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Although Windows 8 and Surface have stolen the recent limelight, Microsoft's often maligned Live service has been given a substantial facelift and boost in functionality. But is that enough?
Windows Live is comprised of four main parts: SkyDrive, People, Calendar and Mail. SkyDrive is interesting as it goes a lot further than most of the other file synching services that are available.
When it comes to cloud-based file synchronisation services the king of the hill is DropBox. The free service delivers 2GB of online storage that allows you to sync data with several different devices.
For the last two years, we've used DropBox on Macs, Windows PCs, Linux, iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets. In short, we could access our files on any device we could get our hands on.
Microsoft's Live SkyDrive checks all of those boxes. We've been using SkyDrive on several different devices including an iPhone, Nexus 7, iPad, Windows desktop computer and a Mac with all of our files happily kept in sync.
However, the default file capacity with SkyDrive is 7GB - that's a lot larger than DropBox's 2GB although DropBox makes it easy to increase your capacity at no cost by enabling photo-synchronisation and by referring new users. Our free DropBox account is now at 3.5GB.
The file synchronisation part of SkyDrive works without any problems. One thing we did notice was that some of our documents use characters in the filenames that SkyDrive doesn't like.
For example, some filenames have "?" in them. Those failed synchronisation until we amended the name. Otherwise, everything passed the "just works" test.
One feature that DropBox has and SkyDrive omits is "LAN sync". If you have two or more computers on your network that share one SkyDrive account (like a dekstop computer and notebook) then DropBox synchronises the files within your network.
With SkyDrive, changed files are synchronised up to the cloud and back to the other devices. With DropBox, which has LAN Sync, the changes are synchronised from one computer directly to the other and not to the cloud.
By the way, if you're looking into SkyDrive, you may come by something called SkyDrive Pro. This is business version of SkyDrive that designed for companies that use either corporate versions of Microsoft's online cloud serves or their own, internal information sharing systems. SkyDrive Pro replaces what used to be called SharePoint Workspace
The big question is "If I'm using DropBox, is it worth switching?"
If it was all about file synching then we wouldn't bother. Both do the same things. SkyDrive offers more capacity up front but DropBox has LAN sync. So feature-wise there's not much between them.
However, it's not that simple. Once you step into the Microsoft ecosystem there are benefits with SkyDrive that DropBox can't match - Office Web Apps. These are multi-platform, browser-based versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. We'll look at these next week.
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If you are using a postage meter, you need to be able to be certain that it will always be filled with ink and ready to go when that important piece of mail needs to be sent. Be prepared. It is always a good idea to have plenty of Pitney Bowes ink refills on hand and with the low prices at Sam's Club on ink refills, you don't have to worry about breaking the bank.
Regardless of what type of postage meter you have, you can find a selection of cartridge or cassette type ink refills that are compatible with the exact model of postage meter you have. With a volume of up to three thousand, these Pitney Bowes ink refills will be able to stamp many pieces of mail before needing to be replaced. However, since they are small and easy to store and since they install quickly, it is a worthwhile investment to stock up especially when the prices at Sam's Club are so low.
If you are not sure what type of Pitney Bowes ink refills you need to buy, don't worry. The helpful staff members at Sam's Club are always happy to help you find the exact refill you need based on the model number of your Pitney Bowes postage meter. Stock up today.

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News Release
November 20, 2012
Contact information
Ban the Bug campaign urges Minnesotans to get vaccinated for influenza
More options for vaccination make it easier for nearly everyone to protect themselves
Influenza season is just getting underway in Minnesota, so it's not too late to get vaccinated against what can be a serious disease, say state health officials. Nearly everyone should get vaccinated and there are more options for doing so than ever before.
An ideal time to get vaccinated is during Minnesota's annual Ban the Bug campaign, which runs Dec. 2-8. It is a collaborative effort to provide Minnesotans with opportunities to get their annual influenza vaccination. Campaign partners include the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Coalition for Adult Immunization (MCAI), local public health agencies and other health care providers. The campaign coincides with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Influenza Vaccination Week.
Local public health agencies, nonprofit groups and health care organizations in many Minnesota communities will sponsor influenza vaccination clinics during Ban the Bug week as well as throughout the month of December and beyond. Flu vaccinations are now given at a wide variety of places, including traditional doctor's offices, local health department clinics, and community settings as well as in retail pharmacy and worksite locations.
Besides the traditional flu shot, there is a nasal spray available for healthy people between ages 2 and 49. There is also a new product that uses a very small needle to inject the vaccine into the skin layers only.
"With so many options, it's hard to imagine why anyone who could get vaccinated wouldn't," said Kris Ehresmann, director of MDH's Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control division.
Influenza vaccination is now recommended for everyone six months and older unless they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. It is especially important that those at high risk for serious complications from influenza be vaccinated. These include pregnant women, seniors, young children and those with chronic medical conditions.
Children under six months of age cannot receive influenza vaccine, so household contacts and caretakers should be vaccinated to protect the very young.
"By getting vaccinated for influenza now, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting influenza – or spreading it to someone else -- during the busy holiday season," Ehresmann noted.
Influenza is a disease that can have serious consequences. Even during a typical influenza season such as 2011-2012, more than 500 Minnesotans were hospitalized with influenza.
"The best way to reduce your risk of serious illness is with vaccination," Ehresmann said. "While the vaccine doesn't offer perfect protection, if you don't get vaccinated, you have zero protection," she said.
It's important to get influenza vaccine every year, health officials said. The vaccine often changes from year to year because the strains of virus circulating around the world can change every year and the level of protection wanes over the course of a year. This year there are two new strains plus the H1N1 strain in the vaccine.
Minnesota recorded its first official case of influenza early this season and the virus is currently circulating at low or "sporadic" levels in the state. Flu season can peak anytime between January and April, so getting an influenza vaccination now can provide months of protection, said Ehresmann.
"Our coalition works year round to make sure Minnesotans have every opportunity to protect themselves, their families and their community against influenza and to stay healthy all season long," added Kristin Nichol, MD, Associate Chief of Staff for Research at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System and chair of MCAI.
To locate the flu clinic nearest you, go to the MDH Influenza website at www.mdhflu.com and choose Find a Flu Shot Clinic.
The cost of vaccinations will vary at each site. There is no cost to people with Medicare Part B and some other insurance plans, provided they bring their Medicare or other insurance cards with them. Those seeking shots are asked to wear short sleeves, perhaps under a sweater if it's cold, to make getting the shot easier and more comfortable.
Flu shots also may be given at other locations and times not listed on the MDH website. Check with your physician's office or regular walk-in clinic about getting vaccinated against the flu.
During flu season, besides getting vaccinated, there are other steps people can take to avoid spreading or catching influenza:
- Do your best to stay healthy. Get plenty of rest, physical activity and healthy eating.
- Stay home from school or work if you have a respiratory infection. Avoid exposing yourself to others who are sick with flu-like illness.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- Clean surfaces you touch frequently, such as doorknobs, water aucets, refrigerator handles and telephones.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
The symptoms of influenza, which tend to come on suddenly, can include a sore throat, coughing, fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. People who become severely ill with influenza-like symptoms should see a physician. Influenza is caused by a virus and antibiotics are not effective against it.
For more information, contact:
Doug Schultz
MDH Communications
Mari Drake
MCAI project coordinator


