtualized and cloud oriented vendors to watch include F5 Networks Policy Enforcement Manager, Opera/Skyfire Rocket Optimizer, and Tekelec with their recently announced virtualization and SDN strategy."
These findings are part of ABI Research's new report, "Next Generation Optimization, DPI, and Policy". This is published as a part of the Next Generation Optimization, DPI and Policy (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/service/next-generation-optimization-dpi-policy/) Research Service which includes Research Reports, Market Data, Insights, and Competitive Assessments.
ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research's worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.
More and more brands have jumped on the IoT bandwagon. We have an excess of wearables – activity trackers, smartwatches, smart glasses and sneakers, and more that track seemingly endless datapoints. However, most consumers have no idea what "IoT" means. Creating more wearables that track data shouldn't be the aim of brands; delivering meaningful, tangible relevance to their users should be. We're in a period in which the IoT pendulum is still swinging. Initially, it swung toward "smart for smar...
Dec. 6, 2016 04:45 PM EST Reads: 732
Unsecured IoT devices were used to launch crippling DDOS attacks in October 2016, targeting services such as Twitter, Spotify, and GitHub. Subsequent testimony to Congress about potential attacks on office buildings, schools, and hospitals raised the possibility for the IoT to harm and even kill people. What should be done? Does the government need to intervene? This panel at @ThingExpo New York brings together leading IoT and security experts to discuss this very serious topic.
Dec. 6, 2016 04:04 PM EST
Internet of @ThingsExpo has announced today that Chris Matthieu has been named tech chair of Internet of @ThingsExpo 2017 New York The 7th Internet of @ThingsExpo will take place on June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, New York. Chris Matthieu is the co-founder and CTO of Octoblu, a revolutionary real-time IoT platform recently acquired by Citrix. Octoblu connects things, systems, people and clouds to a global mesh network allowing users to automate and control design flo...
Dec. 6, 2016 04:00 PM EST Reads: 268
Everyone knows that truly innovative companies learn as they go along, pushing boundaries in response to market changes and demands. What's more of a mystery is how to balance innovation on a fresh platform built from scratch with the legacy tech stack, product suite and customers that continue to serve as the business' foundation. In his General Session at 19th Cloud Expo, Michael Chambliss, Head of Engineering at ReadyTalk, discussed why and how ReadyTalk diverted from healthy revenue and mor...
Dec. 6, 2016 03:15 PM EST Reads: 1,630
SYS-CON Events has announced today that Roger Strukhoff has been named conference chair of Cloud Expo and @ThingsExpo 2017 New York. The 20th Cloud Expo and 7th @ThingsExpo will take place on June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY. "The Internet of Things brings trillions of dollars of opportunity to developers and enterprise IT, no matter how you measure it," stated Roger Strukhoff. "More importantly, it leverages the power of devices and the Internet to enable us all to im...
Dec. 6, 2016 03:15 PM EST Reads: 457
The 20th International Cloud Expo has announced that its Call for Papers is open. Cloud Expo, to be held June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, brings together Cloud Computing, Big Data, Internet of Things, DevOps, Containers, Microservices and WebRTC to one location. With cloud computing driving a higher percentage of enterprise IT budgets every year, it becomes increasingly important to plant your flag in this fast-expanding business opportunity. Submit your speaking proposal ...
Dec. 6, 2016 02:30 PM EST Reads: 2,195
Information technology is an industry that has always experienced change, and the dramatic change sweeping across the industry today could not be truthfully described as the first time we've seen such widespread change impacting customer investments. However, the rate of the change, and the potential outcomes from today's digital transformation has the distinct potential to separate the industry into two camps: Organizations that see the change coming, embrace it, and successful leverage it; and...
Dec. 6, 2016 02:30 PM EST Reads: 3,312
20th Cloud Expo, taking place June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, will feature technical sessions from a rock star conference faculty and the leading industry players in the world. Cloud computing is now being embraced by a majority of enterprises of all sizes. Yesterday's debate about public vs. private has transformed into the reality of hybrid cloud: a recent survey shows that 74% of enterprises have a hybrid cloud strategy.
Dec. 6, 2016 02:15 PM EST Reads: 2,238
You have great SaaS business app ideas. You want to turn your idea quickly into a functional and engaging proof of concept. You need to be able to modify it to meet customers' needs, and you need to deliver a complete and secure SaaS application. How could you achieve all the above and yet avoid unforeseen IT requirements that add unnecessary cost and complexity? You also want your app to be responsive in any device at any time. In his session at 19th Cloud Expo, Mark Allen, General Manager of...
Dec. 6, 2016 02:15 PM EST Reads: 1,733
DevOps is being widely accepted (if not fully adopted) as essential in enterprise IT. But as Enterprise DevOps gains maturity, expands scope, and increases velocity, the need for data-driven decisions across teams becomes more acute. DevOps teams in any modern business must wrangle the 'digital exhaust' from the delivery toolchain, "pervasive" and "cognitive" computing, APIs and services, mobile devices and applications, the Internet of Things, and now even blockchain. In this power panel at @...
Dec. 6, 2016 02:00 PM EST Reads: 646
Bert Loomis was a visionary. This general session will highlight how Bert Loomis and people like him inspire us to build great things with small inventions. In their general session at 19th Cloud Expo, Harold Hannon, Architect at IBM Bluemix, and Michael O'Neill, Strategic Business Development at Nvidia, discussed the accelerating pace of AI development and how IBM Cloud and NVIDIA are partnering to bring AI capabilities to "every day," on-demand. They also reviewed two "free infrastructure" pr...
Dec. 6, 2016 01:45 PM EST Reads: 1,052
Financial Technology has become a topic of intense interest throughout the cloud developer and enterprise IT communities. Accordingly, attendees at the upcoming 20th Cloud Expo at the Javits Center in New York, June 6-8, 2017, will find fresh new content in a new track called FinTech.
Dec. 6, 2016 01:30 PM EST Reads: 2,158
"Dice has been around for the last 20 years. We have been helping tech professionals find new jobs and career opportunities," explained Manish Dixit, VP of Product and Engineering at Dice, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at 19th Cloud Expo, held November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Dec. 6, 2016 12:30 PM EST Reads: 1,025
An IoT product's log files speak volumes about what's happening with your products in the field, pinpointing current and potential issues, and enabling you to predict failures and save millions of dollars in inventory. But until recently, no one knew how to listen. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Dan Gettens, Chief Research Officer at OnProcess, discussed recent research by Massachusetts Institute of Technology and OnProcess Technology, where MIT created a new, breakthrough analytics model for ...
Dec. 6, 2016 12:28 PM EST Reads: 249
"At ROHA we develop an app called Catcha. It was developed after we spent a year meeting with, talking to, interacting with senior citizens watching them use their smartphones and talking to them about how they use their smartphones so we could get to know their smartphone behavior," explained Dave Woods, Chief Innovation Officer at ROHA, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at 19th Cloud Expo, held November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Dec. 6, 2016 11:15 AM EST Reads: 484
"ReadyTalk is an audio and web video conferencing provider. We've really come to embrace WebRTC as the platform for our future of technology," explained Dan Cunningham, CTO of ReadyTalk, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at WebRTC Summit at 19th Cloud Expo, held November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Dec. 6, 2016 10:15 AM EST Reads: 556
Whether your IoT service is connecting cars, homes, appliances, wearable, cameras or other devices, one question hangs in the balance – how do you actually make money from this service? The ability to turn your IoT service into profit requires the ability to create a monetization strategy that is flexible, scalable and working for you in real-time. It must be a transparent, smoothly implemented strategy that all stakeholders – from customers to the board – will be able to understand and comprehe...
Dec. 6, 2016 09:00 AM EST Reads: 3,981
In his keynote at 18th Cloud Expo, Andrew Keys, Co-Founder of ConsenSys Enterprise, provided an overview of the evolution of the Internet and the Database and the future of their combination – the Blockchain. Andrew Keys is Co-Founder of ConsenSys Enterprise. He comes to ConsenSys Enterprise with capital markets, technology and entrepreneurial experience. Previously, he worked for UBS investment bank in equities analysis. Later, he was responsible for the creation and distribution of life sett...
Dec. 6, 2016 08:45 AM EST Reads: 7,142
Successful digital transformation requires new organizational competencies and capabilities. Research tells us that the biggest impediment to successful transformation is human; consequently, the biggest enabler is a properly skilled and empowered workforce. In the digital age, new individual and collective competencies are required. In his session at 19th Cloud Expo, Bob Newhouse, CEO and founder of Agilitiv, drew together recent research and lessons learned from emerging and established compa...
Dec. 6, 2016 08:30 AM EST Reads: 899
The WebRTC Summit New York, to be held June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, announces that its Call for Papers is now open. Topics include all aspects of improving IT delivery by eliminating waste through automated business models leveraging cloud technologies. WebRTC Summit is co-located with 20th International Cloud Expo and @ThingsExpo. WebRTC is the future of browser-to-browser communications, and continues to make inroads into the traditional, difficult, plug-in web co...
Dec. 6, 2016 08:30 AM EST Reads: 1,351


