text:
Tools to Help Your Business
Hear how businesses like yours are using technology to improve their bottom line.
Sign up for the Cisco Innovators Program, including the TechWise and BizWise newsletters, and have small business articles, videos and offers delivered directly to your inbox. Register Now
Subscribe to Cisco Small Business Articles:
Get the latest information from Cisco for small businesses like yours.
Be More Productive
File Storage: How to Use It So You Won't Lose Your Data
Learn how file storage systems can provide automated, secure backup functions and additional storage capacity for your business.
What Is a Network Switch?
Learn what a network switch is and how it differs from a router.
Small Phone Systems: The Basics
Which small phone systems will work for your business? Get an overview of the benefits that IP-based small phone systems offer, including better productivity, cost savings, and a host of advanced features.
Office Phone System: Designed to Help You Grow
See how an IP-based office phone system can help you reduce administrative costs, be more productive, collaborate better, and deliver superior customer service with advanced technologies that give your company the same communication tools that your larger competitors have.
How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller
Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.
Ten Tips for Making Your Business More Efficient
These 10 tips will help you work more efficiently, cut costs, improve customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition.
Productivity Begins with a Secure Network
Learn how a secure network, coupled with the power of wireless and IP communications, can make your business faster, smarter, and more adaptable.
Business Productivity: Preparing for a Boost
Help your company transition to a network with advanced communications tools, such as Cisco Unified Communications and video conferencing, by following these seven steps.
Unified Communications Offers Value to Small and Medium-Size Businesses - Manufacturing Companies
Survey conducted with over 350 Manufacturing companies around effectiveness, business value of Unified Communications.
Productivity Perks of a Secure Network
Collaborate with customers. Go global. Stay in touch around the clock. These are just some of the benefits that a secure Cisco network foundation can help your company achieve.
What You Need to Know About Voice and Conferencing
As your business grows, IP-based communications technology can provide the tools to help your business succeed.
Small Office Phone System: Getting Started
Before getting started with voice and conferencing, think about these five considerations.
PBX Providing Business Value?
Learn why businesses are finding value by moving their Small Business PBX systems toward unified communications solutions with IP PBX functionality.
Next-generation Office Phone System
With next-generation small office PBX systems, small businesses have the type of communications systems their larger competitors have, in a solution that's built especially for their needs and budgets.
Why Evolve Your Office Phone System
Learn about the benefits of an advanced small office pbx phone system.
Adding IP to Small Office PBX Telephone Systems
Instead of requiring two networks, next-generation small office PBX telephone systems only need one—which simplifies network management and administration costs.
Do What You Want with Your Phone System
A flexible phone system lets you connect employees and customers, enable collaboration, and access information from anywhere.
Big Benefits for Your Small Business -- Video, Data and Video Applications
Voice, data and even video applications are all possible with a small office phone system. Learn what one can do for your business.
Voice over IP FAQ
Find answers to questions that small businesses frequently ask about Voice over Internet Protocol (IP) and unified communications.
What is Voice over IP
What is Voice over IP? How is it different from unified communications? And how can it help your small business?
Small Office Phone System: Basic and Affordable
Learn how a small office phone system on a converged network makes basic and sophisticated business communications more affordable and effective.
Buyers Guide for Small Business Phone Systems
This buyer's guide helps small business owners decide which phone system is best for their business needs.
Connect Employees and Offices
Simplifying Technology: Ways to Connect Your Business (PDF - 1.4 MB)
Learn the who, why, how, and where of connecting a business so you can make informed technology decisions that save your company time and money.
Basic Networking: What You Need to Know
Learn about routers and switches, the basic hardware of networks, and make better decisions about the network design your business needs.
What Is a Network Switch?
Learn what a network switch is and how it differs from a router.
How Does a Network Switch Work?
Understand what a network switch does and how it works.
Considering Wireless Networking?
Understand common concerns about wireless networking and whether it's the right technology for your business.
Small Business Communication System: Three Reasons to Consider
Get an overview of how a small business communication system can improve day-to-day operations by providing easy access to all your applications, enhanced collaboration tools, and a flexible foundation for future growth.
Networking Solutions for Small Business
Learn how Cisco networking solutions for small business can help you compete better against larger companies while lowering communications costs, boosting efficiency, and improving customer service.
Small Business Phone Systems from Cisco
Collaborate in real time using a variety of applications from one easy-to-use interface. Small business phone systems from Cisco give you cost-effective and powerful communications capabilities.
How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller
Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.
The Power of Connections
Find out how Cisco Unified Communications and a virtual private network (VPN) can keep your most vital resource connected and productive no matter where they are.
Collaboration and the Competitive Edge
Collaboration can yield immediate and long term benefits; greater efficiency and enhanced margin and revenue.
Connected Businesses Win
Networks connect your world securely, reliably and more efficiently.
Small Business Networking: The Basics
Find out how a secure network foundation can change your business.
Preparing for an End-to-End Cisco Network
Planning advice for those considering a Cisco end-to-end network.
The Five Productivity Benefits of a Secure Network
A secure Cisco network foundation can help you continue to enhance your company's productivity in five ways.
Networking Basics: What You Need to Know
Find out how switches and routers operate in a network.
Unsung Heroes - How Routing & Switching Keep the Business Going
Routers and switches can improve a company's bottom line by enabling your company to increase productivity, cut business costs, and improve security and customer service.
Building a Small Office Network: Getting Started
An introduction to the business benefits of routing and switching technology. Learn what it can do for you.
Outpace the Competition
The benefits of a small-business computer network from Cisco can help you outpace the competition. Find out how.
Get Ahead with a Business Communications Network
By combining voice, video, and data on a single network, you can cut costs and do more. Learn how.
Small Business VoIP: All Your Communications in One Basket
Imagine your email, voice and video communications all on one secure, easy-to-manage network. That's just the beginning of what a small business VoIP network can do for you.
Using Your Phone for Competitive Advantage
Help your business work smarter, faster and more effectively with a small-business phone system from Cisco.
Use VoIP to Do More with Less
Enjoy the speed, flexibility, and security of unified communications on your own network.
Communications System: Putting it All Together
See how the elements of an IP-based communications system work together to enhance collaboration, boost productivity, and cut costs.
Learn What VoIP Can Do for You
VoIP helps improve productivity and efficiency. Learn how it can help you.
Do Business Better
Need Speed? 5 Ways to Tune Your Network with a LAN Switch
Steer traffic around congestion and reduce collisions. Two network experts share tips on segmenting, increasing capacity, VLAN routing, and more.
Results from Virtualization: Partner Cuts PC, Labor Costs
Picking the right IT partner paid off. This customer's desktop virtualization (VDI) saves it PC upgrade costs and transformed its user support.
Advice to Managers: Five Ways to Simplify Your PCI 2.0 Compliance
If the acronym "PCI" makes your heart race, you're in good company.
How to Protect Your Voice: Tips on IP Phone Security
Cybercriminals will happily tell you: IP telephony, known as VoIP, is a wonderful thing.
How to Get More Hours in Your Day: A Managed IT Service
How many staff hours would your business reclaim by outsourcing network maintenance and support?
Is Your Network Really Ready for Video? 10 Tips
Each day, more businesses are using video applications to communicate faster, collaborate and train more effectively, and reduce cycle times and travel expenses.
Why Insist on an Expert IT Partner: Costs Are Cut 30 Percent
Picking the right IT provider can make a big difference. This company immediately began saving thousands and will soon attain full ROI.
How to Win the Mobility Game: Set Up the Right Access Points
Connect users wherever they are, and offload their 3G/4G traffic. IT experts offer tips for WLAN security and top performance, anywhere.
The ROI of Virtualization: Get Big Results from Your Servers
How can your business cut costs by 50 percent? And also save on IT staffing? What is a virtual server? Here are the answers.
Four Steps to Virtualization: How to Start a Server Project
Server virtualization can lead to awesome ROI. Learn best practices for getting started, from IT experts who've been there and done that.
From the Cloud: How to Get Started with Telepresence
Any size business can now get the top videoconferencing experience--from a monthly subscription. Here's how to prepare your network.
How to Have the Best Sales Month
You can use a video conference technology--subscription-based telepresence--to close more sales, and close them faster. Get tips from one business that's doing it.
Better Budgets for 2012: Four Ways to Save on Security Essentials
Want a bigger salary or more job opportunities? See how to build your IT security expertise, including a new Cisco security certificate.
Take Control of Your Career: How to Become an IT Security Expert in 2012
Four ways you can lead your business to stronger IT security-without exhausting your techies or cash. Plus, risks that require fast action?
The Network Top 10: Technology Trends and Must-Haves for 2012
Line up for a fast, fun ride—it's all about more wireless network access, high performance, stronger security, and collaborating.
Five New Tips: How to Find an IT Partner That Will Cut Your Costs
Who do you trust? Learn strategies other businesses are using to get the IT expertise and services they need. Some start by checking IQ.
Results of the Right Network: Changes Cut Costs by 50 Percent
Discover how a small business uses its network to cut OpEx by up to $12,000 a year, save time, and improve its security and service.
How a Techie Built a Network That Cut Costs by 50 Percent
Discover how the network at a small business cut OpEx by up to $12,000 a year, saves time, and improves the company's security and service.
NAS Storage: What to Look For
Learn about the top features you should look for in a NAS storage appliance.
Stimulate Your Business
Q&A with the Small Business Administration on Recovery Act Opportunities for Small Businesses.
How to Get Ahead in a Challenging Economy
In this economy, there are so many challenges that it's tough to know where to focus. Here are some key tactics that can help you succeed.
Business Communication Tools for Tough Times
Right now, getting the most from your IT budget is critical. Find out what you should focus on to make your employees more productive and your business more competitive.
The Global Small Business
Learn how Cisco Unified Communications can help small and medium-sized businesses compete on a global scale.
How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller
Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.
Go Green with Ease: Five Steps for Small IT Shops
Five ways resource-strapped IT shops can save money and help the environment.
Business Loans for Women
Find out how Cisco is supporting the Make Mine a Million $ Business program, which offers business loans for women.
Ms. Million Dollar Business
Cisco is technology sponsor for Make Mine a Million $ Business, a program supporting women business owners with loans and technology.
The Building Blocks for Growth
Find out what tools are required for a company with 20 employees to grow to 100 employees within one year.
Big Things from Small Companies
Cisco's Supplier Diversity Business Development Program works to expand its network of small and diverse suppliers, both domestically and internationally.
The Benefits of a Cisco Partnership
When it comes to using your network for success, it's not only what you know, it's who you know.
Secure My Business
Is Your Network Security Ready for the Cloud? Take This Test
Traditional firewall blocking? Don't go there. Think more about context awareness, VPNs, and requirements for your cloud provider.
Get Real About the Security of Employees' Tablets, Smartphones
BYOD use on your network is inevitable. But it creates risks to business data and productivity. Learn 7 ways to protect your company.
Simplifying Technology: Secure Your Business (PDF - 2.9 MB)
This guide can help to relieve your worries about risk exposure. It presents simple, affordable ways to protect your business assets while providing appropriate access to information.
IP Camera Systems Offer More than Security
IP camera systems offer affordable, easy-to-administer video surveillance for physical security purposes. But did you know that an IP camera can also help improve productivity?
Eliminate the Roadblocks to Remote Access, and Save
Dramatically cut overhead by having your employees and contractors work remotely without sacrificing security.
Firewall Solutions for Small Business
See how firewall solutions for small business can help you control access to vital resources, boost productivity, minimize disruptions, and help support your changing business needs.
Small Business Firewall: Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ provides more details about how a small business firewall can help you safeguard your network and protect your business.
Small Business Firewall Software vs. Hardware Firewalls
Learn about the differences between small business firewall software and hardware-based firewalls. Get the information you need to build a comprehensive security solution that's right for your business.
Network Security Checklist
Complete this checklist to protect yourself against spammers, hackers, disasters, and other threats.
How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller
Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.
Five Steps Toward Disaster Preparedness
Consider these five key steps when implementing an effective disaster preparedness program for your company.
Small Business Security: What You Need to Know
Learn how you can safeguard your network against hackers, spammers, disasters, and more.
Network Security for Small Business: Things to Consider
Securing your network isn't just a defensive strategy. Read about the other benefits of a secure network.
As Strong as the Weakest Link
A step-by-step approach for building a powerful, flexible, and highly secure network.
Get a Head Start on Future Security Challenges
Smart planning up front will mitigate future security challenges. Learn what the key considerations are.;
What is Network Security?
Your computer network requires the same level of protection - if not more - than your office and its equipment.
How Security Pays Off
Discover the four critical benefits businesses gain from a secured network.
Small Business Computer Security
Small business computer security is essential to protecting your company from viruses, spyware, hackers, and other threats.
Small Business Network Solutions
Small business network technologies can help lower costs, improve security, and enhance customer service.
Align the Business with the Right Security Technology
Find out how to match the needs of your business with the right security technologies.
Serve Customers Better
Eight Strategies for First-rate Customer Service
These eight strategies will create relationships with your customers that will keep them coming back.
The Basics of Serving Customers Better
Customer satisfaction starts when you offer both a trouble-free shopping experience and a smooth business transaction. But you also have to anticipate and meet your customers' wants, not just needs.
How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller
Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.
Upgrading Your Network for CRM? Six Things to Consider
Thinking about adding customer relationship management tools to your Cisco Unified Communications phone system? Here are six things to consider before you upgrade your network.
Small Business VoIP: The Basics
See how combining voice and data on a single, secure network foundation with a small business voice over IP (VoIP) system can help you meet your biggest business challenges.
Serve Your Customer Better
Find out how customer relationship management (CRM) software and wireless connectivity can help your small business improve productivity, respond to customers quickly, and generate new business.
Unified Communications Offers Value To Small and Medium Businesses - Financial Services
Cisco commissioned Forrester Research to survey 374 companies to quantify how unified communications (UC) affect the small and medium-size business sector.
Small Business Phones
Small business phones using VoIP, unified messaging, video and other applications can help improve your customer relationships.
VoIP Can Reduce Operating Expenses
VoIP can dramatically reduce expenses and give you consistent quality of service and stronger security controls.
How Voice over IP Works
How Voice over IP works for your business is simple: adding voice to a data network will reduce costs, improve productivity, and enhance collaboration.
Get an Edge with Cisco IP Phones
When you join video, voice, and data together on your own easy-to-manage network, you can be much more productive.
Work from Anywhere
What Is a Wireless Local Area Network (LAN): WLAN FAQ
Learn what a wireless LAN is, the equipment you'll need, and the benefits you can expect.
Small Office Phones: The Benefits
Get an overview of the benefits that small office phones can deliver when connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network.
Wireless Networking FAQ: Learn about Wireless Networking
Understand common concerns about wireless networking and whether it's the right technology for your business.
Small Business Phone System: Business Benefits
Learn how businesses are taking advantage of voice, conferencing, and Cisco Unified Communications solutions.
Your Small Business Network from Cisco
Learn more about how a small business network can give you the secure, flexible, and cost-effective foundation you need to be productive and competitive.
Work Wherever You Want
Today's network lets you stay connected, access data, and make business decisions regardless of where you are. Learn about these and other benefits to working from anywhere.
The Virtual Office Checklist
Begin by covering access, security and flexibility.
Building Your Network for Growth and Innovation
Some tips to make sure your network will grow alongside your business.
What is a Wireless Network?
Find out how small businesses are using both wireless networks and WiFi hotspots to stay in touch with co-workers, customers, and partners, regardless of where they are.
How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller
Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.
Five Reasons to Go Wireless
Learn five reasons businesses are taking advantage of wireless LANs.
Wireless Networking: Five Questions to Start With
Once it's clear how a wireless LAN can help your business, these five considerations will help you get the project off the ground.
The Network Effect: Productivity
Find out how a small business network from Cisco Systems can help you increase productivity without increasing your workforce.