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Labor Day and Syria
As I write this column, the Labor Day weekend is coming to an end. As in most of the last 50 years, I attended a Labor-oriented Labor Day picnic in Duluth. It was announced that similar commemorating gatherings have occurred in Duluth for most of the past 122 years.
While individuals, non-union and even anti-union and Republicans attend and circulate, the event is organized, financed and otherwise made possible by most all of the Duluth area local unions acting as sponsors, hosts and workers for the event.
While attendance has been holding steady, or maybe even growing, it is quite observable that both the workers and guests are of grayer and lesser hair. That is a clear sign of the times, as it is in our churches, service clubs, political units and most of the community organizations. The now generation(s) are not likely to pry themselves away from the technical devices to engage in traditional collective activity or a celebration thereof.
Nevertheless, the mood and speeches at the Labor events in Duluth and nearby Cloquet were very upbeat, as union membership is leveling off across the nation and negative trends are reversing. Union labor has been much maligned all over in recent years, including the opinion pages of this newspaper.
The fact is that unions exist and are much needed because we have unreasonable employers who are unwilling to treat their employees fairly, unless required to do so.
History has shown too clearly that employers with unlimited control are too likely to exploit their employees, to subject them to unsafe and sometimes deplorable working conditions, and to work their employees too many hours with too little pay.
Employers from Biblical times have ignored Biblical directives to treat employees, even slaves, with fairness and compassion, and to share with them the fruits of their labor.
For the years that I have been involved, the greatest value of unions, greater than gains in wages, has been the collective strength of unions to enter meaningful compromise contracts that give union employees reasonable expectations of conditions they will work under for determined periods of time. Most important, these contracts provide a level of job protection, a process that prevents an unreasonable, temperamental, vindictive or prejudiced employer or management underling from firing any employee at any time for any reason or no reason.
Our early Southern employers, unfettered by unions, perpetuated slavery to create their wealth. Our early Northern and Eastern employers, also untrammeled by unions, ran sweatshops, placed women garment workers in firetraps, caused underground coal miners to work in deathtraps and inhale coal dust until they couldn't breathe, and got rich on child labor.
That is why we have and need unions. Union advocacy has certainly improved standards of living for its own members. Such advocacy has also created better wages for millions of non-union workers who can enjoy the resultant leveling of all wages and piggyback effect caused by union rates.
As, or more, important, union advocacy has brought about safer working conditions, has reduced racial and other discrimination, has reduced sexual exploitation, molestation and other harassment in the workplace, and has given countless employees a process for redress in instances of clearly unjust termination, sanction and serious discipline.
Anyone who works for a living, whether or not a union member, whether or not a union is even in place for them to join, ought to be glad and appreciative that unions exist in this country.
On a totally different subject matter, our nation, its president and Congress face a critical military decision of potentially huge consequences. The situation in Syria (and all surrounding countries) is serious and scary.
Our Congressman, Rick Nolan, has stepped out forcefully in opposition of overt military action at this time. He does so, even though it may not be the expedient political thing to do. It will likely place him in an awkward position, bucking heads with his own president and Democratic Party leaders.
Although Nolan quite certainly did not spend five years of business activity in the Middle East, thinking it to be preparation for Congressional service, the fact that he lived and experienced that actual Middle East political climate for a significant period certainly gives him insight and perspective that the rest of us, including office holders, simply do not have.
I'm reminded of two things. One is the generalization that whenever you are in real dilemma as to whether to do a thing or not do a thing, you are usually better off not doing it ... or stated more simply, "If in doubt, don't."
Second, I'm reminded of, in some respects, similar questions just before our untoward military incursion into Iraq. There, our hastily publicized "reasoning" was to chase the elusive Bin Laden and to eradicate the non-existent "weapons of mass destruction."
I remember then that the first public official I heard speak out against that war-mongering, economy-crushing ego trip was our own then-8th District Congressman Jim Oberstar.
Is good history repeating itself?