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Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Panama
|Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in [[{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Panama| |6}} {{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Panama| |7}} {{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Panama| |8}}]]
|As a Peace Corps Volunteers, you will have to adapt to conditions that may be dramatically different than you have ever experienced and modify lifestyle practices that you now take for granted. Even the most basic practices— talking, eating, using the bathroom, and sleeping — may take significantly different forms in the context of the host country. If you successfully adapt and integrate, you will in return be rewarded with a deep understanding of a new culture, the establishment of new and potentially lifelong relationships, and a profound sense of humanity.
| See also:
Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyles by Country
Pre-Departure Checklist
For information see Welcomebooks
|[[Image:Flag_of_{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Panama| |6}}{{#if:{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Panama| |7}}|_{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Panama| |7}}|}}{{#if:{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Panama| |8}}|_{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Panama| |8}}|}}.svg|100px|none]]
Please see below for some correspondence options to share with relatives and friends.
(by regular mail)
"Your Name," PCT
Cuerpo de Paz/Panama
Apartado 0834-02788
Panamá, República de Panamá
(by FedEx, UPS, etc.)
Peace Corps/Panamá American Embassy
Edif. 95, Ave. Vicente Bonilla
Ciudad del Saber, Clayton
Corregimiento de Ancón
Ciudad de Panamá
República de Panamá
Tel: 507.317.0038 Fax: 507.317.0809
Atentamente: Your Name
Once you have been assigned to a site and sworn- in as a Volunteer, you will be responsible for sending your new address to friends and family. We recommend that you establish a regular pattern of communication with friends and relatives in the United States, since they may become concerned if they do not hear from you for an extended period of time. Mail service to or from Panama is fairly unpredictable—it can take 10 days to more than a month for a letter or package to arrive.
International phone service to and from Panama is good compared to many countries. Virtually all large cities have reliable phone service, and many small towns have public phones from which residents can make and receive calls for a fee. International calls are very expensive, so most Volunteers call home collect or use a calling card (such as those from Sprint, MCI, and AT&T), which can be used only in some locations. Some Volunteers will have a phone in their home during training or service; others will have to visit a nearby town to make a call. Cellular phones are widely available and reasonably priced, but many Volunteers live in places outside of their signal range. It may be more expensive to reprogram a cellular phone bought in the United States than to purchase one in Panama.
The phone number of the Peace Corps/Panama office in Panama City is 011.507.317.0038; the fax number is 011.507.317.0809.
Computer, Internet, and E-mail Access
Internet access in Panama is spreading. All provincial capitals and many other large towns have Internet cafés. Connection speeds tend to be slow, but the service is reasonably priced and otherwise reliable. Internet access for Volunteers is available free at the Peace Corps/Panama office. Some Volunteers can access the Internet in their homes, but this is the exception. A few Volunteers have computers of their own, but most do not. Computers are probably more useful for community economic development Volunteers than those in other projects. Laptops are preferable. If your site has no electricity, you will need batteries that are rechargeable using Peace Corps a solar panel. A voltage regulator is also a necessity. Generally, you will not know if your site will have electricity until later in pre-service training. Should you choose to bring a laptop, it is your responsibility to maintain and insure it; the Peace Corps is not liable if it gets damaged or stolen.
Housing and Site Location
The small and medium-sized communities (populations of 300 to 10,000) in which Volunteers live and work are located 1 to 16 hours from Panama City. Like most Panamanians, Volunteers live in simple concrete-block houses with cement floors and corrugated tin roofs or wooden huts with dirt floors and palm thatch roofs, depending on the location of their site. Since living with a family provides special insight into Panamanian culture, improves language skills, and facilitates integration into the community, you must live with a host family during training and your first three months at your site. After that, you may choose to live alone.
Indigenous communities generally have the most rustic living conditions, and they can be remote. Sometimes getting to a community may require at least a two-hour walk or a ride in a dugout canoe. Most houses in urban and highly populated areas have running water inside or outside the house. In some cases, it is necessary to boil water and add chlorine to make it safe to drink. In some rural sites, and in many indigenous communities, water must be obtained from springs or streams. Many homes have a simple pit latrine, but latrine construction is often one of a Volunteer's first activities. Electricity also varies depending on the site. You must be flexible in your housing and site expectations and willing to adapt to the discomforts that come with rural living.
Living Allowance and Money Management
During your first three months in Panama, you will receive a weekly allowance to cover the limited costs you will incur in your training community. Once you finish training and are sworn-in as a Volunteer, Peace Corps/Panama will open a bank account for you and deposit your monthly living allowance in U.S. dollars (which are used as the local currency) into this account. This allowance is intended to cover all your living expenses, including food, rent, work-related travel, some clothing, and other essentials and incidentals. You will also receive a one-time settling-in allowance to help buy household necessities such as a bed and kitchen supplies. Some Volunteers maintain a bank account in the United States, but it is not necessary to do so, as Volunteers are expected to live at the same economic level as the people in their community. Peace Corps supports the idea of Volunteers not supplementing their incomes while in-country. Note that while Panama is inexpensive relative to the United States, it is expensive compared with many of its Central American neighbors. Prices in Panama City are comparable to those in the United States.
Food and Diet
The Panamanian diet varies according to the region and the ethnic makeup of the population but most often consists of rice, beans, bananas or plantains, yuca (cassava), and corn. Rice and beans (kidney beans, lentils, black-eyed peas) is the staple dish. Corn is served in many guises, but is usually ground, boiled, or fried. Sancocho is a traditional dish (somewhere between a soup and a stew) prepared with a variety of vegetables and chicken. An array of fruits is available in season in most rural areas, including mangoes, Peace Corps papayas, pineapples, avocados, oranges, and guanavanas (soursops). The availability of garden vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, and cucumbers varies according to the region and the season. The most common meats are chicken and beef, which are often deep-fried or stewed. These meats, when served to Volunteers, are often intended to express appreciation for their friendship or work. The rural poor rarely eat chicken and beef, and indigenous communities in particular customarily have a more limited diet that may consist primarily of boiled green bananas and root vegetables like yuca. Fish is available sporadically in coastal regions and riverside communities.
Most larger towns and cities have at least one restaurant that will be familiar to you, such as McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, or Dairy Queen. Most also have supermarkets where you can buy a wide variety of foods and imported goods.
Some Volunteers are vegetarians, but few Panamanians follow these diets. Volunteers generally must make do with the food available at their sites, but they sometimes can buy food in Panama City or a provincial capital.
Most sites are served by regular public transportation, but Volunteers assigned to indigenous or very rural communities may also travel by boat, chiva (minibus or truck), horseback, or foot. Chiva transportation is generally reliable in the dry season, but may be more limited in the rainy season. When muddy road conditions limit access by chiva, some Volunteers have to walk for one or two hours to get to their sites.
For recreational travel, bus service is available from Panama City to almost all domestic destinations and places to the north through Costa Rica. Tourist destinations in Panama that are not reachable by bus are accessible by plane. International flights leave from Panama City and David.
Geography and Climate
Panama has a tropical climate, so you should prepare for rain, heat, and humidity. However, the severity of these conditions differs according to the region: The higher elevations are cooler, the Caribbean coast in the north receives more rain and humidity, and the southern peninsula is relatively hot and dry.
Social Activities
The most popular social activities in Latino areas usually are dances (bailes) with traditional típico music. Larger towns periodically invite bands to play and gather over two or three days to watch a bullfight (much less bloody than the Spanish version) or cantadera (a freestyle singing battle) and reconvene at night for a dance. Because of Panamanians' willingness to share their culture, even Volunteers with no talent for dancing are likely to leave Panama knowing how to dance to típico. A common way to bring the community together in rural sites is a junta, in which people complete an activity such as build a bamboo or wooden house or harvest rice. Food and drinks (usually alcoholic) are provided to the participants, and festivities can last well into the night. In Afro-Antillean areas, dances also are popular, though the styles of music are much more diverse. Probably the most popular date on every Panamanian calendar is Carnaval, the equivalent of Mardi Gras. For the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday, Panamanians gather in certain cities to celebrate under the sun and watch elaborate floats parade through the streets at night.
Formal social activities are less frequent in indigenous communities than in Latino areas. Elaborate dances are rare, and dancing is usually reserved for important community functions. Spontaneous get-togethers at people's homes are probably the most common activity. Often, community meetings are the only occasion for which an entire community convenes.
The Peace Corps tries to place Volunteers near one another for support, so it is possible to socialize with fellow Volunteers. Beautiful beaches are plentiful, and outdoor activities are available almost everywhere. When visiting Panama City, Volunteers have numerous opportunities for diversion, such as movie theaters, coffee bars, restaurants, public basketball courts, and dance clubs.
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior
Wearing proper attire in Panama helps establish your professional credibility and reflects your respect for the customs and lifestyles of the people with whom you live and work. Remember that you will be judged by your appearance. Neatness and cleanliness are very important in Panamanian culture, and Panamanians may be offended by an untidy appearance. Dress is less formal in rural areas than in the capital, but it is important to remember that you are a representative of the United States. It is especially important to dress appropriately on the job and when you meet with government or other officials. Leisure clothing can be worn in the privacy of your own home, but should not be worn for work or travel. When doing physical labor, you will need sturdy shoes and clothes that protect you from scratches and insect bites. For more specific clothing recommendations, refer to the packing list later in this book.
During all training activities and Volunteer service in Panama, you will be expected to observe Peace Corps/Panama's guidelines for dress. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times, and shorts may not be worn in professional settings, including the Peace Corps office. While dressy sandals for women are appropriate, men should not wear sandals during professional/ formal occasions, in accordance with local custom.
You will not need to change your entire wardrobe, but you should realize that U.S. citizens almost always stand out. Because of Panamanians' views of tattoos and body piercing, you will need to keep any tattoos and piercings out of sight (earrings for women are okay). Men with long hair may be met with suspicion, so it is advisable for male Volunteers to keep their hair relatively short. As a result of the previous U.S. military presence in Panama, Army surplus pants, jackets, backpacks, and so forth should be left at home. All Volunteers will need work-specific clothing, which will vary by project sector, and casual clothing.
The following are some specific work clothing recommendations for people in each project:
- Those in community economic development should dress in business-casual clothing while working with businesses and government agencies. Men should wear pants with short-sleeved polo-style or button-down shirts. Women can wear pants, dresses, or skirts (slightly above the knee is fine) with nice shirts or blouses. Sneakers and flip flops are not appropriate for men or women during business meetings, but are appropriate for casual occasions.
- Those in community environmental conservation will sometimes work in the field, so a pair of good shoes, some work shirts, and long pants are necessary.
When working in schools, Volunteers should wear business-casual clothing. Flip flops are inappropriate and very short skirts and dresses should not be worn as they will attract unwanted attention.
- Those in sustainable agriculture and environmental health are likely to work in areas with a lot of mud and high humidity. These Volunteers will frequently work in the field, so work clothes are a necessity. Some Volunteers wear hiking shoes; others wear non-insulated, knee-high rubber boots. Although Volunteers should wear business-casual clothing when attending meetings with agency partners or conducting seminars, people in very rural or indigenous communities tend to dress less formally than elsewhere in the country.
Personal Safety
More information about the Peace Corps' approach to safety is contained in the Health Care and Safety chapter, but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Volunteers complete their two years of service without personal security incidents. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance your safety and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Panama. At the same time, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.njjjn
Rewards and Frustrations
You must be sure that you are willing to commit yourself to two years of service in a foreign country, living in harmony with the local culture. You must also learn to be patient, as change comes very slowly. Many Volunteers have difficulty adjusting to the slow pace of life and work in Panama. You may have to repeatedly explain your role as a development worker to many people. You may encounter a lack of understanding or technical support from your community or agency partners. You may also be annoyed by frequent delays in almost every aspect of your work, by the lack of privacy, and by being perceived as a rich foreigner. You will be thoroughly briefed on these matters during training.
The romance and excitement of working in a developing country can wear off quickly. The obstacles to accomplishing one's goals can be formidable. The key to satisfying work as a Volunteer is the ability to establish successful interpersonal relations at all levels, which requires patience, sensitivity, and a positive, professional attitude. Remember that while you are full of energy and motivation, you will be here for only two years. Your Panamanian colleagues will continue to work at the same jobs, probably for low pay, long after you leave, so they may not have the same level of motivation as you do. Immediate results will be hard to quantify. Much of the impact of the work you do will not become evident until after you leave Panama. Nevertheless, you will surely be rewarded with a great sense of accomplishment when activities are successful, whether small or large. The successes are well worth the difficulties. Volunteers' presence in Panama is making a difference and has certainly contributed to improving the conditions in rural areas.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Once in a blue moon
April 24, 2013 —
Before you start sending letters, I am aware that this astronomical event has not happened in a while. In fact, a second full moon within a single calendar month is rare, which is how the colloquial use of the term came into being. A quick check online illuminated this concept while informing me that usage of the phrase is actually not at all unusual. Within minutes I discovered a brewery, a cafe, a boutique and a board game, all named Blue Moon. Songs have been written and poems have been penned, but the definition of a blue moon remains the same—infrequent, uncommon and odd.
That said, it should come as no surprise that the expression pops into my mind from time to time, since I have been described as both uncommon and odd on the infrequent occasions that people actually speak about me. Once in a blue moon, I attempt to leave my comfort zone and branch out, seeking to learn something that might have escaped me. Last week, while perusing the Where and When section of The River Reporter, I came across a notice announcing an "All Breed Cattle Clinic" in Jeffersonville, NY being held at Stone Wall Farms. The item promised vendors, guest speakers, door prizes and a "complimentary Angus burger lunch" which clinched it for me, since I'm a sucker for a free meal.
Although they're few and far between, there are occasions that I leave the Wonder Dog at home, and having read that there would be horses, coon hounds and livestock, I ignored the pouting and took off unescorted to Barbara and Ed Moran's gorgeous farm (www.facebook.com/StoneWallFarms)—knowing that I'd be punished somewhere down the line. Once inside, the plethora of dogs greeting me did nothing to assuage my guilt, but the damage was done, and I soldiered on without her.