text:
Alumni Entrepreneurs
A. Thomas Wolf, BA, 1983
T. Wolf Photography
Type of Business
Retail Apparel, Greeting Cards, Photography
Contact Information
2019 Park Street
Houston, TX 77019
Phone: (713)520-7759
Fax: (281)220-8370
Description of Business or Organization
I have been a photographer for over 35 years. My primary business is travel, landscape and architectural photography. I also produce a apparel line of thematic t-shirts using my trademarked phrase "Visualize The Journey™ " which incorporates my original photographic images with the phrase. Additionally, I produce a line of greeting/note cards displaying my images. These items are available both on a retail and wholesale level.
How did Evergreen prepare you for your professional life?
I graduated from evergreen over 27 years ago and I still talk about my great experiences to this day. The constant reading, analyzing and writing prepared me to clearly analyze and concisely express my conclusions throughout my entire business career. This was the best educational decision I ever made.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Debate in Turkey Over Armenia Monument: Modern Art or a Blight on the Landscape?
January 10, 2011 by All Art News
Filed under Sculpture
ISTANBUL (AP).- Modern art or a blight on the landscape? A giant monument to friendship between historic enemies Turkey and Armenia has become a symbol of controversy rather than healing. Turkey's prime minister said the monument near the Armenian border is a "freak" that overshadows a nearby Islamic shrine, underscoring complex tensions in predominantly Muslim Turkey over religious piety and free expression in a society torn between the modern and the traditional. The monument features a divided human figure, with [...]