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In Iraq, bomb kills one journalist; another denied access
New York, December 15, 2010--Omar Rasim al-Qaysi, an anchor working for Al-Anbar TV, was killed on Sunday in a car bombing in central Ramadi, al-Anbar province. His brother, a fellow staffer at the station, was injured in the attack. Security forces then detained a journalist for the daily Al-Anbar, preventing him from covering the explosion's aftermath.


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Sore Feet
Trip Start Jul 29, 2009
20Trip End Aug 19, 2009
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Well we were up with the lark this morning to go and catch the trip to Alcatraz. A trip on the California line tram up and down some very scary hills (all before 9am) and then a tram (trolley in the US) over to the pier to find that the tours are sold out till Tuesday 18th July!!! Well we could have had a lie in. Anyway we decided to have some breakfast on Pier 39. It is a lovely spot and has some nice restaurants and shops - a bit touristy but looks really nice. Once you get past all of that and to the end of the pier you are greeted with a lovely view of Alcatraz. We did the usual of paying 25c for the binoculars - who needs to sped $75 dollars on a tour!! Anyway some good photo opportunities and of course the lovely view of the Golden Gate bridge. We then turned the corner and saw the sea lions basking in the sunshine and making some horrible nosies.
We then took a walk along the shoreline towards fishermans wharf. There is an old submarine and warship which you can look around - although we gave that a miss we did go into a fabulous museum with a huge collection of "end of the pier" arcade called the Musee Mechanique of San Fransisco. It's amazing what fun you can have with just $1. We then walked on to Ghiradelli Square home of the famous Ghiradelli chocolate - which is very nice by the way. They are renovating the old chocolate factory and now have some nice places to eat and of couse the big chocolate shop too.
Then caught a bus (worked out by our trusty transport expert) along Chestnut street which takes you to the Palace of Fine arts. This mounument was built to support an exhibition in 1915 which commemorted the completion of the Panama Canal. It is a magnificent structure surrounded by the most fabulous of houses. We took at walk round there then to the Exploratorium which is a museum for curious minds - main all science based and looking at how things worked. We were exhausted by the end of this as it blew you away. Emma loved it and it was certainly a place for children. A couple of hundred yards away is the marina and that is where you get your first up close view of the Golden Gate Bridge which is fabulous. You can just sit and look at it and the view of the bay and the pacific ocean
A bus trip and then tram trip took us then all the way to the end of the F line into Castro and then back again. It was good to just sit down and see the sights and this travels all the way through the financial district and then along Market Street where most of the shops are.
We ended up in a fantastic chinese restaurant (as recommended by the Lonley Planet). You had to queue outside and the service was a bit hit and miss but the food was well worth it. Emma loved trying out Pot Stickers and some honey glazed chicken - she's becoming quite adventurous. Paul ordered green tea and got ot water with a flower in it .... bit dodgy if you ask me. he did live to tell the tale.
We managed to get the California line tram back home after a brief walk through the main part of Chinatown.
We were all just exhausted ........


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The OhioLINK Music Center features more than 78,000 tracks and 21,000 works from the Naxos Music Library. Users can search for and listen to tracks in six genres -- Chinese music, classical music, opera, jazz, spoken word and world music, with works from many well-known composers, including Bach, Handel, Beethoven, Chopin, Strauss, Copland, and Ellington. Access to the music files is restricted to the students, faculty and staff of OhioLINK member institutions.
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Other News Stories
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OPINION: On cancelling funding for Planned Parenthood and other organizations providing a wide range of health servicesby Contributor on Wednesday May 17 2017
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Iranian people celebrate Oscar win as government news agency 'improves' Farhadi's acceptance speech
Iranians are overjoyed with the news that Asghar Farhadi's film "A Separation" was awarded an Oscar for best foreign language film at the Academy Awards in Hollywood on February 26, 2012. It is the first Iranian film to win an Oscar. Iranian bloggers participated in an outpour of celebration, and some fans also created posters for "A Separation" for different tastes.
Several bloggers such as Faryad Zier Ab and Raze Gole Sorkh have published translations of Farhadi's speech (or excerpts) in Persian. It is a speech that popular American website Slate has described as "the best of the night."
Farhadi's speech attracted even more attention after Fars News, a semi-official news agency of Iran added their own words to the transcript.
In his speech, Farhadi said:
At this time, many Iranians all over the world are watching us and I imagine them to be very happy. They are happy not just because of an important award or a film or filmmaker, but because at the time when talk of war, intimidation, and aggression is exchanged between politicians, the name of their country Iran is spoken here through her glorious culture, a rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics. I proudly offer this award to the people of my country, a people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment.
Tavalode Sabz says says [fa] Fars News embellished on Farhadi's speech and changed his words to:
Iranian people respect all cultures despite the western hostility with Iranian nuclear program.
Meanwhile, Iranians are celebrating the victory in all corners of the world, including students at Texas A & M University's Iranian Students Film Club, shown cheering in the attached video.
By Fred Petrossian in Global Voices.
My brother was in Iran
My brother was in Iran working when the revolution took hold. It was very dangerous for them.
It's great to see something
It's great to see something human about Iran in a time when our prime minister is adding fuel to the fire with his literally imbecelic comments about how he thinks Iran will not hestitate to use a nuclear bomb if it acquires one. There's no doubt Iran is saddled with an terrible, terrible government--but so are we. I'm ashamed to be Canadian living under so-called leaders like these.
And while I'm ranting, let's not forget that, to date, only one nation in human history has used nuclear weapons against its enemies...and that was the United States.
The islamophobia and now Iranophobia nursed for so long by the mass media has taken deep root in much of North America's right wing. I feel far more threatened by the bigoted blustering on our continent than I do by any posturing—real or imagined—by Iran. The Jews were taking over Europe, right Hitler? And now the Muslims are coming after YOU!