text:
What the **** is JR Smith doing?
Did he not know that forcing shots is what got Toney Douglas buried at the end of the bench?
I doubt NY comes back Lin really layed an egg tonight.
I thought Chandler had a pretty bad game as well he's allowing Bosh to go left and isn't grabbing a lot of boards.
Down 14 at the end of the 3rd? No way we can make a comeback and win this one... this isn't Minny or Toronto.
Baron wants to be Mr. Big Shot soo bad....
Please, please put melo and stat back in the game..along with baron davis and novak and chandler. PLEASE these guys can do some work right now. Melo + stat were playing their heart out..get them back in now!
not really mad about this loss miami is just a better team
WTF JR SMith
ok down 14
either we cut it to 8 within 2 minutes or they get it to 20 within 2 minutes, either way the next 2 minutes is so crucial
the heat are simply playing at a higher/superior level.
stat is not asserting himself (nothing new), jlin's confidence is shook and melo cant carry us all by himself cuz he cant into triple teams. if our inside game isnt working, we cant kick out to novak and smith, we need to get amare to score inside and jlin and melo to get into the paint!
Novak is the answer to keep us up in this game


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The Baffling Response to Arctic Climate Change
Guest | February 4, 2013
By Guest • Monday, February 4, 2013 - 11:06
By David Suzuki
The Arctic may seem like a distant place, just as the most extreme consequences of our wasteful use of fossil fuels may appear to be in some distant future. Both are closer than most of us realize.
The Arctic is a focal point for some of the most profound impacts of climate change. One of the world's top ice experts, Peter Wadhams of Cambridge University, calls the situation a "global disaster," suggesting ice is disappearing faster than predicted and could be gone within as few as four years.
"The main cause is simply global warming: as the climate has warmed there has been less ice growth during the winter and more ice melt during the summer," he told the U.K.'s Guardian.
Over the past 30 years, permanent Arctic sea ice has shrunk to half its previous area and thickness. As it diminishes, global warming accelerates. This is due to a number of factors, including release of the potent greenhouse gas methane trapped under nearby permafrost, and because ice reflects the sun's energy whereas oceans absorb it.


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Monday, March 25th, 2013 Mill Valley Public LibraryCreekside Room7 PM (doors open at 6:45)Not So Standard: Graphic Art of Ed Ruscha | March 25th, 7:00pm
Ruscha has been called the "hipster humorist of California cool." Since his travels in the 1960s over Route 66 from Oklahoma City to California, he has inserted the vocabulary of roadside America into his art, demonstrating a "with-it" attitude in his life and an edge to his art. Using letters and words, Ruscha explores the formal questions of contemporary art and society.
Marsha Holm, a docent from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, will discuss Ed Ruscha's work at the Legion of Honor.
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Hi! Since thrush seems to be a pretty popular problem, I thought I'd let everyone know what I found that is actually working for me.
At the advice of some on here, I purchased some grapefruit seed extract and probiotics from a health food store. (although I have since learned walgreens does carry a brand of probiotics for a lot less $$) The store owner suggested Kyo-Dophilus 9 which is kind of pricey but he said it is the best. It has 3 billion live cells per capsule which is the most I've found so far. I think the grapefruit seed extract is what has helped with the pain. I went from dreading those hungry noises my son makes when he wants to nurse (yesterday morning) to being ok with it (this morning). Hopefully in a couple of days the pain will be completely gone. :) I also think he feels that I am not dreading our nursing times...he had a HUGE smile for me while nursing this morning!!
My baby boy is still taking Nystatin and I am still using a couple of drops on my nipples...we have it anyway, might as well finish it. We're also going to take the probiotics and grapefruit seed extract until both are gone which is about a month's worth. We may purchase the less expensive probiotics to take on a regular basis after that. I refuse to get thrush again!!
Anyway that's it for now!! Hopefully in a few days I can report no pain!! Thank you SO much to those who responded to my questions!! I am so glad I came here!


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Welcome to Château des Vigiers, A Luxury Hotel, Golf and Spa.
We're located in the Dordogne, between Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion and Bergerac, in South West France
Dating back to the 16th century and set amidst the famous vineyards of this beautiful and unspoiled region, Château des Vigiers is an internationally renowned Luxury Hotel, Golf and Spa situated in the Dordogne Périgord region of South West France. Conveniently located just 25 minutes from Bergerac Airport and about an hour east of Bordeaux, Chateau des Vigiers offers its guests two uniquely different hotel experiences: the 16th Century Château hotel and the Eco-Friendly Relais hotel, each tailored to individual tastes and requirements.
Whether you want to tour the world-famous vineyards of Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, play golf on our impressive 27-hole course, enjoy our region's finest food and wine, or be pampered in our Maria Galland Beauty Spa, you will be able to escape the fast-pace of everyday life in this secluded and tranquil setting.