text:
I created Mysql Database Conenction with simple fetch data
Code: Select all
$username = "root";
$password = "test";
$hostname = "localhost";
//connection to the database
$dbhandle = mysql_connect($hostname, $username, $password)
or die("Unable to connect to MySQL");
echo "Connected to MySQL
";
//select database to work with
$selected = mysql_select_db("db_dwebsticker",$dbhandle)
or die("Could not select database name");
//execute the SQL query and return records
$result = mysql_query("SELECT d_id, d_prtno, d_inch FROM d_tblsticker");
//fetch the data from the database
while ($row = mysql_fetch_array($result)) {
echo "ID:".$row{'d_id'}."
";
echo "Part Number:".$row{'d_prtno'}."
";
echo "Size by Inches:".$row{'d_inch'}."
";
- Connected to MySQL
Part Number:01
Size by Inches:12"
Part Number:02
Size by Inches:4"
is there someone who can able to guide or give some script that can able to next to the ID 2
instead of showing in one page just like ID 1 and ID 2
please help


text:
Kauai Ocean Safety officials say there have been four drownings off Kauai this year compared to two drownings for all of 2012.
The latest incident happened Wednesday in Poipu when 71-year-old Wendy Anderson, of Colorado, had been swimming in waters off Poipu Beach.
According to a police report, beachgoers located the woman lying face down in the water at 11:49 a.m. and called 911 for help.
Bystanders pulled the woman to shore and began performing CPR until rescuers arrived.
Anderson was transported to Wilcox Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Kauai County had 12 drownings in 2011.
"We have great partnerships with the visitor industry and we try very hard to be proactive about ocean safety, so it's incredibly discouraging for all of us to have to report the fourth drowning already this year," states Kauai Fire Chief Robert Westerman. "Everyone agrees that Kauai is paradise but paradise comes with its fare share of dangers, and we're going to continue to do our best to educate the public on those dangers before they take part in any outdoor activity, particularly swimming in the ocean. Each and every one of us can help educate our visitors -- whether we work at a hotel, rental car agency, a restaurant, an activity company or just observe someone taking risks in or near the ocean. The simple act of reaching out could save a life. "
During the winter months, lifeguards recommend swimming at one of the lifeguarded beaches on the east and south shores, such as Morgan's Ponds at Lydgate Beach, Poipu Beach Park, or Salt Pond Beach.
Lifeguards urge inexperienced swimmers and surfers to avoid visiting north shore beaches due to the high surf activity and large breaking waves that sweep the shoreline.
In addition, rescuers offer the following tips on how to stay safe while visiting Kauai's beaches:
- Always swim near a lifeguard tower. If you can't see the lifeguard, the lifeguard can't see you.
- Look for any posted warning signs. Read and heed them!
- Watch the ocean conditions for at least 20 minutes before entering the water. The ocean can look calm in between dangerous sets of waves.
- If you're unfamiliar with the area, ask someone who is knowledgeable about the potential hazards, such as a local fisherman or surfer.
- Check the weather forecast or www.kauaiexplorer.com for daily ocean reports.
- And when in doubt, don't go out!
"We want people to hear our message before we hear from them. Once we get a call for help there's only so much we can do to save someone's life," added Chief Westerman. "But if we can all work together to help to spread the message and take personal responsibility to be careful and smart, we hope people can enjoy all of what Kaua'i has to offer in a way that is both fun and safe. That's our ultimate goal."


text:
Patton gave a report to the city council during the June 10 city council meeting regarding a recent incident where two dogs had died while they were in the city's animal control facility. Photos of the dogs were posted online and many people expressed anger over the situation through online comments and emails to city officials.
In his report, Patton described the situation and emphasized that the dogs were fed and given water on a daily basis and the dead dogs were removed within less than a day after they had died in the facility. He said the dogs were in poor health when they were picked up and placed at the facility.
"Any suggestion that animals are neglected and become malnourished after being placed in the shelter is incorrect," Patton said.
Lessons were learned, Patton said. Animals have been kept at the facility longer than they should have been and the shelter had not been properly secured. Severely malnourished or diseased animals should be promptly euthanized and adoption, he explained, is the best option for animals with curable health issues.
Between May 21 and June 10, 15 animals have been adopted and two were euthanized, Patton said.. There are two dogs and one litter of cats currently at the facility.
Patton recommended that the animal control department be placed under the supervision of the Kenedy Police Department, which at one time had been the case.
He also recommended that the current animal control officer be assigned exclusively to the city's code compliance department and that the city should begin seeking qualified applicants for the position of animal control officer.
The city should work closely with volunteers and other organizations to help find homes for adoptable animals in the facility, Patton said.
"Going into this adoption, thing," Councilman Ken Reiley said. "It is my firm belief that there are some people out there that want to adopt animals. But with the population of Karnes County, being what it is, I doubt that we will ever get to a facility where you can count on that occurring."
Reiley asked Patton asked how long the animals should be kept before being euthanized.
Patton said they animals should be kept a minimum of three days, but not many days beyond that. He said he does not recommend keeping the animals for several weeks.
Mayor Randy Garza said the three day period should be stretched to give the animals a better chance to be adopted.
"Especially if we still have capacity – if we still have four or five kennels open," Garza said. "I just feel like there should be some type of hope. If we give them a few extra days then maybe they will recover and then there will be somebody there to rescue them."
Patton said he would be willing to stretch the time a few days, but if not adopted within a week, the animals should then be euthanized.
Reiley said the department should establish what the maximum capacity for the facility is, and then take whatever steps are needed to ensure that the capacity of the facility stays within that limit.
Councilman H. J. Kolinek suggested a "first in, first out" policy in regard to determining the timeline for disposal of the animals.
Police Chief Duane DuBose told the council that when the department was under the supervision of the police department, animals were routinely and often transported to places where they would have a better chance of being adopted, one time as far away as Bandera.
"We worked the phone system as best as we could, back then," DuBose said, noting that animals were sometimes taken to the Humane Society facility in San Antonio.
Garza asked if veterinary care for animals at the facility could be considered.
"If the animal is obviously injured or diseased, there is really only one thing that needs to be done to that animal," Patton said. "Any others, we could seek the opinion of a licensed veterinarian. We could start getting into quite an expensive operation if we do that for virtually every animal. Please keep in mind that the vast majority of animals that we recover, are not in good condition, otherwise they wouldn't be out wandering the streets."
Putting the animals out of their misery is the humane thing to do and important to controlling the city's stray population, Patton said.
Reiley made a motion to place animal control under the supervision of the police department. The motion was seconded and was approved by the council. He made another motion to seek qualified applicants to fill the full time position of animal control officer. This motion was also seconded and approved by the council.
"It doesn't make much sense to try to determine whether or not that dog is salvageable if it is going to take a month or so to recover," Reiley said. "If we are only going to keep him 72 hours or a week at the most, then it doesn't make much sense to take him to the vet to see if they are recoverable. I understand these are living animals, but at the same time, if you look at the purpose of the pound, the pound is to protect the public from stray animals. It is not to find a home for every stray dog in the city. It is just not a workable situation unless we are going to end up with a warehouse out there full of dogs and cats."
"Everybody needs to be reasonable about this," Reiley said. "And not expect something from us that we can't provide. All that is going to do is create a bunch of hard feelings throughout the community. We don't need that. We are trying to do a service for the community."
Joseph Avalos, representing the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), told the council that grant funding is available that can enhance the city's animal control program. He offered to assist the city with seeking such funding.
Loretta Thiele spoke to the council and expressed thanks to city officials who have indicated a willingness to help improve the city's animal control department. Thiele said she and others are working to find homes for as many of the animals in the facility as possible through a network of volunteers.