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FRAMINGHAM, Mass. Staples has announced executive appointments in its international business that will help drive the company's growth globally. John Barton has been appointed EVP international development and Anders Kristiansen has been appointed president of Staples China. Staples also announced the appointment of Noah Herschman as chief of merchandising for Staples China.
"John brings more than 20 years of experience with Staples to his new role and, through his deep understanding of our culture and operations, will help drive our success in international markets in the years ahead," said Mike Miles, Staples president and chief operating officer. "Anders brings tremendous international and industry experience to Staples and Noah brings a wealth of merchandising experience and online expertise. Both Anders and Noah will play important roles in growing our business in China."
After joining Staples in 1990, Barton has held roles of increasing responsibilities in real estate. He served most recently as EVP real estate, leading through his broad understanding of the company's operations combined with process and management discipline.
A 20-year veteran in the office supplies industry, Kristiansen formerly served as managing director of the Asia Pacific division at Lyreco. Previously, he served as Lyreco's managing director in Europe where he was responsible for all European subsidiaries. Prior to Lyreco, Kristiansen held various leadership positions at office supplies companies in Europe, namely GBC in Belgium, Herlitz and euro buro in Germany and Bogpa in Denmark. Kristiansen assumes leadership of Staples China from Pat Hickey, who will return to the US as his assignment in Asia concludes.
Herschman previously served at Amazon.com as director of merchandising for home and mobile electronics.


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• Openwork sterling silver and brass cuff bracelet; leaf and vine design with bronze flowers
• Bezel-set, oval, onyx cabochon bordered by a rope design
• Measures 1-1/4" wide and fits an average-sized wrist
• Made in America with gemstones from around the world
Western drama. A large onyx cabochon is decorated with a sterling silver twisted rope border, while a tricolor openwork design of copper, brass and sterling silver leaves and vines add femininity and detail. This cuff will complement evening wear and add beauty to your everyday wardrobe.
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hey hey i bought a 78 W germany rabbit
i have been working on it since the day I got it
i need it to run me around to school and for a month to work while i repair the 81's transmission this spring
trying to get this thing going with half of it scattered on the floor (neatly) and the other half in the rear compartment organized and boxed up including ziplocked by category!
here are some photos of things i have done
removed, changed, replaced, whatever
hope someone finds this useful other than enjoying the photos
*oh, i have some other photos on camera
will upload them later*
and before/after
whats next?
well i have some connectors for the WUR and CSV but not the TTS, it has 3 wires
replacing those with upgraded 90-2003 connectors
and putting the wiper stalk assemblies back in
thats all
will have photos of more things later (in this post, not second post)
this AC core is going to scrap. JUNK ---edit--- just the AC not the whole box....duh, i need heater
a (bad) 7/1977 load reduction X relay. forgot to test it, will test it later..
I DID NOT break these, they were broken when I bought the car!!
adding some hub clip retaining bolts, perfect fit, stainless steel


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Claims police spied on two journalists revive surveillance fears of Colombia's press
When Claudia Morales's six-year-old daughter asks about her mother's bodyguards, the Colombian journalist tells her they are colleagues. "She's too young to understand," Morales, who works for the Bogotá-based Caracol Radio in the city of Armenia, told CPJ in a telephone interview. Vicky Dávila, the news director of LA Fm Radio who also has private security, said that her 14-year-old son is afraid and has asked why they don't leave their home in Bogotá.