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Central Flat,Las Ramblas,WI-FI,Balcony
Size75 m²
Floor No.2
- Kitchen
- Towels
- Family/child friendly
- Internet/WiFi
- Washer/dryer
- Air conditioning
- Balcony/terrace
Accommodation summary
|Cera, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
|Property type
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
Close to my place:
+ Las Ramblas, Barcelona's famous pedestrian boulevard
+ Plaza Real
+ Port Vell Marina, and Maremagnum shopping mall open 365 days
+ The narrow streets of the Gothic quarter and its sunny squares
+ Shops, Restaurants, Bars, Tapas, Night-Clubs
+ Plaza Catalunya, Subway, Train, Air-port bus
+ Liceu Opera House
+ La Boqueria market (superb fresh food)
+ Sea Side, La Barceloneta
+Arc Of Triomf
+Park Ciutadella
+Sagrada Familia
+Other Gaudi attractions
+FCBarcelona stadium
House rules
Late Check in: No Fee (0€)
Bills and Wi-Fi included
|Price for > 3 guests
|$ 16 US per guest/night extra
|Check-in after
|On arrangement
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|On arrangement
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
Dear Sanario,
We were staying in your appartement and it is a great app. Everything was new and clean and comfortabel! All things you need for a good stay you could find in the app. Like a washing machine, and a lot of small other things you need. It was close to the Ramblas and enough shop at every corner to buy food and other things you need. We surrently want to come back here! Hope it's staying this way and that the other guests keep it also clean and thigt. Best Regards Marianne
Super séjour! Sanario est très gentille et aux petits soins toujours disponible! L'appartement est parfait très propre. Nous avons passés un très bon séjour! Je recommande! Merci encore!
Gut ausgestattete und schöne Wohnung in einem sehr lebendigen, multikulturellen Viertel. Gute Einkaufsmöglichkeiten und zentral gelegen.
Das Haus ist hellhörig und in einem renovierungsbedürftigem Zustand, aber typisch für dieses Viertel.
Reviews for this host's other properties
The flat was very clean and cosy and everything looked like we expected. The communication between Sanario and us was very good and she always asked if everything was okay or if we needed something. The only downside is the stairway, because it is very narrow and steep, so don't bring too big suitcases with you ;)
Sanario is very welcoming and helpful. Her flat is very nice & cosy, well equiped and in a great location it was perfect for our stay in BCN! :)
Our host was extremely cooperative. Before our arrival she contacted us and told us about the possibilities to get from the airport to her apartment. Also during our stay in this beautiful city she asked, if we needed something which she can bring us and if everything is alright. She took very good care of us.
The apartment offered sufficient space for two people. Everything worked out. There are some small supermarkets and a metro station near the apartment and you can reach a lot of points of interest by foot because of this well located apartment. We would return any time.
Nice and stylish flat in the heart of BCN. Very uncomplicated contacting with the host and a very obliging service. We'll back again...
Everything was perfect! Every time again!
It was all pretty good. The apartment is clean. The apartment, shower, bed, however, much smaller than it looked in the photos on the internet. You have to bend over very well when you walk through the front door into the apartment.
The apartment is very centrally located - but it is surprisingly quiet.
Ideal location for visiting the stunningly beautiful city and the incredibly numerous cultural activities.
The shower had little pressure, so that the hair wash was difficult. Alla was nice, something quick in the declarations and she had more than 5 minutes to collect the keys. This is understandable if she has to declare twice the same every week. But it has nice evening emailed if oksei everything.
Suggestion: it would be nice to have a curtain in the bedroom, a small cabinet to house the clothes would be good. A second bedside table would be good, a tea towel would be good. We would want to stay here again when we go to Barcelona again.
Es war alles recht gut. Die Wohnung sauber. Die Wohnung, Dusche, Bett allerdings wesentlich kleiner als es auf den Fotos im Internet aussah. Man muss sich auch sehr bücken, wenn man durch die Eingangstür in die Wohnung geht.
Die Wohnung liegt sehr zentral - dafür ist sie erstaunlich ruhig.
Optimale Lage für die Besichtigung der traumhaft schönen Innenstadt und der unglaublich zahlreichen Kulturangebote.
Die Dusche hatte wenig Druck, so dass das Haare waschen schon schwierig war. Alla war nett, etwas schnell in den Erklärungen und sie hatte höchstens 5 Minuten Zeit zur Schlüsselübergabe. Das ist verständlich, wenn sie jede Woche zweimal das gleiche erklären muss. Sie hat aber abends nett gemailt, ob alles o.k.sei.
Anregung: es wäre schön eine Gardine im Schlafzimmer zu haben, ein kleiner Schrank zur Unterbringung der Kleidung wäre gut. Ein zweiter Nachttisch wäre gut, ein Geschirrtuch wäre gut. Wir würden wieder hier wohnen wollen, wenn wir nochmals nach Barcelona fahren.
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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We've got some pretty awesome trips, check em out!
As the pioneers of Spring Break famously said, "Let the beer and rum punch flow like wine." We're a little rusty with history, but nonetheless we are carrying on the tradition by flippin' cups by the pool, booty shaking on the beach, and shutting down the club when the rooster crows. This is Spring break baby. The most insane week of your existence.Check out Spring Break
Science has confirmed that this ski and snowboarding trip is the cats pajamas. And by cats pajamas we mean it's really f**king bad ass. Shredding gnar, hot tubbing with a bunch of beauties, top of the mountain parties, and enough adult beverages to make your heart smile. Christopher Columbus didn't call this the best trip he has ever been on for nothing.Check out SnowJam
Well, in short...this is a crack a beer by 10am, chilln' on the dock, bbq all the things, white water rafting, crack 6 more brews, party all night, and sleep (or don't sleep) under the stars type of trip. So yeah, pretty much the perfect summer weekend with all your buds.Check out RiverJam