text:
The Prime Minister of Ukraine has resigned hours before a planned vote of no confidence by Parliament that could have stripped him of his powers. NBC News' Ian Williams has the latest from Kiev.
KIEV – Ukraine's prime minister resigned Tuesday, just hours before the country's parliament voted in favor of repealing a set of anti-protest laws which had triggered violent unrest in Kiev.
Mykola Azarov said he wanted to step down because of the threat to the economy caused by the deadly anti-government protests, Reuters reported.
Opposition leader Lesya Orobyets wore bulletproof vest to #Ukraine Parliament meeting today. http://t.co/KumJUpLPlZ pic.twitter.com/MO4xF7e61h— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) January 28, 2014
President Viktor Yanukovych will now have to appoint a whole new government. Earlier this month, Yanukovych pushed through laws to crack down on protests and raise possible prison sentences for creating mass disorder.
However, Azarov's resignation appeared unlikely to satisfy the demands of protesters who have besieged the capital's main square and occupied government buildings.
"We would like the president and the parliament to resign as well. Look at the situation, look at the number of people who have been killed and the number of people who are missing who we think have been killed as well, so that's why we want the president and the parliament to go as well," a protester who would only give his first name, Alexander, said.
Demonstrators at the "Euromaidan" protest camp in Kiev's main square remain opposed to Yanukovych's regime, which in November abandoned a free trade agreement with the European Union in favor of an economic and customs union with Russia.
"Nobody knows what's going to happen next, we don't even know what's going to happen tonight, but, honestly speaking, I don't think Yanukovych is going to resign," another protester who would only give his first name, Sergei, told NBC News.
BREAKING NEWS: Nikolay Azarov Prime Minister of Ukraine resigns his post
|PR News #Euromaidan #Digitalmaidan #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/U2BybyNc2X— Euromaidan PR (@EuromaidanPR) January 28, 2014
Campaigners are angry at the switch away from Europe and Yanukovych's anti-protest laws set off violent clashes.
"Normally, this resignation would be a good solution, but among the people there is zero trust in the government," said Roman Romanov, program director at Ukraine's Renaissance Foundation, a non-profit think tank founded by George Soros.
Azarov is an ally of Yanukovych, who appointed him in 2010 to steer the country out of an economic crisis caused by crippling debt.
His resignation came as the country's parliament debated whether to repeal the anti-protest laws. The parliamentary session began with a moment of silence for those killed in the recent unrest.
Pro-government demonstrators, however, also remained steadfast in their support of Yanukovych.
"We're here to show that we're against the government revolt and against the violent action directed at police, and we're here to give our support to the president, who was elected officially," said Alexander Zinchenko, who runs the pro-government tent camp.
Zinchenko said he and the other supporters were in favor of a peaceful resolution of the ongoing unrest.
"I'm sure there is always a peaceful ending of any conflict and peace is always better than war," he said.
NBC News' Alastair Jamieson reported from London. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This story was originally published on Tue Jan 28, 2014 5:27 PM EST


text:
Please Note: By clicking a link to any resource listed on this page, you will be leaving this site.
Children's Television Workshophttp://www.sesameworkshop.orgThis site, from the creators of Seasame Street, offers activities and advice for you and your kids.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)http://www.aap.orgThe AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-
Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com


text:
Maybe it was his landlubberly upbringing, but it took writer Mike Norton quite a while to stop thinking of the water as "forbidden territory" and start thinking of it as a big blue playground. Now, after 35 years as a resident of Traverse City, he loves to get out on Grand Traverse Bay in almost any way he can.
I first came to Traverse City to be near the water. That's not surprising, I guess; so do thousands of other people.
Water, after all, is what defines this place. It's the beautiful backdrop for our family photos, the sparkling blue boundary to our beaches, the ever-changing spectacle that mesmerizes us at sunrise and sunset and all the hours in between.
Pretty? Of course it is. But beauty is really only half the story — because I've learned that once you venture out on its shimmering surface, the water becomes more than part of the scenery. It becomes a highway to adventure.
With more than 150 inland lakes and hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Traverse City has always attracted active vacationers who enjoy interacting with water – whether that means sailing, boating, kayaking, fishing, or high-speed sports from waterskiing to kiteboarding. The reason? Grand Traverse Bay, a two-pronged "freshwater fjord" that's sheltered on three sides from the wind and waves that can make the open waters of Lake Michigan too intimidating for many novices.
Probably the quickest way to get out on the water is in a canoe or kayak. Long a favorite canoe destination, the area has become hugely popular with kayakers in recent years. Today almost every coastal community in the Traverse City area has at least one canoe/kayak rental outlet, and there are several full-service outfitters who offer instruction and guiding services. (And take it from me, it doesn't take long to learn!)
I love paddling effortlessly down a tree-shaded river without a care in the world, or heading out along the beach in a sturdy kayak. Most of our rivers are tame enough for novice paddlers, with just enough current to keep things interesting, and today's kayaks are made for people of every age and aptitude. Just pack some sunscreen and a shore lunch — and don't forget your camera!
For those who are looking for something a bit different, stand-up paddleboarding is one of the recent crazes on our lakes and harbors. Instead of sitting on a board, you stand up – getting great views of your surroundings, including the watery depths beneath your feet! SUP'ing is great fun, wonderful exercise, and easy to learn, and there are plenty of places to rent a board if you don't already own one.
As long as we're on the subject of boards, Traverse City has long been a major destination for kiteboarding, where you harness the wind to pull you across the water on a small surfboard. This takes some instruction– which can fortunately be acquired in a few hours – but using a special kite and a control harness, you can really move, skimming across the lake and launching 30-foot jumps over the waves!
There are easier ways to speed across the water of course. Jet skis and other personal watercraft can be rented at several location around Traverse City – and although they're faster than ever, they're a far cry from the noisy, smelly, uncomfortable machines of the past. Today's personal watercraft are actually more like small speedboats, a useful way to get from one place to another. (And yes, to have a lot of fun buzzing up and down the shore.)
Of course, the proliferation of all these boards and machines doesn't mean there aren't still lots of regular boats on the water in Traverse City. Flocks of sailboats are always winging up and down the Bay in breezy weather, and there are plenty of powerboats, too – usually towing water-skiers or heading out to do a little fishing. If fishing is your private passion, this is the perfect place – whether it's battling a high-powered salmon from the deck of a charter boat or outwitting the wily walleye and smallmouth bass of our inland lakes.
And for those who prefer their excitement a little more organized, how about a sunset cruise in a 19th-century "tall ship" or an exhilarating ride over the waves aboard a giant catamaran?
Undoubtedly, the most easily recognized vessel in the Traverse City fleet is the Tall Ship Manitou, a 114-foot, 62-passenger schooner that offers three two-hour cruises across the bay each day of the week, as well as a number of specialty cruises (a Microbrew & Pizza Cruise, a Wine Tasting Cruise, musical cruises and "ice cream sails"). And now the Manitou has a little brother, the cutter Scout, that's available for small-group cruises of up to six people.
An even livelier sailing experience can be had aboard the Nauti-Cat, a 47-foot catamaran based near the mouth of the Boardman River. Measuring 29 feet from side to side, it offers up to four cruises per day during the summer months, often cruising as fast as 14 knots on a breezy day.
Can you tell how eager I am to get back out on the water?
Mike Norton, a native of Grand Rapids, spent 25 years as newspaper writer and columnist before starting a second career as media relations director at the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau. An avid kayaker and an enthusiastic (if somewhat clumsy) small-boat sailor, he lives in the village of Old Mission.


text:
Letter was misleadingFebruary 13,2013
Letter was misleading
This letter is in response to a Montpelier city officials letter in Tuesdays Times Argus which suggests that the town of Berlin has not communicated with the city regarding options for a water supply in the town. Nothing could be further from the truth. This letter is misleading and was published at the last minute in The Times Argus for the sole purpose of trying to defeat todays bond vote. The town has been meeting with city officials for several years, and at one time in 2010 the two municipalities were discussing the purchase of water from the city at a rate that did not exceed $7.29 per 1,000 gallons. On July 20, 2012, the city insisted on a different arrangement that resulted in a bulk water purchase rate in the range of $11 per 1,000 gallons. This rate is about twice the estimated cost to Berlin customers than if the town used the state-approved town wells, and the city has been informed that its proposed water rate is not acceptable.
The state-approved wells in Berlin produce a quality of water that analysis has shown to be superior than even the technologically advanced treated water from the city plant. The well water is of such high quality it does not require the treatment that the citys surface supply requires. Approved volumes are sufficient to provide predicted connections to the system once it is constructed.
The proposed system, which requires a positive bond vote to proceed with final design and to develop the financial package, will provide safe, high-quality water to Berlin customers at almost half the cost of purchasing water from Montpelier. Fire protection including hydrants will greatly benefit the town, and insurance costs may go down while the tax base may increase. Only users of the proposed system will pay, and connection to the system is completely discretionary.
I have felt compelled to write this letter in order to assure Berlin residents that we have tried to work with the city over the years, but the high cost of water from the city did not serve Berlin customers well. Last-minute letters from the city of Montpelier should not try to influence affairs in a neighboring community and todays bond vote.
Tom Willard
Berlin Water CommitteeMORE IN LettersA sixth-offense DUI gets plead down to a misdemeanor. A breathalyzer is refused. Full StoryBurr Morses recollection (Whats good for the goose, Nov. Full StoryMSNBC news analyst Rachel Maddows report on the election of Republican Rutherford B. Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed


text:
'Star Trek: Next Generation': Where are they now?
Published On: Sep 28 2012 02:39:34 AM CDT Updated On: Jul 13 2015 01:00:00 AM CDT
In honor of Patrick Stewart, who celebrates his 75th birthday on Monday, take a look at him and his "Star Trek: The Next Generation" co-stars then and now.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.