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Posted December 19, 2007
Rufus X, Krem Radio, Krem TV
An unidentified assailant attacked Rufus X, host of news programs on local Krem TV and Krem Radio, outside his home in Belize City, breaking his arm with an iron rod, according to reports on the local press.
The journalist was entering through the gate that surrounds his home at 10 p.m. on October 2 when an unidentified man approached the car he was traveling in, reported the Belize City-based biweekly Amandala. The assailant then began hitting him with an iron rod. The journalist covered his face with his arm while the attacker beat him repeatedly, said local press reports. As the electronic gate began to close, the assailant ran out, leaving the iron bar behind. The journalist's arm was broken in two places, according to reports in the local press.
In an interview with Channel 5 Belize, Rufus X said he believed the attacks were retaliation for the political stand of the radio and television stations where he works.
According to press reports, police are investigating the incident but have not made any detentions.
- October 2, 2007 12:00 PM ET
- Short URLhttps://cpj.org/x/10b
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Tech that's ready-to-wear
After years of carrying around smartphones, computers, and more, you can now just wear them. From Sony's SmartWatch 2 and glasses by Google to a sweater that takes your mood and wristbands to track your every movement, wearable technologies appear to be growing in popularity. In 2012, the market for these products totaled almost $9 billion and that's expected to grow to $30 billion by 2018, according to an Associated Press report.
Here are some of the technologies you could be wearing in the near future.
Samsung Gear 2
Ships: April
Cost: $300
Samsung unveiled two new computerized wristwatches on Feb. 23.
Both devices have fitness features.
The new Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo will have a heart rate sensor, a pedometer and various tools to measure exercise, sleep and stress levels.
Samsung's first Galaxy Gear smartwatch came out last fall amid much fanfare, but it landed with a thud in the marketplace.
Sony SmartWatch 2
Ships: Immediately
Cost: $200
Screen size: 1.6 inches diagonally
Sony's SmartWatch 2 works with Android phones. You can't make phone calls directly through the wristwatch, but you can answer calls using a Bluetooth wireless headset.
Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch
Shipped: Oct. 2
Cost: $300
Screen size: 1.6 inches diagonally
The first Galaxy Gear smartwatch came out last fall amid much fanfare, but it landed with a thud in the marketplace. Samsung and its smartwatch rivals had failed to persuade many consumers that they need to be able to constantly check messages from their wrists.
The Gear works with the 5.7 inch Galaxy Note 3 phone, which costs another $300. It uses Google's Android operating system.
The device is meant to act as an extension to a smartphone by alerting users to incoming messages and calls on its display screen. Its strap, which comes in six different colors, can be used to shoot photos and videos.
Apple iWatch
Ships: Unkown
Cost: Unknown
Apple applied in June for a trademark in Japan for "iWatch,'' fueling rumors that the company may be developing a wristwatch. Observers believe Apple would create a smart watch that would run on a version of the operating system that powers the iPhone and iPad.
The Associated Press reported the trademark application isn't proof of Apple's intentions as the company holds many patents for devices it will never produce.
FitBit Force wristband
Ships: Under recall
Cost: $129.95
FitBit announced in February that it was stopping sales of its Force wristband due to reports from users of skin irritation.
The wireless wristbands track your daily activities, like steps, stairs climbed, and calories burned. This model is the first-ever wristband fitness tracker to include an OLED display.
The company's older Flex model costs $99.95.
Nike Fuelband SE
Shipped: Nov. 6
Cost: $149
The latest version of the activity tracker includes the new version of Bluetooth so the device can sync with the iPhone 4S and later models in real time. Fuelband does not have an app for Android devices.
One real-time syncing feature called "Win the Hour'' encourages frequent movement by sending notificatons that you're not moving enough to Fuelband's display or to an iPhone.
Google Glass
Ships: Next year
Cost: Unknown
The early wearers of Google Glass competed in a contest to win the right to purchase the specs at a cost of $1,500 each.
Consumers can submit an application to test the device for $1,500 plus tax.
The spectacle-like device contains a hidden computer that is connected to the Internet and lets users receive search results, read e-mail, scan maps, and participate in video chats.
Mood sweater
SENSOREE is planning a limited edition run of 100 mood sweaters that is available for pre-order. The sweater has sensors that read "excitement levels'' using technology based on a classic lie detector test, according to the company's website. The readers are then translated into colors ranging from an aqua shade for calm to a pale yellow hue for bliss.
The sweaters were featured at a fall fashion show in San Francisco that highlighted digital technology.
ORA-S augemented reality glasses by Optivent
Ships: March
Cost: $949
The device includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, front facing camera, 9 axis motion sensor, ambient light sensor, microphone, loudspeaker, and a high capacity rechargeable battery.
Qualcomm's 'Toq'
Ships: Now available
Cost: $250
Qualcomm displayed "Toq'' at the Upling 2013 conference in San Diego in September.
The device works with Android smartphones and can play music and take phone calls and messages.


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How risky is inhalation of organic solvents?
Philip J. Bushnell
These simulations necessarily simplify complex real-life situations, which involve many variables that are not considered here. For example, single-car crash fatalities are not the only effect of ethanol, just one that has been linked quantitatively to intoxication. Many other costs are associated with driving errors, including injury, hospitalization, property damage and insurance claims; abuse of ethanol exerts other societal costs as well. In addition, 16–20 year-old drivers—those most likely to be involved in fatal car crashes—were excluded from this analysis. Thus we have probably underestimated both the risk of a car crash from acute solvent intoxication and its costs.
Our simulations were all based on exposure to a single volatile chemical, and it is unlikely that there would be only one solvent in the air. Other solvents have the same effects on behavior, and their effects are probably additive, as would be the combined effect of inhaling a solvent and drinking alcohol.
This analysis does not consider the size of the risk pool, that is, the number of people who are exposed to airborne solvents at concentrations around 0.5 ppm. The EPA's National Air Toxics Assessment from 2002 (http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nata2002/tables.html) showed that statewide average ambient concentrations of toluene are no greater than 0.0015 ppm, but individual "hot spots" near industrial locations can be much greater. The public health risk of these exposures must include information about the number of people exposed.
From a regulatory perspective, this analysis suggests that setting standards on the basis of chronic exposure protects public health from the long-term hazards of continuous exposure to chemicals but does not consider the potential consequences of acute, episodic exposure to chemicals. Efforts at the EPA are underway to address this concern, and time and support are needed to develop and implement appropriate procedures to do so. The approach of linking effects of toxicants to familiar, well-documented chemicals like ethanol may prove valuable in addressing this problem more generally.
Finally, these considerations illustrate that, in the end, management of risk is not a scientific problem. Decisions about acceptable exposure will ultimately be made balancing tradeoffs among benefits and costs of the chemical to society, including lifestyle, economics, environmental justice, and public and environmental health, as guided by the legislation governing that chemical. Few people are apparently willing to stop driving due to the risk of car crashes, and it is unlikely that awareness of possible effects of airborne solvents will alter this choice. In the end, we all manage our risks for ourselves, assiduously avoiding carcinogens like benzene while ignoring the acute risks inherent in driving. Put simply, nobody wants leukemia, but everyone wants to drive.
The research described in this article has been reviewed by the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents reflect the views and policies of the agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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text:
Arista: Cisco Competitor Closes First Day of Trading Up 28% After Hitting High of $60
Shares of networking equipment vendor Arista Networks (ANET), which competes with Cisco Systems (CSCO), had their long awaited initial day of trading today, closing up $12, or almost 28%, at $55.
After opening at $55.25, well above the offer price of $43, the shares backed off of initial volume of 180,000 shares at the open, and, after hitting a high of $60, retreated the rest of the session. Cumulative volume was 7.25 million.
As I wrote yesterday, the stock had already gotten at least two very positive initiations from the sell side in recent days, even before pricing was announced.