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APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ORDER COUNCIL AND STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS PRESENTATIONS 1. Presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Fire Captain Bill Schardt on the Occasion of His Retirement from the City of Mill Valley after 23 Years of Service. 2. Presentation of a Proclamation Honoring the Tamalpais High School Boys Baseball Team and the Girls Softball Team on Their Recent Trip to Cuba. 3. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring April 2013, as Fair Housing Month in the City of Mill Valley. CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Warrants--$ 879,174.01. Recommended Action: Approve paying expenses authorized by the adopted City Budget. 5. Consideration of the Minutes of the April 1, 2013 Regular City Council Meeting. Recommended Action: Approve the April 1, 2013 Regular City Council Meeting minutes. 6. Confirmation of Upcoming City Council Meeting Dates Including the Annual Community Meeting and City Council Retreat. Recommended Action: Confirm proposed dates. 7. Adoption of a Proclamation Declaring April 22, 2013 as Earth Day in the City of Mill Valley. Recommended Action: Adopt Proclamation. 8. Consideration of the Grand Jury Report "Marin on Fire Redux" and Authorization of Response. Recommended Action: Approve Response. 9. Comparison of Energy Generation Costs for Calendar Year 2011 -2012 between Pacific Gas and Electric and Marin Clean Energy. Recommended Action: Receive information. NEW BUSINESS 10. Presentation of the June 30, 2012 Actuarial Report Prepared by Bickmore and Associates of the City's Liabilities with Respect to Other Post Employment Benefits. Recommended Action: Receive presentation, discuss and provide direction as appropriate. 11. Consideration of a Resolution Establishing Policies to Contain and Reduce Costs Associated with the City's Pension and Other Post Employment Benefits. Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. ___. 12. Consideration of a Resolution of Compensation and Benefits for the City of Mill Valley's Non-represented Employees. Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. ___. 13. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Mill Valley Police Officers Association and the City of Mill Valley. Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. ___. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS None. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS a. Reminder: Annual Fire Evacuation Drill will be held May 4, 2013. b. Special City Council Meeting (Retreat) c. City Council Ad-Hoc Committee Progress Update. COUNCIL REQUESTS AND IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION ADJOURNMENT– To the next Regular City Council meeting which will be held on Monday, May 6, 2013.
The City of Mill Valley is pleased to offer the following:
Webcasting Services: Please visit the Webcasting and Streaming Video Archive page to view the video, agenda, and meeting documents such as staff reports, consent calendar items, and attachments.
eComment: It is now possible for internet users watching the live meeting webcast to submit comments and questions in real-time to the City Council for the public comment sections of the meeting. Send an eComment.
The City of Mill Valley does not discriminate against any individual with a disability. Upon request, City publications will be made available in the appropriate format to persons with a disability. If you require assistance or auxiliary aids in order to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 388-4033 (TTY 711) at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. The accessible entrance and parking are located behind City Hall.
Meeting end times are approximate. To request a digital recording of the meeting, please contact the City Clerk's office at email@example.com or call 415-388-4033.
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Mill Valley City Hall: 26 Corte Madera Avenue | Mill Valley, CA 94941 | City Hall Phone: (415)388-4033 | City Hall Fax: (415)381-1736
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|Special Offer
|Real Weddings
|Main Office Location
MB Wedding Design and Events
MB Wedding Design and Events does more than just coordination; they truly design the entire event. As one industry professional notes, MB Weddings delivers "jaw dropping designs every time.̶…
|San Francisco | Orange County | Hawaii
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Buzzworthy Events
Have you ever been part of something so entrancing, that you were swept away and forgot whatever else was going on in the world? This is the experience that Ashley of Buzzworthy Events strives to crea…
|San Francisco
|Coordinator / Wedding Planner
Hannah Smith Events
Hannah Smith Events' goal is to ensure a flawless event that is authentic to your own personal style. They firmly believe that planning a wedding should be a fun experience—and encourage you t…
|Napa | Sonoma | San Diego
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Events of Distinction
An award-winning wedding designer and author of a groundbreaking book on wedding planning, Joyce Scardina Becker uses over 25 years of nuptial experience to help couples create amazing celebrations. …
|San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Los Angeles
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Vibrant Events
Vibrant Events is a chic event planning service specializing in green weddings, eco-events, and environmentally-friendly practices. With an MBA in Sustainable Management, founder Corina Beczner comes …
|Oakland & Sonoma
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Mandy Scott Events
With a rich background as an award-winning floral designer, and a personal interest in art, interior design, and world travel, Mandy Scott brings an incredibly creative eye and artistic perspective to…
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Stacey & Company
Stacey & Company offers wedding planning services ranging from day-of coordination to full-scale wedding planning and design. They also can assist with rentals such as chairs, linens, lighting, e…
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Where To Start, Wedding Management
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A Touch of Grace
A Touch of Grace will take all your different ideas and details and seamlessly weave them into the wedding you've always wanted—creating the atmosphere and ambiance you desire, all within …
|Walnut Creek
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An Everlasting Moment
Through careful listening and a respect for her clients' wishes, Mirella Riga of An Everlasting Moment produces stunning events that are set apart by their personalization and gorgeous details. …
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amazáe | events
amazáe | events brings creative vision to life with gorgeous design, professional planning, and flawless execution. With nearly a decade of experience, amazáe | events fashions elegant events that r…
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2 the 9s Events
2 the 9s Weddings & Events is a full-service wedding and event production company recognized for creating weddings, parties and corporate events that are stress-free and one-of-a-kind. Working han…
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Dream A Little Dream Events
From vineyard chic to classic elegance, Dream A Little Dream Events plans and designs gorgeous weddings throughout California. Every wedding is customized and designed with a specific vendor team care…
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Tosca Productions
Tosca and her team design and produce upscale weddings and events, incorporating each couple's personal style and cultural traditions from around the globe, including Catholic, Jewish, Chinese, …
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Make It Happen!
"Make It Happen!" Three simple words that became a mission for seasoned wedding planner, Robin Lewis. With a passionate approach to wedding coordination, Robin is truly invested in giving …
|San Francisco
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The Arrive-With-Flowers Skirt
Style: 570071610
Out of Stock
How can you greet spring without flowers? A beautiful hand-designed floral splashed with our Iris, Lilac and Berry pink colors, subdued by a black background and quiet neutrals. Perfect for a box-pleated skirt of lightweight sateen cotton. Shell: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex. Lining: 100% Polyester. Machine wash, cold; tumble dry low. Or dry clean. Imported.
- Contour waistband; sits below the waist.
- Box pleats. Hidden side zip with hook-and-eye closure.
- Concealed pockets.
- Trimmed inside the waistband with Very Berry georgette inset. Lightweight, soft thread-tacked lining.
- Length: 21".
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A-B alum honored by college
Dr. Jean Cunningham was honored by her family and Alderson-Broaddus College on May 25.
The Wilcox Chapel bell tower is now called the Jean Cunningham Bell Tower and was made possible by a generous gift from Jean's daughters, their spouses, and her brother-in-law (Charles and Ramona O'Bryant of Greensboro, N.C.; Lynn and Lee Ann Fogwell of Raleigh, N.C. and Shanghai, China; Terry and Judy Jeffrey of Madison, N.C.; Michael and Joy Groves of Mouth of Wilson, N.C.; and George Cunningham of Fort Wayne, Ind.).
Cunningham graduated from A-B in 1953 and received an honorary doctorate in 2008. She has been active in the life of Alderson-Broaddus since her time as a student. Some of her most notable roles include her current service on the Board of Trustees and chairing the successful Renewing the Promise Capital Campaign.
The naming of the bell tower recognizes Cunningham's longtime commitment and dedicated service to her alma mater. Her daughters and brother-in-law felt the bell tower to be a very appropriate way to honor her in light of her love of music and her desire to serve students in the name of Christ. Each time the bells chime to call the campus community to the chapel, the music and the pathway will honor her.
Cunningham came to Alderson-Broaddus College in 1949. While at A-B, she often worked over 40 hours a week. She cleaned bathrooms, worked in the library and kitchen, and in various academic departments. She graduated from A-B with a degree in social studies and with minors in German, English and music.
After graduating from A-B, she attended Yale Divinity School for one year. Following that, she spent time in Mexico through the American Friends Service Committee. She then returned to West Virginia, working at the Weirton Christian Center, teaching kindergarten and serving as youth director.
She married Jim Cunningham and the couple moved to Cowen, where they served in ministry together. While in Cowen, she started teaching at Webster County High School in addition to giving voice and piano lessons. Then the family moved to South Charleston where she began working in church music. The family's next calling was in Milton, and while there she taught in the school system.
During her time in Milton, Cunningham began work with the National Board of American Baptist Women. She has continued her involvement with American Baptist Women's Ministries to this day.
When her husband joined the staff of the West Virginia Baptist Convention as minister of conference, camping and youth, the family relocated to Parchment Valley where they ran the service end of operations.
It was here that Jean began her career in social work, working first for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, then for a nursing home, a hospital and a youth group home. She worked for Action Youth Care, a private service agency caring for troubled youth and their families, Jean was acting CEO of Action Youth Care, an agency with 13 offices across the state of West Virginia.
In 1992, she and her late husband, Jim, established the Jim Cunningham Family Scholarship at Alderson-Broaddus College. In 1995, Jean served as president of the West Virginia Baptist Convention. She is currently the minister of administration at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Charleston and also sings in the choir. She is a member of the General Board of American Baptist Churches-USA.
To learn more about naming opportunities to honor a faculty or staff member, or alumni, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 304-457-6321 or via email at email@example.com.