text:
Dairy organization to open in Windsor
- published_in
- News Stories
The dairy farmer-owned cooperative has hired two new employees and is relocating five others to a 3,240-square-foot office in Pelican Point Business Park in Windsor, according to the cooperative.
"The expiration of our lease coincided with our desire to relocate to Weld County, where dairy growth is strongest in the state," Kristi Dale, spokeswoman for the cooperative, said in an e-mail. "One key benefit of the new office is the opportunity for more meetings with potential and existing members in close proximity to the growth areas and a number of existing dairies."
California-based J.D. Heiskell, a livestock feed producer, also leased office space in the business park.
The move to 1613 Pelican Lakes Point in Windsor from Thornton comes as the national cooperative's Colorado membership grows "at a pace consistent with the needs of Leprino's new plant in Greeley," according to the cooperative.
Most of the growth has come from expansion among the cooperative's current members, Dale said. In addition, several dairies have leased land or are in various stages of planning and construction.
The cooperative has agreed to supply milk for the Leprino plant, which someday will have capacity for additional production that would require 50,000 cows, according to the cooperative.
About 30,000 dairy cows will be needed by the end of the year to produce 4.5 million pounds of milk for the factory.
Dennis Rodenbaugh, the cooperative's senior vice president and chief operating officer, is one of the staffers who will relocate to the Windsor office.
"Establishing an office in Northern Colorado is a natural fit as we expand our resources to successfully meet the growth needs of existing and future customers," Rodenbaugh said.
In addition to Rodenbaugh, the two new employees, both operations specialists, will work in Windsor. One will focus on member and internal communications while the other will handle inventory and risk management for plants, logistics and operations.
Want to see more? Login or Subscribe.


text:
Ragnarok - The Animation
Is That the Best You Can Do?
Episode 4 | TV-PG
Roan and Yufa are joined by Maya and Takius as they return to the dungeons of Geffen Tower. Their quest: to defeat the lurking evil that plagues the tower once and for all.
Official Site: www.funimation.com/shows/ragnarok-the-animationHide Details


text:
|Found 1068 Recipes
|Revise this Search New Search
Angel Acres Cranberry Glazed Hamby angelacres This recipe comes from my mother-in-law Carol Deibel and she is a fabu..
Peanut Butter Cheesecakeby kanthony39us Delicious Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe Perfect For Any Occasion.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Pound Cakeby Sweets Treats and More Another great recipe passed on by my Grandmother. She always made muff..
Macaroon Bars with Apricots and Cherriesby krkapple Yum, yum, yum--macaroons in bar form. This combination of flavors wor..
Pumpkin Chai Blondies with Spiced Cream Cheese Frostingby krkapple These blondies are dense and chewy and pumpkinny-spicy-good. Not just..
Cranberry Turtle barsby krkapple If you've never made your own caramel, don't be scared. It's pretty c..
Butterscotch Bondies with Chocolate Ganacheby krkapple This very decadent treats were made for a baby shower. The mama-to-be..
Olive Deviled Eggsby kimberly This is a tangy deviled egg recipe that used olives and spicy brown mu..
Mexican Chocolate Browniesby foodiebride These mexican chocolate brownies are a great combination of sweet and ..
Sweet Potato Praline Pieby HolidaysCentral Pralines are a traditional candy patties consisting of sugar, cream an..
Stick to Your Mouth Peanut Butter Cookiesby Imbakingat6237ft A recipe I enjoy making over and over and over and over. I prefer the ..
Lil' Smokiesby TeekKitchenTakeover Little smokies wound up in hearty bread wrapping makes this appetizer ..
Allergy-friendly vegan lemon shortbreadby theblendergirl So, when I set about creating an allergy-friendly shortbread recipe th..


text:
Healing Touch is an "energy therapy" that uses gentle hand techniques thought to help re-pattern the patient's energy field and accelerate healing of the body, mind, and spirit.
Healing Touch is based on the belief that human beings are fields of energy that are in constant interaction with others and the environment [12]. The goal of Healing Touch is to purposefully use the energetic interaction between the Healing Touch practitioner and the patient to restore harmony to the patient's energy system.
In a Healing Touch session, the practitioner begins with a centering process to calm the mind, access a sense of compassion, and become fully present with the patient. The practitioner then focuses intention on the patient's highest good and places his or her hands lightly on the patient's body or makes sweeping hands motions above the body.
Healing Touch practitioners believe that this process balances and realigns energy flow that has been disrupted by stress [13], pain, or illness. The process eliminates blockages in the energy field so that the patient is in an optimal state for healing to occur.
Healing Touch complements other healing techniques a patient may already be using, including conventional medical practice in hospitals, clinics and in-home care, or other body-mind oriented therapies such as massage [11], guided imagery [8], music therapy [14], acupressure, biofeedback [9], and psychotherapy. It is not intended as a cure.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [15] (NCCIH), this category of complementary therapies involves the use of various types of energy fields. In general, the goal of energy therapies is to bring energy into the patient or balance the energy within a patient.
There are many kinds of energy therapies, some which use treatments such as light, sound, and magnets. These treatments are relatively easy to measure. Other kinds of energy therapies, such as Healing Touch, Reiki [3], Qigong [2], and therapeutic touch [4], are "intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body." These therapies cannot be as easily measured or researched.
Even though the results of these therapies have not been measured quantitatively in a reliable way, some new instruments, such as the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) are showing promise for research with energy therapies.
Moreover, and importantly, many of the techniques used in energy therapies come from practices in shamanistic [5] and Asian traditions with thousands of years of use. For example, more than 2,000 years ago, Asian healers believed that the flow and balance of life energies were important in maintaining health, and that illnesses were due to energy imbalances. They developed therapies and practices, such as acupuncture [7], yoga [6], and Qigong [2] to correct these imbalances. Modern energy therapies such as Healing Touch are based on the same principles.
Healing Touch was developed as a touch therapy program by Janet Mentgen, a nurse who has used energy-based care in her practice in Colorado since 1980. Mentgen and some of her colleagues developed a training program that incorporated the techniques of many well-known healers, as well as concepts borrowed from ancient shamanic and aboriginal healing traditions.
An evolving Healing Touch curriculum supports students in broadening and deepening their skills as energy healers as they move from the beginner to advanced level.
[1] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/sites/default/files/xHealing%20touch%20theme_0.jpg
[2] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/qigong
[3] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reiki
[4] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/therapeutic-touch
[5] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/shamanism
[6] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/yoga
[7] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/acupuncture
[8] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/imagery
[9] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/biofeedback
[10] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/creative-therapies
[11] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/massage-therapy
[12] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/create-healthy-lifestyle/environment
[13] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/create-healthy-lifestyle/stress-mastery
[14] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/creative-arts-therapies
[15] https://nccih.nih.gov/
[16] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/glossary/3#term42
[17] https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health
[18] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/our-experts/marilyn-bach-ms-aprn-bc-chtp
[19] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/activities/visit-healing-touch-practitioner
[20] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/activities/chakra-connection-high-bandwidth
[21] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/activities/magnetic-passes-high-bandwidth
[22] http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/activities/clearing-pain-spike-high-bandwidth