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In general, the use of fakealerts — those bogus warnings that look like your PC has started some sort of antivirus scan on its own, then predict imminent doom if you don't buy some snake oil product right this minute — is on the rise. Fakealerts constitute a particularly effective social engineering trick, earning the makers of bogus, ineffective "antivirus" programs millions of dollars (and the scorn of victims) in the process. So it should come as no surprise that the fakealerts themselves have gone through some technological advances in the past year.
In the past few months, the fakealert-makers have slowly been migrating their techniques to a new platform: The browser. As recently as six months ago, the majority of fakealerts we saw were generated by small Trojan Horse applications running on a victim's PC. Today, most fakealerts we see simply reshape the browser to mimic the appearance of a generic antivirus application.
It makes good economic sense for the creators of fakealerts to do this. The Windows application fakealerts only run on Windows (obviously). Like all Windows software, fakealert apps subject to being blocked by both the operating system (which, like the fakealerts themselves, prompts users with warnings in dialog boxes), by real-time detection mechanisms in legitimate antivirus software, and/or by savvy users themselves.
Scripts such as these bypass most traditional malware protection because, in essence, there is no malware installed until the victim installs it his- or herself. Unlike a static binary executable, the contents of a script can be tweaked, on the fly, to maximize effectiveness (or just to change the name of the fraudulent product). And the scripts themselves which make up the Web fakealert experience are highly obfuscated, which makes them more challenging for automated systems to block.
In the course of researching a new malware sample unrelated to fakealerts — an installer of Trojan-Downloader-Dermo on a page purportedly offering an update to Windows Media Player — I observed one common fakealert script as it ran soon after the testbed PC was infected. I was able to reconstruct its modus operandi.
Trojan-Downloader-Dermo installers closely correlate with infections from a spy we call Adware-Sabotch. That was true in this case, as well: Dermo downloaded Sabotch, which in turn opens a hidden IE browser session and periodically loads online ads from legitmate ad serving companies. In this capacity, Sabotch is a tool to engage in clickfraud. But occasionally, it also loads pages known to host various browser exploits. This morning, Sabotch happened to visit a drive-by fakealert page, so I followed that rabbit hole to see where it would lead.
The initial fakealert page loaded two script files and contained more than 41KB of what looked like garbage. This was the first chunk of obfuscated script.
Luckily for me, the authors provided all the clues I needed to decode the contents: The two script files contained the scripts that (a) decrypted text that was encrypted using the TEA encryption algorithm, and (b) decoded the result, which was base64-encoded text. They even helpfully included the password, "test." Thanks, guys.
It turns out that this large chunk of encoded text contains the stylesheet and some of the HTML code used to engineer the look and feel of the fakealert page. Along with the scripts, the fakealert uses a few image files that contain all of the visual elements the fakealert displays on what the fakealert creators call the Central Landing page. The stylesheet defines portions of these image files that contain the desired icon or user interface element. Here's what some of these elements and icons look like:
According to the text, this flavor-of-the-week rogue is named Windows Web Security. It even includes the following helpful (sic) description for some of its fake results:
"Spyware is software, which can gather information from user's computer throught Internet connection and send them to its creater. Gather information can be passwords, e-mail adresses and all that data, which is important for you."
Glad we cleared that up.
Most importantly, that script contains the URL of the download link to the rogue installer.
When a victim clicks anywhere within the page, the script will push that file at the user. It also loads yet another script, called scn3.js — and as you can guess by the filename, that script contains the bogus text of the "scan results" that appear when you permit the script to run.
The scan script was also obfuscated in a different way, but it just decodes itself on the fly, so it isn't hard to turn incomprehensible gobbledegook like this:
Into slightly more comprehensible gobbledegook, like this:
This is the "results" box that the script pops into the middle of the page after the "scan" is complete. It looks naked because the script populates the contents of the box with text from the scn3.js script:
And in the end, it puts it all together into a very compelling, customized interactive movie. The final result looks something like this:
One wonders what good the coders who contrived this farce could have done if they had only turned their skills to helping people, instead of defrauding them.