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INGREDIENTS:¼ cup Dijon mustard 3 cups vinaigrette 12 California avocados (6 pounds) 1/3 cup lemon juice 3 gallons mixed lettuces 4 Ibs., 8 oz. smoked turkey, in strips 3 cups dried cherries or cranberries 24 prepared bread shells (6-inch)DIRECTIONS:Whisk mustard into vinaigrette; reserve. Just before service, cut avocado in chunks; toss gently with lemon juice. Reserve. Per order: toss 2 cups lettuce, ½ cup turkey and 2 Tbsp. dried fruit with 2 Tbsp. reserved vinaigrette. Fold in ½ cup ...
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Sitting just above the Sony NEX-5N, the Sony NEX-5R has been designed to offer more interactive features than its forerunner. We gave it a thorough work out to find out how useful these new features will prove to be.
Sony NEX-5R Review
Sony NEX-5R review – Features
When Sony announced the Sony NEX-5 back in 2010 it employed a 14.2MP CMOS sensor and since then Sony has developed a 16.1MP sensor for the Sony NEX-5N. If the trend of a new sensor appearing in each new Sony NEX-5 model was to continue you'd half expect the Sony NEX-5R to feature an all-new chip, but it doesn't. The Sony NEX-5R provides the same 16.1MP resolution and similar APS-C sized sensor to that found within the Sony NEX-5N. Claimed to be newly developed sensor, it shares resemblances to the Sony NEX-5N's 16.1MP chip in the way it measures 23.5×15.6mm and provides an identical 100-25,600 ISO range.
Teamed with the 16.1MP sensor is Sony's BIONZ processor. This combination promises flawless, low-noise images at high ISO's and contributes to the Sony NEX-5R's 10fps shooting capability in Speed Priority mode. Sensor and processor aside, the Sony NEX-5R is one of Sony's first interchangeable lens cameras to combine phase detection and contrast detection methods together. We'll touch on how this focusing functionality works a little later in this review.
The 3in, 921k-dot tilt-angle screen is the touch-type just like that found at the rear of the Sony NEX-5N. It now supports a touch shutter option allowing you to take an image by simply tapping the screen with your finger. Just like most touch screen displays that provide this function, there's also the option to turn this feature off in the menu if you want to minimise the risk of accidentally firing the shutter. Earlier we mentioned the Sony NEX-5R includes new features to bring it bang up to date with the times. One of these is integrated Wi-Fi connectivity that makes it possible to transfer stills and videos directly from the Sony NEX-5R to any smart phone or tablet that's downloaded Sony's PlayMemories mobile app. Available from the iTunes store, more information about the free Play Memories app can be found by clicking here.
Alternatively, the Sony NEX-5R gives you the option to transfer images directly to a networked PC to save the hassle of having to take out the memory card and use a card reader or use USB connecting cables. Furthermore, if you'd like to install new functions to the Sony NEX-5R you can do so from the Play Memories Camera app. Apps such as picture effect+, smart remote control and direct upload can be installed via Wi-Fi or a USB cable and more apps are expected to be made available soon, including one that'll allow you shoot time-lapse images using th Sonye NEX-5R.
The most noticeable change to the NEX-5R's design is found on the top plate with the on/off button now surrounding the shutter button. This makes it easier to turn on and operate in a moments notice. As well as being able to record HD video (1920×1080) using the dedicated button on the top plate, there's an all-new control dial on the corner of the body. Identical to the type of control dials you'd find on Sony's NEX-7, the new dial can be used to control a variety of functions and offers very precise control when setting shutter speed or aperture values. As we found out when using the camera, the new dial comes into its own when you'd like to cycle through the shooting modes and it makes for a more comfortable and faster way of controlling camera settings than using the d-pad at the rear of the camera.
Playback of images is also controlled from the top plate. Hitting the playback button while in playback mode will take you directly back to shooting mode or alternatively you can half depress the shutter just like you would on a DSLR. Reviewing images has been made faster too, again courtesy of the new corner control dial. The function button to the right of the shutter button is also a new addition. It's handy for quickly switching between AF/MF, changing autofocus mode, switching autofocus area, adjusting white balance, setting the metering mode or adjusting creative style effects when used in combination with the d-pad.
As for the menu itself, little has changed in terms of its appearance. There are now seven options – Shoot Mode, Camera, Image Size, Brightness/Colour, Playback, Application and Setup. Just like before though it's not always easy to find the setting you want in a hurry and you can be left searching for a few seconds. The touch screen makes for an alternative way of navigating the menu, however on occasions we found ourselves accidentally returning to the main menu rather than scrolling through the different options available within each sub menu.
While on the topic of the touch screen, some of the on screen icons such as the menu, mode and touch shutter are incredibly small. This makes it difficult to select what you want if you have large fingers. You can alternatively use the buttons alongside the screen at the top and bottom, but we'd prefer to see larger onscreen icons to make using the touch screen a more enjoyable experience. We also noticed in playback mode that it's not uncommon to accidentally zoom into an image when you're attempting to swipe left or right to the next image which became frustrating over time.
Without a built-in flash and no standard hotshoe fitting, Sony has once again included the 'Smart Accessory Terminal' for attaching an external flash unit to the top plate. A flash is included in the box as standard but this doesn't get you away from the hassle of having to physically attach and detach a flash each and every time you'd like to illuminate a subject. Just like the NEX-5N, the supplied flash has a guide number of 7 so it's not a particularly bright offering and takes its power directly from the camera.
One of the features we haven't already talked about is the NEX-5R's self-portrait mode. Flipping a screen through 180 degrees isn't entirely new technology, however Sony has taken this one step further. Flip out the screen, point it towards you and the NEX-5R automatically understands you're attempting a self-portrait shot and readies itself by setting the camera to a three second self-timer. This saves the hassle of setting the camera up for this type of shot. The camera now takes control of the hard work and leaves you to concentrate on the framing and the final result.
With many CSC competitors such as Olympus and Panasonic concentrating efforts on making their autofocus systems as fast as possible, Sony had to do something if it was to keep up with the competition. The new hybrid AF system the NEX-5R uses combines phase detection and contrast detection methods to suit the demands of most shooting situations. The way it works is the phase-detection detects the distance between the camera and the subject before the contrast-detection is activated to confirm extremely fine, precise focus. While the focusing doesn't seem to lock onto subjects quite as quickly as Panasonic's latest CSC's, it's fairly quick. We did experience some signs of hunting however from the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens when focusing between near and far subjects at the long end of the zoom.
Enabling the touch shutter function also proved to be a good test of how quickly the camera focuses by touching different areas of the screen. The AF target can't be moved to the far edges of the frame but saying that the camera did manage to lock on reasonably quickly when attempting to focus on different areas in the frame by touching the display.
As for the speed at which the NEX-5R performs, we tested it loaded with a Lexar Professional 8GB Class 10 SDHC card. Set to speed priority continuous mode the NEX-5R rattled out nine frames at 10fps when set to JPEG+RAW. Shooting with the file format set to fine JPEG only, twelve frames at 10fps were recorded but this number dropped to 10 when the file format was switched over to Raw.
Without any form on in-camera stabilisation, the NEX-5R relies on being attached to an optically stabilised lens to avoid handshake. This isn't a cause for concern as many other manufacturers opt for optical stabilisation rather than in-camera stabilisation to keep images free of blur. One advantage of optical stabilisation over the sensor-shift type is that it's known to use less battery power. On the subject of battery power, the NEX-5R uses a NP-FW50 rechargeable battery, which allows you to shoot roughly 330 shots before a recharge is required.
One of our criticisms with the NEX-5N was its start up time and nothing has changed in this respect with the NEX-5R. The camera doesn't actually take too long to power up but the screen feed won't appear until three seconds later which could make all the difference in getting a quick shot or not.
Other than the menu system, which we think is due a complete overhaul to make it easier to navigate, the NEX-5R performs reasonably well. It shoots quicker than many DSLRs, making it well suited for anyone interested in photographing high-speed action or sport. The lack of a mode dial won't please everyone though and as we discovered the touch screen isn't flawless in every respect of its operation. Lets now move on and study the NEX-5R's image quality.
Image Quality
With the same resolution and identical ISO range to the NEX-5N we anticipated similar results from our image quality tests. Just like the NEX-5N, the NEX-5R produces very impressive levels of detail from its APS-C sized sensor and there are no signs of noise between ISO 100 and ISO 800 at 100%. Results between ISO 1600 and 3200 are just as impressive and though a fine grain structure of noise is apparent at ISO 6400 it doesn't affect image sharpness. Push beyond ISO 6400 to ISO 12800 and 25,600 and you begin to ask a lot more of the sensor so you won't want to push to these high sensitivities unless your low-light situation demands that you have to do so. Noise at ISO 12,800 and 25,600 is obvious, however, colour saturation does remain vibrant throughout the ISO range.
To view our NEX-5R ISO sample review images click here.
Inspecting a Raw file alongside a JPEG file is always an intriguing test and uncovers how much automated processing is carried out. JPEGs on the NEX-5R appear fractionally lighter and more vibrant than Raws. There's fractionally more definition in the shadows too. Of course this detail in the shadows can be pulled out from the Raw file by tweaking the Shadows slider and the vibrancy of the NEX-5R's Raw files can be easily enhanced to match the punchy colours of JPEGs by using either the Saturation or Vibrance slider within Camera Raw.
To view our NEX-5R image sample gallery, click here.
The 1200-zone evaluative metering system works very well and provides accurate exposures. There's multi, center and spot modes to choose from and these options are easily accessed from a click of the new function button from the top plate. To capture a more balanced overall exposure, Sony's D-Range optimizer (DRO) can be switched on from within the Brightness/Color menu and should you wish to take control of exposure compensation, the NEX-5R provides +/- 3EV stops of control from the dpad which is clearly displayed at the right side of the screen without impeding framing or composition.
Sony NEX-5R – Movie mode
With both AVCHD and MP4 movie recording modes available, the NEX-5R has similar recording features to the NEX-5N. One of the main differences is the new movie-record disable function that prevents videos being recorded if you accidentally knock the button by mistake. Full HD video (1920×1080) is recorded at 50fps at a large 28Mbps data rate and the MP4 output is captured at 1440×1080 at 25fps.
Continuous autofocus is available when you're recording and so is object tracking. Switching off object tracking frees up the option of repositioning the AF point when recording HD video. You do have to use the dpad for this though and we would have preferred the option of using the touch screen instead – a suggestion we first made when we reviewed the NEX-5N back in 2011.
Compare the top plate with the NEX-5N and you'll notice the movie-record button has moved away from the corner of the body and rests to the left of the new command dial. This makes for slightly trickier operation and though you can use your index finger, we found it more comfortable to use our thumb.
Value & Verdict
Though the NEX-5R is a completely new Sony CSC it must be said that it doesn't offer a vast amount more than what we've seen before in the NEX-5N. It handles very similarly in the hand and other than providing the options to transfer images directly to your smart phone or tablet, the menu system and navigation is much the same. The minor tweaks to the body have improved operation slightly and the new function button beside the shutter is a welcomed addition, however we would have preferred it if the new command dial was designed as a mode dial instead. Left slightly disappointed by the touch screen, there are clearly areas for improvement to make it more intuitive and easier to use.
As for the build, it can't be faulted. Despite it not having the premium metal finish that premium CSC's offer it's no reason to suggest it won't last a long time if it's duly cared for. Available for £669 with the 18-55mm kit lens it works out more expensive than some of its closest rivals. To be precise the NEX-5R is £210 more than Nikon's J2 when you bundle it with the 10-30mm lens and it's £174 more than Panasonic's GF5 if you were to choose it with the 14-42mm Power Zoom lens.
Compared with when the NEX-5N was reviewed there's now a more extensive lineup of E-mount lenses available. At present there are eleven lenses in the range but this number is still less than what Olympus and Panasonic offer for their CSC's. If you're looking at buying into a system that's widely supported by an extensive set of lenses you may want to consider Micro Four Thirds as one of your alternative.
What the NEX-5R remains very good at is capturing excellent images with fantastic levels of detail. For anyone upgrading from a basic compact model there are all the advanced controls you need to take your photography to the next level and the useful help guide display offers a clear description of all the settings in the menu so you can learn as you work. Many will love the way you can pick up the NEX-5R, set it to intelligent auto mode and get great results straight away. As you begin to use it more creatively the little niggles we've discovered will become more apparent.
If you're not concerned about Wi-Fi, touch shutter and the top plate design tweaks, you could save yourself some money by choosing the NEX-5N over the NEX-5R. Currently £280 cheaper, you'll still achieve excellent results and superb image quality from the APS-C sized sensor. Another good bit of news is that more E-mount lenses than ever before support it.