text:
- Circular (23)
- Rectangular (264)
- Runner (22)
Do you want to hide those little marks and blemishes on your floor or carpet, compliments of your adorable children?
An easy solution is to add rugs to your rooms.
As well as looking great, rugs have many practical benefits. They can add warmth to a room by taking the chill off cold floors, and placing rugs in your home can also help to create a feeling of intimacy. Rugs can also reduce the noise level in a room, particularly if you have wooden or laminate flooring.
We offer a range of high quality, durable rugs in a range of traditional and modern styles, which include both plain and patterned rugs, all delivered direct to your door. Many of our rugs come in a range of colours, so you should be able to find one that will enhance the look of your room. Our rugs also provide excellent value for money, and we offer great discounts on some of the styles available.
All of our rugs also qualify for our no quibble refund policy, so you buy a rug and decide that you don�t want it, you can return it for a full refund, no questions asked.
How terrific is that?
|First Name
|Last Name
|Address 2
|Post Code


text:
Rawhide spends $1.5M to cut pollution
- published_in
- Today's News
The move, completed last month, should reduce nitrogen oxides emissions by about 30 percent, said John Bleem, Platte River Power Authority customer and environmental services division manager.
Platte River spent a total of $11.5 million as it shut down its facilities to perform maintenance and replace parts and machinery while making the upgrade.
The investment helps Rawhide maintain its status as among the nation's cleaner power plants, though environmentalists say it could do more.
They say that recent improvements by Rawhide to reduce its nitrogen oxides do little to reduce climate-altering carbon dioxide emissions.
"We need to move away from reliance on coal and shift towards reliance on cleaner energy sources,´ said Gwen Farnsworth, senior energy policy advisor for Boulder-based environmental group Western Resource Advocates.
Rawhide emits less sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides on average compared with other plants throughout the United States, according to Platte River.
Citing Environmental Protection Agency figures, Platte River spokeswoman Rae Todd said Rawhide ranks 153rd out of 472 reporting U.S. coal-fired power plants for nitrogen oxides emissions. It ranks 37th out of 429 plants for sulfur dioxide emissions.
Nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and, like sulfur dioxide, can cause respiratory system problems, according to the EPA.
Platte River also installed equipment in Rawhide to reduce mercury emissions two years before the state of Colorado required the reduction. The utility plans to reduce mercury emissions even further by 2018.
Other coal-fired plants nationwide have struggled to keep up with tightening air pollution regulations. Companies such as GenOn Energy Inc. and Midwest Generation separately announced closures of several coal-fired power plants last month.
The situation may only become more difficult for coal-fired plants.
In late March, EPA proposed the first federal standard to limit carbon pollution from new power plants. The move reflected a trend in the industry to build cleaner power plants, including ones using natural gas, the agency said.
The rule would not affect power plants like Rawhide or plants whose construction will start within the next year, according to EPA.
Bleem credits Rawhide's relative youth – it started generating commercial power in 1984 – compared with older plants that lack the space to add new emission-control equipment. The power plant also pays more for low-sulfur coal from Wyoming's Powder River Basin.
"We're hoping to stay ahead of what the requirements are for future regulations," Bleem said.
Rawhide maintains a 280-megawatt coal-fired unit as well as five natural gas-fired combustion turbines. Platte River, a wholesale provider of electricity to Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont and Estes Park, operates the power plant.
Platte River first upgraded the plant to reduce nitrogen oxides by about 40 percent several years ago, Bleem said. The utility spent about $25 million on those upgrades at Rawhide and another coal-fired plant it operates in Craig.
Since then, Platte River has made additional changes to improve efficiency, which has resulted in lower emissions, Bleem said.
Kevin Cross, convener for the Fort Collins Sustainability Group, welcomed the emission reductions, but said he would like to see the plant generate a greater share of its electricity from natural gas and renewable energy.
Rawhide should be converted to burn natural gas to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, Cross wrote in an email.
In addition, Platte River "should aggressively develop wind and solar generating capacity in order to reduce the use of all fossil fuels to a bare minimum amount within the next two decades," Cross wrote.
Cities also should step up their efforts to reduce electric energy use by their customers, he added.
Platte River already generates electricity from renewable sources such wind energy and hydropower.
Rawhide also maintains more natural-gas generation capacity – 388 megawatts – than coal. Natural gas provides electricity during Platte River's peak load periods such as during weekday summer afternoons.
Still, it tends to generate most of its electricity from coal because even with record slumps in natural-gas prices, coal costs less.
"If somebody said, 'We really want you to run more gas,' we could do that but it would raise everybody's rates," Bleem said.
Environmentalists believe that coal presents indirect costs not considered by utilities.
The toll of coal emissions on environmental and human health could outweigh the savings, Farnsworth said.
"People in the West value highly the natural landscape and clean air," she said. "That value needs to be integrated into policy and decision-making on our energy sources."
Want to see more? Login or Subscribe.


text:
Bead Neck Blouse
Style: 570105846
Out of Stock
Silky tunic features a lacy fleur de lis print, and steel-blue pearls along the V-neckline.
- Easy fit.
- Slightly tailored with bust darts and an inverted pleat at back yoke. Bracelet-length sleeves. Side vents.
- 97% polyester, 3% spandex. Acrylic pearls. Hand wash. Do not dry clean. Imported.
- Regular length: 28.5" from shoulder.
- Petite length: 28" from shoulder.
Read more… Read less…


text:
From the Vault: 2008
It's been a grindfest at times, but I've finally completed my "Trawled the Archives" badge. So here you are ladies and gentlemen the final installment of our trip down memory lane. Ahhh, 2008 a good time…feels like only last year we were having deathmatches with aliens, a good jump with the Mighty Jill, drinking coffee […]Continue reading →