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I suppose there's just been a lack of fan art. I've been meaning to draw a WoW piece of fan art. All my recent practice has been for anime characters. I'm really bad at drawing people with "real" features :P
Gonna fill that gap a bit, prepare a bag for bricks!I suppose there's just been a lack of fan art. I've been meaning to draw a WoW piece of fan art. All my recent practice has been for anime characters. I'm really bad at drawing people with "real" features :P
I'm sorry for links but the pics are just HUGE, and I still don't know how to post smaller versions without going through a grueling process of resizing them in PS manually >_<
As always, the link to my DA page is in my sig.
New piece of mine, corrupted twilight DK close up hope you like.
I've been neglecting all the places I post stuff because of Tumblr.
Oops. =P
These are the rough ideas for the almost finished piece below.
I need to start working on this soon. (These gals are as smooth as barbie dolls, and I've been told by a mod that as long as the privates are not showing, or smoothed over, then it's okay to post.)
Some little female worgen paintovers. Feel free to post them around but please credit me and do not erase my signature. Also, if you see any of my images without my signature, please alert me and link me to the image.
I did some WoW worg concepts a little while ago. This one is a longhaired worg.
Highly intelligent and affectionate, but not rambunctious. They are the smallest type of worg.
(Design is based off of the Collared Peccary)
The below image is clean, but it's a joke referencing a female process. If you are squicked out by that, then just scroll on to the next image
Something silly that I dedicate to every person who has menstruated, who is menstruating, and who will menstruate.
A wee little facial ref. of my Draenei, Tully, that I sketched up a few days ago. Younger on the left, older on the right.
I think I'm getting the hang of her features now.
Last edited by Rachel; 2012-02-29 at 10:01 PM.
I've seen that DK on D-Art, and can only say two things:
1 -- I like their expression
2 -- For the Twilight's Hammer >_<
Love those worgen hairstyles =D
Here's a commission I had done for Blizzcon badges. Done by the talented Fyruni over at www.Daily-Quests.com
edited for typo and non image:
I have no idea why none of my darn image links work anymore.. very frustrating...
Last edited by Aranela; 2012-03-15 at 07:34 AM.
Last edited by Mihir; 2012-03-14 at 12:52 PM.
Windwalker Monk Mihir | The Teachings of Xuen: A Windwalker PvE Guide
[QUOTE=Mihir;15907019]If you use the "IMG code" thing on the right of your photobucket page you getthat is the funny thing.. I have the image code done in the space above my edit. It just doesn't show up at all. I go to edit the post, and it's there and showing.. but when it is on the actual page, it doesn't display.. so in frustration I just posted a strait linkCode:[ IMG]http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p371/Aranela/aranela_badge1.png[/IMG]
Edit: now that I look at it, I see a "action=view¤t" in the url, making me think that the url copied wrong..
Last edited by Aranela; 2012-03-15 at 07:36 AM.
All I do is Right click the image, "Copy Image Location", Insert it between these cool guys:
Mountains rise in the distance stalwart as the stars, fading forever.
Roads ever weaving, soul ever seeking the hunter's mark.
Oh my, it's been quite a while since I've seen this thread ^^
Made this a while ago, considering fixing the lighting, but that'll probably never happen
A doodle I've been meaning to paint in PS, but I've no idea on how to proceed on the feathers, and I'm working on a different pic atm so...
Just go into brushes, select shape dynamics, then choose 'pen pressure' in the 'control' dropdown menu. Then play around with the minimum diameter and find a width you like.
Now, there are tonnes of ways to paint feathers, so the one I'll describe is more of a speedpaint method.
When you paint, establish where the colours will be and what colours you'll use, then do short strokes where shorter feathers are, and longer strokes where longer feathers are. Also, you don't have to paint every feather, just 'highlight' the feathers where the light is hitting. And of course, reference photos.
I might have to make an image showing what I mean, though, since I'm not great at describing things. :P
Here's a good little tut I found, but it's for more detailed wings/feathers:
I took a quick look on google for other examples, and surprisingly, there's not a lot on feathers.
Just reference photos and other people's art, and find what works best for you.
Okay, I might as well post stuff while I'm here...
This was actually done a few days ago, around the middle of last week, but things have been distracting, and I've been trying to get through comments on deviantart.
I'm kinda weird since I have this sort of compulsion to reply to all my comments before I post art, but I can't keep holding off uploading stuff.
I also get scared whenever I can't think of what to say to a comment. I get nervous that people may think I'm ignoring them. :/
Anyways, I'll post another image with some info. about her once I have it done.
I really hope that her Arabic features are noticeable.
(Her horns are kinda messed up, but I've nitpicked this too much. I'll leave it alone for a while.)
Guys. Guys. Guysguysguysguys.
You should have seen the face I made when I looked at my old portrait of Tully, the one from 7 months ago.
I pulled the 'oh god' rage face.
But that's a good thing. That means I've improved.
And I decided to not be a lazy butt-hole, and actually referenced ears. Pig and human to be exact.
Also, I've decided to keep my northerner draenei eyes smaller. They're still large enough to be semi-nocturnal, but they're not so big that they're a problem to paint.
Last edited by Rachel; 2012-03-15 at 06:17 PM.
I realize I am saying this at the risk of being decapitated by the rest of this thread, but is there a chance that it could go back to featuring fanart and not half-finished tidbits from someone's digital sketchbook? I feel like the thread has been slightly derailed and for a long time it has been used instead as a sketchblog, which dominates most of the finished or other pieces people find on the web and post. It's getting a little difficult sifting through it all to find pieces that are stylistically new, or by people I've never seen before.
I do NOT have anything against people posting their work, or works in progress, but it seems that everyone else is getting swallowed up in the various wakes of large posts on every page. It gives me little incentive to go back and scroll through things anymore to see new art by artists of all calibers.
So I suppose, you know, go ahead and rip me apart I realize my opinion isn't really uh ... Well for a lurker ... Anyway ... Sorry for disturbing you all.
Last edited by Uennie; 2012-03-15 at 07:52 PM.
You shouldn't be relying on this thread to serve you. It'd probably be better if you just searched up what you wanted on deviantart or tumblr. There you'll probably find what you are looking for.
EDIT: Another way to find new artists is to go to the deviantart page of an artist you like, or are familiar with, and then go through their favourites. That's how I've found many, many artists I've never known of.
Last edited by Rachel; 2012-03-15 at 08:19 PM.
I understand resourcing, and processing images, believe me I know more than you probably want to give me credit for, but criticizing me and telling me to basically bugger off to tumblr or DA isn't exactly the most diplomatic or polite thing, don't you think? Aren't tutorials, FREE ONES, you can get on DA the things that serve the purpose of teaching? Wouldn't in-depth tutorials be better than periodic showings of shading? I mean, people are just looking at pieces slapped up here.
There's nothing about the difference between tints and shades, the differences in building up and building on colours in traditional versus digital art, colour-theory, dynamic lighting, thumbnails, or anything. They're just pictures, and people generally benefit from detailed tutorials or walkthroughs. If artistic help is what people really need I can provide links to dedicated websites that can help them improve themselves with just a little dedication and a set of headphones.
I guess I'll make another point, this isn't an art-help thread. I want to see pieces by people who may not be super proficient at art, but are still willing to post and experiment, and have fun with developing their style without it being incessant. I want to see pieces by multiple artists and to see things people share because they saw it and thought it was wicked awesome. I know I share the same sentiments as people who view this thread, maybe not many, but at least a handful.
Perhaps I'm being a bit of a dick here, but if people want to improve there's nothing wrong with whispering an artist you admire and asking them for thoughts, lots of great artists I know do it - hell I do it. You don't need a better artist blindly posting their work hoping you'll pick up on it, if that's the intent.
I was trying my best to be diplomatic and polite, even a bit self-deprecating, but I'm not going to just sit down and shut up. I've said my piece, and you know what, it sucks that when I tried to express myself, even non-offensively I got shot down so brusquely. Clearly I shouldn't be lurking this thread anymore, in which case, my apologies people (but I figure a bunch of people are going to hate me despite my initial attempt at non-aggressiveness). Perhaps you should make a different thread titled, "Resident Artist Sketchpost", it might help with the points you're trying to make if it's really all about teaching people.
Last edited by Uennie; 2012-03-15 at 08:28 PM.
I was simply giving advice. :S
Also, people benefit from all sorts of things; be it a process image with no words, or an in-depth explanation. Everyone learns differently.
The other thing about helping and teaching, is that many of the posters here are in familiar territory, and are probably better off asking for advice here, than some random person on another website.
I'm done, I won't be back in this thread. Let the people rejoice.