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The online social blog and network from LMT Communications dedicated exclusively for members of the Dental Laboratory industry. Join free to connect with Jonathan.
After being on the market for over 10 years, Sirona inLab has achieved universal appeal in the dental lab market sector while meeting dentists' demands for strong, aesthetic all-ceramic CAD/CAM restorations and has quickly become the most widely used CAD/CAM system in dental laboratories. No other CAD/CAM system is as controllable, expandable and affordable as inLab by Sirona. And the best part is that you decide exactly what components you want to add, and when you want to add them. Sirona inLab is built on the convenient foundation of modularity, and right out of the box, inLab is ready to grow with you. Because when you buy inLab, you're buying capabilities and performance that go far beyond what it alone can do. You're also getting instant access to an always-growing array of peripherals, services, materials and third-party systems that complement your capabilities and complete your lab business beyond the physical boundaries of your workbench.


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#155380 - 02/15/06 08:12 AM Re: Just wishin' too
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 500
Loc: Northern Ontario, Canada
Eta, my choral group is doing - among other things - a suite from Beauty and the Beast, and I was looking for a way to wiggle one of the songs in - you beat me to it!
#155381 - 02/15/06 12:36 PM See my vest
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 12/24/00
Posts: 2661
Loc: Chicago
Burns: Some men hunt for sport,
Others hunt for food,
The only thing I'm hunting for,
Is an outfit that looks good...
See my vest, see my vest,
Made from real gorilla chest,
Feel this sweater, there's no better,
Than authentic Irish setter.
See this hat, 'twas my cat,
My evening wear - vampire bat,
These white slippers are albino
African endangered rhino.
Grizzly bear underwear,
Turtles' necks, I've got my share,
Beret of poodle, on my noodle
It shall rest,
Try my red robin suit,
It comes one breast or two,
See my vest, see my vest,
See my vest.
Like my loafers? Former gophers -
It was that or skin my chauffeurs,
But a greyhound fur tuxedo
Would be best,
So let's prepare these dogs,
Mrs. Potts: Kill two for matching clogs,
Burns: See my vest, see my vest,
Oh please, won't you see my vest.
Monty Burns - The Simpsons
#155382 - 02/18/06 07:11 PM See my vest...See ny tie?
Registered: 05/25/02
Posts: 1529
Loc: Aladamnbama the most watered s...
I walked 47 miles of barbed wire,
I got a cobra-snake for a necktie,
I got a brand new house on the roadside,
Made from rattlesnake hide,
I got a brand new chimney made on top,
Made out of a human skull,
Now come on take a walk with me, Arlene,
And tell me, who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Tombstone hand and a graveyard mind,
Just 22 and I dont mind dying.
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
I ride around town, with a rattlesnake whip,
Take it easy Arlene, dont give me no lip,
Who do you love?
Night was dark, and the sky was blue,
Down the alley, the ice-wagon flew,
Heard a bump, and somebody screamed,
You should have heard just what I seen.
Whom do you love?
Who Do You Love
_____________________ Bo Diddley 1956
#155383 - 02/18/06 07:17 PM Re: See my vest...See ny tie?
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 06/24/02
Posts: 7210
Loc: Vermont
Ive been drivin all night my hands wet on the wheel
Theres a voice in my head that drives my heel
And my baby calls that she needs me here
Its half past four and Im shifting gear
When she gets lonely and the longing gets too much
She sends a cable comin in from above
We dont need to talk at all
We got a thing thats called radar love
We got a wave in the air
Radar Love
-- Golden Earring_________________________
formerly known as etaoin...
#155384 - 02/19/06 07:44 AM Puttin' it in overdrive
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 06/11/01
Posts: 2636
Loc: Caribbean
Well, it seems like a year since I kissed my baby good-bye
I could make a lot of women, but I'm not like some other guys
I could find a lot to hold me tight
But I can't make believe that it's right
Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight
Six Days on the Road~Earl Green and Carl Montgomery
#155385 - 02/19/06 12:46 PM Re: Puttin' it in overdrive
Registered: 03/22/00
Posts: 1981
Bye Bye Baby, baby goodbye .
Bye baby, baby bye bye.
Bye bye baby, don't make me cry
Bye baby, baby bye bye.
You're the one girl in town I'd marry
Girl, I'd marry you now if I were free
I wish it could be.
I could love you but why begin it
'Cos there ain't any future in it,
She's got me and I'm not free, so:
Bye Bye Baby, baby goodbye.
... ad infinitum
Bay City Rollers
who blighted my teenage years by lodging their lyrics subliminally in my head (I take no responsibility for my downwardly mobile lyric memory).
#155386 - 02/19/06 02:03 PM Re: Puttin' it in overdrive
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 12/24/00
Posts: 2661
Loc: Chicago
Well toot toot Tootsie goodbye toot toot Tootsie don't cry
That choo choo train that takes me
Away from you no one can tell how sad it makes me
Kiss me Tootsie and then do it over again
Watch for the mail I never fail
If you don't get a letter then you'll know I'm in jail
Toot toot tootsie don't cry toot toot Tootsie goodbye
Music and Lyrics by Ted Fio Rito, Robert A. King, and Gus Kahn
Sung by Al Jolson
Originally from the Broadway musical "Bombo", 1921
#155387 - 02/20/06 04:36 AM The Letter
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 06/11/01
Posts: 2636
Loc: Caribbean
Well, she wrote me a letter
Said she couldn't live without me no more
Listen mister, can't you see I got to get back
To my baby once-a more
Anyway, yeah!
The Letter~The Box Tops
#155388 - 02/20/06 06:27 PM Re: for Jo Jo
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/15/00
Posts: 4757
Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner
But he knew it wouldnt last.
Jojo left his home in tucson, arizona
For some california grass.
Get back, get back.
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back.
Get back to where you once belonged.
dem 4 guys
#155389 - 02/20/06 06:52 PM Re: for Jo Jo
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 06/24/02
Posts: 7210
Loc: Vermont
Take it Easy
Well, I'm running down the road
tryin' to loosen my load
I've got seven women on my mind,
Four that wanna own me,
Two that wanna stone me,
One says she's a friend of mine
Take It easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own
wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
don't even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
and take it easy
Well, I'm a standing on a corner
in Winslow, Arizona
and such a fine sight to see
It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed
Ford slowin' down to take a look
at me
-- Eagles_________________________
formerly known as etaoin...
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Reviewed By Mark H (Goose Creek, SC) Reviewed for a 1992 Chrysler Imperial —5/10/2006 7:29 PM
I ordered a set of floor mats with logos front & rear for my old Chrysler & they are top notch in fit & appearance. A bit pricey, but it appears you get what you pay for & they really bring out the interior beautifully. Recommended in the highest order. MLH


text:
Leahy bill gets signed into lawJanuary 04,2013
WASHINGTON President Obama has signed into law legislation authored by Senator Patrick Leahy that will remedy coverage gaps in the federal program that provides a crucial safety net for the families of first responders who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Leahy first introduced the Dale Long Emergency Medical Service Providers Protection Act in June 2009, naming the bill in honor of the Bennington emergency medical technician who was tragically killed in an ambulance accident.
The measure will extend the Public Safety Officers Benefits Act program to cover private, nonprofit emergency medical services volunteers and personnel. In Vermont alone, Leahys bill will qualify an estimated 1,200 EMS personnel for the program.
It also includes provisions to lessen the length of a currently unwieldy appeals process for claimants, clarify the list of eligible survivor beneficiaries and make those who have been catastrophically injured eligible for peer support and counseling programs. The measure removes artificial distinctions under current law to include vascular ruptures in the types of injuries that would make a public safety officers survivors eligible for benefits.MORE IN This Just In
BARRE TOWN — Firefighters faced a collection of adverse conditions as a house... Full StoryWILLISTON Police are asking for help identifying the man who tried to steal roughly $800 worth ... Full StoryNEWBURY Police said somebody stole booze and change from a Welch Road residence. Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed


text:
Cramer Quick Take: Apple Is a Hold
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Apple (AAPL) have become a battleground, Jim Cramer told Lindsey Bell at TheStreet.com Monday, but his charitable trust, Action Alerts PLUS, continues to hold the stock.
Cramer said that in a way Apple is like 1999 all over again. There is a lot of information and interest surrounding the market's most-valued company, but at the same time many investors just wanted to be in a hot stock and don't really know why they're buying or selling.That makes for a volatile trade, said Cramer, which is why so many investors are buying on one headline and selling on the next.
In the end, Cramer said, most shareholders of Apple still have huge gains, and with tax rates on the rise next year a percentage of investors are locking in those gains. Cramer said we'll need to wait until 2013 before we can truly assess the company's valuation.But, he added, Apple will have to introduce something spectacular in 2013 to overcome the malaise.
To sign up for Jim Cramer's free Booyah! newsletter, with all of his latest articles and videos, please click here.
-- Written by Scott Rutt in Washington.
To email Scott about this article, click here: Scott Rutt
Follow Scott on Twitter @ScottRutt or get updates on Facebook, ScottRuttDC