text:
A good system.
More comments in a few weeks after we start entering more and more on the mecanics...
Perhaps the best "generic" RPG that doesn't use an abstract or "storytelling" system; however it does have a few problems.
Let me say first, Savage Worlds was one of the best gaming investments I have ever made. I really wanted to rate this game a 5; but the "problems" with the book make it a 4, sadly. It is easy to use, yet highly detailed. It is completely customizable without major rules modifications.
In game design, you are forced to make judgment calls and people will not always agree if Tracking is part of the Survival skill or a stand alone one. With SW, the GM uses his "setting rules" to make some of these "splits". My major problem with the game, however, is some fairly "silly" inaccuracies and some holes in basic mechanics.
This may sound very nitpicky; but the rules use a six foot "inch" "to be compatible with 28mm miniatures". Huh!? Even if two companies made the same size 28mm miniatures, 5 feet to would be more correct than six feet. 1/72 miniatures are exactly 1"=6'; but even 25mm miniatures are not 1"=6'. Problem fixed, easy enough, 5 foot or 6 foot squares depending on your miniatures.
The miniature conversion is just an example of some of the mistakes that were made translating "real world" items. Is a 44 Magnum more powerful than a 357 Magnum? Open to debate and may very with setting. At what point does a knife shift from "Improvised Weapon" to "d4 Weapon", the same. When does a Great Sword weigh 12 pounds, cause a -1 to your parry and is usable by a d12 Strength without penalty, only is a very particular setting. While I can "believe" a Maul could way 20 pounds (heavier than a 16 pound sledge hammer), the "core" rule book should not have said "Great Sword". "Barbarian Sword" could be a setting weapon. A Great Sword is real and weighs is at about 8 pounds and is EXCELLENT for parrying.
Again, I am not trying to nitpick. I have lived for years with D&D having a Short Sword, Long Sword and Bastard Sword when a Long Sword is a Bastard Sword; but they have a specific setting for their game. They can call an Arming Sword whatever they want! The core book lists the weight of armor and states that it weighs "much more when not being worn". Many U.S. Soldiers will be grateful that their Flak Jackets are only heavy when they are not wearing them. Well, until they put them on. I understand that listing an "Encumbrance Weight" is different than "actual weight". This is a split the Designer has to make and a "setting" may change it further.
In conclusion, Savage World is a MUST have game. They have even secured the rights to some games that have been "dead" for years and for many of them, conversion to Savage Worlds was a necessary improvement. The mechanics handle man to man and larger battles with the same ease and rules. Character generation is simple; but creates unique characters quickly. The core book is extremely useful in helping create your own campaigns and offers several ready to play.
With only minor adjustments this game could easily become an industry standard. I play in a lot of settings and this will probably become my new game engine for most of them. I just hate making "house rules" where those rules could have been easily addressed in the core book. I don't know if one is available; but it would also be nice to have a Players' Manual with just the character generation and basic rules.
This edition of Savage Worlds Deluxe is PHENOMENAL! It contains all the flavor and mechanics you would need to start up a new campaign setting. The listed rules are easy to learn and compiled in a quick-to-follow structure. There are alternative rules to add to your game, as well as pre-made one-page adventures. Not a page is wasted on artwork or text in this master compendium of Savage Worlds rules. Great for fast-paced, light-hearted adventures or serious, dark dramas. I've played the Savage Worlds system through space pirates, Dinopocalypse survivalists, and earth-invading brain parasites. Of the numerous alternative systems I've tried out, this has been my favorite, surpassing FATE: Spirit of The Century and D&D 2.0-4e by miles. For only 9.99? I would have bought this PDF for its original price at 29.99. It's fully intact and you can use the word finder function if you need to (a big deal-sealer for me).
I Highly recommend this file. 5/5 stars.
Savage Worlds is a generic cinematic simulationist RPG, with miniature skirmish rules. Savage Worlds Deluxe: Explorer's is the newest edition, providing an update to the third printing of Savage Worlds Explorer's Edition. Savage Worlds is published by Pinnacle Entertainment, with settings Evernight, 50 Fathoms, Necessary Evil, Rippers, Low Life, Deadlands: Reloaded, Tour of Darkness, Necropolis, and Weird War II. Just under fifty companies have been licensed to create product for the Savage World game system.
The Rules
Each character has attributes and skills, collectively called traits. Traits are represented by a type of die, such as d8. Whenever a character performs a Trait Test, they roll the appropriate Trait die, add modifiers, and try to reach a Target Number, typically a 4. If two characters are in a conflict, they each make an opposed Trait Test, with whoever rolled the higher number winning out. A character also has a Race, Derived Statistics, Edges and Hinderances (advantages and disadvantages), and Gear. Additional rules allow cooperative rolls for characters, and group rolls, for Extras.
Sounds typical, right? Well, Savage Worlds adds a number of cinematic rules to the standard "skill roll vs. target number" mechanic. Aces allow "exploding dice", where an additional die roll is added if a die's highest number has been rolled. For every 4 points above the Target Number the hero achieves a Raise for the roll, for additional effects, such as additional damage. Every hero roll includes a d6 Wild Die, whose results can be used in lieu of their regular die roll. Bennies are "plot points", allowing a Trait reroll, and taking the better of the two. And so on.
Initiative is a slightly gimmicky deck of playing cards, with each hero and his allies, or GM group of whatever being dealt a card. Highest rank goes first. Jokers, however provide a temporary bonus and allow the hero to go at any time during the round. A Hold allows a hero to wait on another character's action, and interrupt with a successful Agility contested roll. Player Characters can either Move their Pace of 6 inches, or Run an additional 1d6 inches, with a -2 Trait test penalty.
A Melee Attack is simply an opposed roll of Fighting Skill vs. Parry. Ranged Attacks are a Shooting Trait Test, with Target Numbers of 4 for short range, -2 modifier for Medium Range, and -4 modifier for Long Range. Additional rules allow multiple targets. Melee Damage is the character's Strength die and weapon's damage die. Ranged Damage is the weapon's damage die. Damage dice can also Ace (explode). Total damage is compared to the defender's Toughness, and can have raises.
You've probably seen that crunch before, but the next cinematic mechanic is damage. No abstract hit points here! Characters are either Shaken, Wounded, Incapaciated, or Dead. If the damage roll was successful, the target is Shaken, but each raise causes a Wound. If the character was just an Extra (such as a minion), he's out of the combat. Each wound means a -1 on Trait Tests, and three wounds means Incapacitated. Keep a benny around to soak damage: make a successful Vigor roll to shake off those wounds! Or spend a benny to automatically stop being Shaken. Additional rules cover situations such as Aiming, Area Affect Attacks, Breaking Things, Called Shots, Hazards, etc. Tests of Will is a great cinematic mechanic, in which heroes can Intimidate the bad guys, or Taunt the behemoth.
Dramatic Tasks have their own mechanic. A standard Dramatic Task requires five actions (rounds) and five successes. Dramatic Tasks are typically difficult (-2 Trait modifier), but other characters can cooperate. Just don't draw a Club for your action, or the GM will inflict a -2 Complication, with disasterous results!
Horror and mythos game masters will like the Fright Table. The Fear mechanic is a Spirit attribute trait check. A horrific scene can cause a character to be Shaken. Something from the mythos will have worse effects! Both can result on a roll on the Fright Table, ranging from a useful Adrenaline Surge, to a Charisma-penalizing streak of white hair, to a heart attack!
Additional rules include Interludes (breaks between adventures), Mass Battles (eg. Mars invades Earth), Social Conflict, and Vehicles.
An entire chapter is dedicated towards Powers (magic, psionics, super powers, weird science) using a power point system, and detailing specific powers. Another chapter is Game Mastering advice. The Bestiary chapter has both Abilities (similar to Edges and Hinderances) for creatures, and sample beasts. The book ends with several unconnected "One Page Adventures" designed for a single session of climactic play, plus some templates for area effects.
Buyer's Guide
I do recommend first downloading from DriveThruRPG the free Free RPG Day Test Drive rules, which come with a modern day horror adventure. The additional mechanics in the Deluxe book can be intimidating, and the Test Drive rules provide an excellent framework for new players and game masters. The pdf download of the Deluxe book does not come with a printer-friendly version, so if you don't plan to bring your iPad or laptop to the game table, also check your OLGS for the hardcopy Deluxe Explorer's Edition, for about $10. The Deluxe Edition has some updates, but the two editions are still compatible, and rules changes are on the Pinnacle website. Pinnacles Entertainment has the Test Drive, additional adventures, and other support for Savage Worlds.
I first played the Savage Worlds system in 2011. I was instantly compelled by it's streamlined character creation and rules flexibility. I could immediately see how this system could work in fantasy, modern, sci-fi, or any number of settings in between. The single largest compliment I can give the system is that the rules are simple, fun, and seem to disappear in favour of the story. This does not mean the rules are watered down. Grant it, they are not punchy like GURPS but that's not necessarily a bad thing. If anything, Savage Worlds seems to have found a great balance between the story and the rules.
For the time being, Savage Worlds will be our system of choice in our gaming group.
While on vacation recently, I stopped by a game store and found the print version of this book. I picked it up and read through it and was amazed at the quality it contained. This book is an amazing value at just $10.
I've played Savage Worlds before and have read the old Explorer's Edition extensively. The rules in the Deluxe version are not a great departure from what was in the previous book. The basics are all there and there have been some minor tweaks to the system. The most notable change was the elimination of the Guts skill from the core rules, which I think is a great move.
The thing that stands out to me the most from this book are the Situational Rules. There was a section in the old book with the same name, but the section stands out so much more in Deluxe. I think part of it has to do with the development notes that are strewn throughout the entire book. And there are now rules for social conflict! Woo!
All in all, this is a wonderful product, and it's so freakin' gorgeous! The value you get is worth way more than the $10 that you're spending. If you dig Savage Worlds, you really can't be without this book. And, if you've never played Savage Worlds, this book is the perfect entry for you. All the rules to play any kind of game you want, at the tip of your fingers.
Savage Worlds Deluxe is a great system for streamlined and intuitive gaming! Well thought out and versatile, it makes a great basis for a huge variety of game settings and scenarios. Less number crunching and stat checking leaves room for more spontaneous and creative roleplaying. Give it a try and see for yourself. Hopefully more popular games will soon offer versions converted to the SW system!
This is one of my favorite gaming system to play, ever, and that is after 25 years of playing RPGs. You buy this, especially at $10, you won't go wrong. I have both the print and pdf now and LOVE the system! I can't say enough good things about Savage Worlds.
We played this for the first time the other night. I like the quick character creation and swift combat rules. We picked up the system very quickly. The inclusion of poker chips and playing cards as aids was fun and it was nice as GM to give out "benny" awards rather than having to give XP.
Why not five stars?
The character progress is much steadier than than D&D or GURPS, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but will probably upset power gamers. The high level combat also gets a bit broken. With raises being given out for every 4 points beyond the target number dice rolls with large variance are going to cause wildly different effects. I'd like to see the threshold for raises scale in relation to toughness so a high level creature/npc/vehicle/pc would have to have maybe 6 or more to get a raise to wound them. I'll try it out a bit more but I think that will undoubtedly become a house rule. A simple table of toughness to raise threshold fixes that without complicating the rules.
The book itself is laid out well and includes a beastiary without needing to buy a supplement. Yay! It would have been nice to have some more npc stats too, such as a mixture of guards, common people (or whatever) as standard but I suppose those will be in the supplements. It doesn't take long to knock them up but GMs are lazy. There are sample wild card characters in there to start play quickly which means you could be starting a game from scratch in minutes.
The vehicle/items list as more than sufficient for instant play but I would have liked to have seen some rules for flying/space combat. It felt like those were missing especially in my Sci-fi campaign.
Overall a very flexible and fun system. I emphasize the "fun" aspect. Having been playing GURPS for two years it's very nice to get away from the simulation style game to something more swashbuckly. I noticed my players were just having fun rather than adding up stats and modifiers even in the first session. I'd happily recommend it to any level of gamer and expect to get a lot of use out of it. If Pinnacle just did one of two of the tweaks I mentioned I'd happily have given this five stars.
Easy and fun without sacrificing flexibility.
I've been running Savage Worlds at game conventions since 2003. Most of you in the gaming community know me as "Lord Mhor". This new edition is excellent. The best rules from the previous editions have been compiled with material gathered from other sources, making this the best comprehensive representation of Savage Worlds so far.
The rules are well-organized. Clarifications of system elements that were once confusing will help new and veteran players experience a fast and rewarding game.
The art is nice. Pages 7 - 15 are well-rendered advertisements for some of the excellent settings published for the system. Each of these settings has the virtue of a "twist" on the usual stereotypes encountered in the role-playing genres. These art pieces add nothing to the rules, but they're well done anyway.
The list of Powers is extensive. Variations in game style have been systematized under Setting Rules. Large encounters are covered with a concise Mass Battle system. Rules for chases have been improved and interludes between scenes now have a systematic approach. The excellent selection of creatures in the bestiary include circular images that well-sized tor use as markers on the gaming table, if desired.
As in all publications, some errors were caught after printing. The errata sheet can be downloaded from http://peginc.com/Downloads/SWD/SWDUpdates_Errata.pdf . For my own copy of the hardbound edition, I just cut the sheet down to size and pasted it to the blank page right after the character sheet in the back.
With lots of support, both publisher and 3rd party, this game is really flexible. (As shown on from the front cover.) It is well written and well laid out. If you're looking for a new, simple, yet deep game I would recommend checking it out.
I think I could run a Savage Worlds game just fine, so long as no one chose anything from the "Powers" section of the rule book ;)
The reason I say this is not because the powers look all that difficult to grasp, but for someone that grew up on D&D and the like, it's a whole new language to learn. I think the next time I get to play in a SW game, I'm going to play a Powers user so I can get a hands on feel for the system.
Now that that is out of the way, the powers section looks really nice. Powers are initially broken down by Arcane Backgrounds - Magic, Psionics, Weird Science, Super Powers and Miracles. Trappings and Effects allow powers to be tweaked and individualized, so no two fireballs (or anything else) will necessarily be the same from different casters. I like the ability to individualize powers while still keeping to a defined list. It's a pretty neat system, I just need to get comfortable with it.
I really like the total package that is Savage Worlds Deluxe - I just need to spend some time as a player before trying to run a game with it.
Great mid-level system with lots of settings and support. I think there is a very large opening for Savage Worlds in the rpg gaming world... and this new version has come at a good time. Best of luck to them!
As this is an expanded book of the base Savage Worlds Explorer Edition, I will refer you to my review of that for details on the overall system. The summary is that it is very easy to learn, extremely fun to play, and adaptable to just about any genre of play. My group uses it quite readily for a number of games from sci-fi to western and hilarious to horror. It's flexible and best of all you can make a character in 10 minutes if you know the system AND they will have great mechanics behind your RP (Hindrances and Edges).
This book expands and refines the rules found in the 3rd Explorer Edition. I love what is added. I purchased the book even though Pinnacle is releasing the changes slowly on their website for those of you with an older edition. I think it's worth the money. There is gorgeous artwork throughout. Everything is now in one place. They even added in some general tips throughout to improve your games.
Now the additions. First, they added vehicles back in which is very cool. I love having tons of options already statted out for me to use. You can reskin or tweak as you go, so you keep the flexibility. The race creation rules are included which are very useful for home brew games. Almost anything is able to be recreated with balance maintained. There is a focus on mass combat as well. This is tricky for any system and I like the simple, yet elegant way Savage Worlds handles it. You can pit rival armies against each other and even have your heroes join the fray to sway the battle in their favor or die horribly.
If you don't have a Savage Worlds core rulebook, this is for you. If you already have one, I'd still pick it up. It's just too good not to and I feel like it's good to support the effort that went into this product. I can't wait to run a game with all the new stuff. Maybe orcs in tanks against fishmen in planes!
A Deluxe treatment of the Savage Worlds Core rules brings a few new elements without alienating the throngs of Savages that hold their SW Explorer's Editions as the best RPG they've ever bought. Or, at least the best value and definitively lives up to it's Fast, Furious, and Fun pulpy play goodness.
This review is really about a first glance. A first blush of what the SWD (as I'm sure it's going to be referred to) will really have to prove itself over time as game adventures accommodate the new elements. After listening to several podcasts with some good hints dropped, it seems to be a 'take it or leave it' addition that works with the SWEX audience instead of trying to replace it. I've heard they will have a downloadable pdf for the SW:EX folks that has the additional rules that will function as a SWEX addendum of sorts. Obviously they'll leave all the additional non-rule material as an incentive to get the SWD, but lets confirm that.
Those that have the original Savage Worlds Hardbound will notice that we're seeing the evolution of a game system that has gone from the 146 page hardbound that was a fun alternative to d20 (d20 conversion guide included), to the 160 page (and famously $10) Explorers Edition and now back to a hardbound Deluxe Edition. I believe everyone can admit that the SW:EX form factor took SW from established indie/fringe to something every gamer and podcast has talked about for the past few years. I grinned and chuckled to myself as I made my weekly game store visit many months ago and saw the DnD 4e "Essentials" format books. I thought "Oh, how the mighty have fallen!" In a way, it's one of the nicest compliments Pinnacle could have received. WOTC's 4e Gamma World rules were also in SWEX sized format but proved that the right size with crap rules is still a poor combination. That's another rant for another time. Recently, I've seen Troll Lord's 3 book, smaller than SWEX, Castles and Crusades "Digest" set that has gone a bit too far. But, you get the point, the market has changed and Pinnacle was a driver to a new and better way.
The covers of the 3 SW editions tell an evolving story. We see it visually. Originally SW is carved in stone and with the Deluxe Edition's SW logo - it's embossed gold. But for those of us who loved DnD in it's primitive days have learned, really great art doesn't a great system make, but it helps.
First Blush:
While not exhaustive, I think you'll agree there's quite a bit of good new stuff to add to our Savage Worlds adventures. I didn't get the feeling that the system suddenly changed but just had some additional mechanics that can add to the fun...and some stress! I think I'll go start prepping some stories for an interlude.
Here's a much longer list of features culled from the Pinnacle forums:
To find even more, go to: Pinnacle Forum SWEX to SWD