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I'm quite enjoying my bottle of Bitter and Twisted
What more do you want in a beer??
Having recently returned from Prague I have to say that the [i'real[/i] Czech Pilsner Urquell (i.e. draft) and the original Budweiser (Budvar) are my new favorites.
The Gospel is quite clear: both saints and sinners love God. "Religious" people do not love him, and whenever they can, they crucify him.
Of course, OC.net is not reflective of the Church, but is rather a surreal bubble. I have visited a lot of different parishes around the world and have listened to many hours of AFR...
Okay, who put Budweiser?! Gad.
You should come over and have a Miller Highlife. Now that's the Champagne of Beers!
Only if it is "bottled".
Piss tastes better in a bottle as opposed to a can? Nope, still piss.
BUD ICE, Do 40 Ounces Count?
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Red Jewel Necklace
Style: 570065439
Out of Stock
Regal red crystals cast an ember glow in a soft goldtone setting. Hand cast linked settings with a double chain in back. Wear with the Red Jewel Clip Earring and Bracelet. Faceted glass crystal; nickel-free metal. Lobster claw clasp. Adjustable length: 18"-20".
Read more… Read less…


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Southern States plans FFA fundraiser campaign
Southern States is supporting the National FFA Organization by selling FFA emblems for $1. The campaign is set to kick off Monday and run through March 24.
"We are deeply appreciative of Southern States and their assistance to raise financial support for FFA and heighten community awareness about our organization," said Rob Cooper, executive director of the National FFA Foundation. "Funds raised through the sale of the FFA emblem at Southern States stores will support FFA at the local, state and national level and ensure that we're able to continue to develop students' leadership, growth and career success potential."
"Southern States is a supporter of FFA and is proud to be the sponsor of the 'I'm Supporting FFA' fundraiser," said Thomas R. Scribner, president and CEO of Southern States. "Every dollar collected will benefit FFA members across the area. Southern States has a rich heritage of working with FFA and hopes the public will assist with the project by supporting the effort and contributing a dollar for a personalized paper FFA emblem."
After customers buy an emblem, they can sign their name or even the name of a child they care about. The emblems will then be displayed in the store for all to see. Proceeds are split between the local FFA chapter, the state FFA association and the National FFA Foundation.


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Celebrating Black History Month
- Next1 of 15Glo
- Previous Next2 of 15Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
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- Previous Next12 of 15Splash News
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- Celebrating Black History Month5 Zodiac Signs That Party Hard
- Find out why some signs will never be BFFs
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- Life Lessons Dads Can Teach Their Daughters
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- 8 Things That Make Guys Feel Insecure
- 8 Proven Tips for Moving On After a Breakup
- What Your PDA-Style Says About Your Relationship
- 10 Things Guys Think When They First Meet You
- 12 Dating Rules to Break Now
- 11 Reasons to Consider Dating a Divorced Man
- What to Watch, Read & Shop in June
- 8 Things Men Learn in the First Month of Marriage
- 8 Proven Tricks to Strengthen Your Marriage
- 10 Things Men & Women Will Always Disagree On
- Fights Grown Women Have With Their Moms
GC_v011 of 15
Mo'Nique2 of 15
After a strong career in comedy — the UPN series The Parkers and numerous stand-up gigs — this actress showed her range as an artist with her dramatic acting chops in Precious, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Michelle Obama3 of 15
Our first lady is making history not only as an African-American woman but through her dedication to much-needed campaigns (such as her initiative to end childhood obesity), her involvement in raising daughters Sasha and Malia and her down-to-earth fashion choices.
Nicki Minaj4 of 15
Outspoken about her troubled childhood, as well as in her uber-popular songs, this rapper skyrocketed to stardom after lending her voice to a number of chart-topping rap artists' hits. But her music isn't the only way she put herself on the map: Nicki's often-outrageous style has us—and fashion critics—captivated.
Shonda Rhimes5 of 15
As the creator, head writer and producer of Grey's Anatomy (and its spin-off, Private Practice), this woman broke down barriers in the entertainment industry and earned a spot in Time magazine's Time 100 list of people who helped shape the world in 2007.
Amber Riley6 of 15
This SAG-award winning Glee cast member is an example of what amazing things can happen when you refuse to give up your dreams. Who would have thought that, after being rejected by American Idol, she would be starring in one of the most popular shows on television?
Oprah Winfrey7 of 15
Frequently referred to as the most influential woman in the world, Oprah ended her decades-long-running talk show and launched her own cable network, OWN, last year. As a philanthropist, entertainer and all-around business maven, she is one of the most successful and important women living today.
Cicely Tyson8 of 15
This Guiding Light actress and former model is part of the award-winning ensemble cast of The Help, which garnered a slew of Oscar nominations this year. She's known for her award-winning roles in a number of films that portrayed black history and literature, including Sounder, King and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.
Queen Latifah9 of 15
In terms of career range, this woman is continually reinventing herself. From rapper to Academy Award-nominated actress, the Queen has received top recognition for her talents in film and music. As a spokesperson for brands like Jenny Craig and CoverGirl, she's continually inspired women to reinvent themselves as well.
Joan Smalls10 of 15
This Puerto Rican-born model has walked in runway shows all over the word and lent her talents to Vogue magazine's editorials numerous times. In 2010, she was named the new face of beauty brand Estée Lauder.
Kamala Harris11 of 15
The current Attorney General of California is the first female, first African-American and first Asian-American to ever hold the post. She's also the first person of Indian decent to be a U.S. attorney general.
Beyoncé12 of 15
This fierce fashionista and songstress is characterized by her fearless attitude and strong work ethic. Her often-empowering songs and dedication to various charities have made her a role model to young girls and women alike. And now, she'll get to share her inspirational spirit with her newborn daughter, Blue Ivy.
Wendy Williams13 of 15
This radio-turned-TV talk show host is known not only for her fabulous wigs but her frank talk about her own past, namely her history with weight issues and drugs. Often as emotional as the guests on her show, Wendy has established a special connection with her audiences, and her show is number one in the super-competitive New York area.
Thelma J. Golden14 of 15
Now the head curator of the Studio Museum of Harlem, Thelma was fascinated by museums as a young girl and began grooming herself for her current post during adolescence, becoming an apprentice at the Met in New York City right out of high school. She's an example of tenacity and hard work in how she not only followed her dream but took the necessary steps to make it a reality.
Whitney Houston15 of 15
While she was best known for her unmatchable voice—becoming the only artist (ever) to have seven consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, not to mention the best-selling single by a female artist in history with "I Will Always Love You"—Houston's legacy runs deeper than her unforgettable pipes. She was the first woman of color to land the cover of Seventeen magazine, and the first African-American female artist to get consistent play on MTV with her video for "How Will I Know."


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Bureaucracy of the DMV
People often complain about governmental bureaucracy, many times directing it at the federal government, which most people expect to have plenty of red tape. But a trip for a West Virginia Vehicle Registration renewal will give one a taste of that dilemma here in Parkersburg.
Many law-abiding folks graciously renew their vehicle registrations every year or two. And when they go over the "important checklist" listed on the top of their renewal application, one important item is glaringly left off! Item one on the checklist asks if you have "completed and signed statement of insurance on reverse side of renewal application or included a current insurance certificate for the vehicle being renewed?"
As one might guess that the little word "or" becomes very big in this transaction. The directions clearly give the respondent the choice of either filling in the insurance information or including a current insurance certificate for the vehicle being renewed. Nowhere does it clearly state that both conditions must be met.
Now for a person driving the vehicle for which the registration is being renewed, merely opening the glove compartment will probably solve the problem. But if one is renewing a registration for another type of vehicle this becomes a healthy dose of DMV/Wood County sheriff bureaucracy. Apparently they have the right to change the registration renewal process without the approval of the Legislature and without informing the general public. This means the owner will need to make a return trip to complete the transaction, a trip that could have been avoided if the real rules were being followed.
Even more thought provoking is the case for those that mail in their renewal form. How on earth would they know that they needed to request a duplicate insurance certificate from their agent and include it with their registration renewal submittal? They wouldn't until they found a) the people in the main DMV office adhere to the prescribed rule and return a new registration or b) they received a confusing letter, delaying their renewal and making them submit more information.
Luckily most people already set aside three times as much time as should be necessary to conduct normal business when dealing with the DMV due to the warnings of other folks who have endured the process, but unfortunately their way of doing business appears to be as contagious as a runny nose on a cold Mid-Ohio Valley February day and consequently filtering into other local services.
Jeff Fox


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The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations announced Thursday that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December was 5.2 percent, down from 5.3 percent in November.
The last time Hawaii had an unemployment rate of 5.2 percent or less was in October 2008.
Statewide, there were 613,300 employed and 33,500 unemployed in December, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 646,800. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.8 percent, unchanged from the revised rate of 7.8 percent in November.
Initial claims and weeks claims for unemployment benefits were both down by 319 claims, or 15.5 percent, and 2,600 claims, or 18.2 percent, respectively compared to one year ago. Between November and December, initial claims and weeks claims increased by 12.6 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively.
"I think the inflated unemployment claim is related to the New Year holiday this year. In 2012, the New Year's Day holiday was on Monday. This year, New Year's Day was on Tuesday," said Eugene Tian, Ph.D., Economic Research Administrator for the Research and Economic Analysis Division of the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. "The trend is that people wait until after the holiday to file for unemployment insurance. Last week, there were only 3 days to file, so many people may have moved to this week to file. "
Tian says a better comparison is a three-week interval. Between Dec. 31, 2011 and Jan. 14, 2012, there were 6,965 first-time claims. Between Dec. 29, 2012 and Jan. 12, 2013 there were 6,425 initial claims, a decrease of 7.8 percent.