text:
The wife of a Schofield Barracks soldier has released a song for military spouses who have endured countless deployments and separations.
It's called "There You Go Again" by Olivia Perez-Breland. The song is available on iTunes and the music video is on YouTube.
Perez-Breland said her husband has been a soldier for 10 years, many of which was spent in some form of physical separation.
"He has been deployed so many times, I have actually lost count," said Perez-Breland. "With back-to-back deployments, I don't think our story is unusual for the modern-day military family. Many of us have endured countless deployments and separations, and so I wrote a song that speaks to this reality."
The song was produced by Shawn Pimental and Michael Grande of Studio Ala Moana. The music video was directed, produced and edited by Perez-Breland and recorded by Alan Sangpan of Isle Media Hawaii.
Perez-Breland said no actors were used in the video. Only active duty Army soldiers from Schofield Barracks and their families were captured on video while preparing for deployments. These soldiers are now deployed to Afghanistan.
As of this writing, the video has more than 5,000 views on YouTube and it continues to circulate within the military community.
Half of the artist's proceeds from the song will go to the Fisher House Foundation to support military families.
Perez-Breland also has a website at Olivia Blue Music.


text:
Washington Junior High School
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Established in 2008, a partnership with Washington Junior High School continues to be mutually beneficial for both pre-service teachers and the Washington faculty. Due to its close proximity to campus, Washington is always open to hosting pre-service teachers who require a placement within walking distance. Pre-service teachers from North Central support Washington students and faculty by volunteering to work with the junior high students in tutoring and after school activities.