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I was laying down on the couch in my parent's front room (I don't have any power in my room right now) and my mother was asleep on a chair across from me. We were both asleep, but we both were awakened at 9:45 am to one of the loudest booms I've ever heard and a bit of shaking. I guess my dad was in the family room because he came in to the living room to see what had happened. He went to the front door and then went outside when he looked out and saw that a bunch of our neighbors were outside as well. A lot of us first thought that it was a large explosion, but later on it had turned out to be an earthquake. It turned out to be a 2.8 on the Richter Scale and it had started in a town about two miles south of us called Mannington.
I read up a little more about it on NBC's website, and along with the information I already knew, apparently New Jersey gets about two or three small quakes in a year. I had never knew that because most of the quakes are apparently up in North Jersey. The town I live in is in South Jersey, near the Delaware Memorial Bridge. I was talking to my ex-fiance about it, and her father had told her that Pennsville hasn't had an earthquake since he was in high school.
So yeah, my first earthquake, it was pretty darn weird.


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You're not going to find any dummy gun or replica for the SP2022, its too similar to the 2009 and 2340 for anyone to care enough to make it.
The link below is to a semi automatic gas powered sigpro SP2340 airsoft gun.
Generally I purchase airsoft guns from overseas websites in Hong Kong, namely http://www.wgcshop.com , but for your purposes airsplat.com should be fine. The gun will more than likely have an orange paint that will be extremely difficult to remove; if that's a problem I'd suggest going through Hong Kong where there will still be paint but it will be much easier to get rid of.


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Carhartt Jackets & Coats for Kids
Carhartt has sized down many of their popular mens styles for your little ones to enjoy. Carhartt outerwear is made with premium fabrics and hardware and is available in many linings for varying levels of warmth.
No Results Found.


text: Does anyone have any experience with the various websites out there for selling an old iPhone? I just got the iPhone5 and it would be nice to get a little something for my old iPhone4. I know there are a bunch of possible sites. Just wondering if anyone has any comments about any of them. I could sell iron eBay, but I'd rather do something easier than that. TIA.


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El Paso City Manager Joyce Wilson is No. 1 choice for Florida job
EL PASO, Texas - Lee County Commissioners on June 5 picked El Paso City Manager Joyce Wilson as their consensus No. 1 choice to become their county manager after interviewing five candidates.
Lee County's spokeswoman said Wilson was the No. 1 pick for four of the five commissioners. Roger Desjarlais is their No. 2 choice.
The commissioners will meet on June 11 and officially vote to name Wilson as their No. 1 choice and authorize negotiations to begin with her.
ABC-7 attempted to talk to Wilson at the El Paso International Airport when she arrived the night of June 5 but she walked away.
Seventy people had applied for the job since it was posted in late March.
The Lee County website does not state how much the county manager would be paid other than to state "the salary range is open and dependent upon qualifications, with a competitive benefits package. The starting salary will be based upon the knowledge and experience of the individual selected."
The last Lee County county manager had a salary of $170,000 a year. Wilson currently earns about $227,000 as city manager.
Wilson was hired as El Paso's first city manager in 2004 after a charter amendment vote to create a city manager position to run the city along with City Council. Her contract ends on Sept. 30, 2014.
Wilson has been selected as the state's Top Public Works Leader for 2013 by the Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association (TPWA). The recognition honors individuals for excellence in their career-long achievements, expertise, service and dedication to improving the quality of life in the communities they serve. The award ceremony is this week in Waco.
Lee County has about 2,300 employees and an Fiscal Year 2012/2013 countywide budget of $1.76 billion, including both reserves and a General Fund operating budget of $457 million. Since the FY2007-08 budget, the County has had an overall reduction of 14% in staff and a $650 million reduction in the budget. The Lee County website states the county is historically fiscally conservative.
Wilson's resume states she is a "Nationally recognized leader with over 25 years of extensive local government management experience at senior management and executive levels. Experience working in demographically diverse areas and bi-national settings. Specific areas of expertise include exemplary fiscal management and high-performance, customer-focused service delivery, community capacity building, internal and external communications, economic development and community revitalization. Demonstrated oversight of significant infrastructure investments in rapid growth communities, as well as those experiencing substantial economic decline."
Mayor John Cook declined in April to give Wilson another evaluation under the current City Council. Wilson's last evluation was released in mid-December and made mention of items that she needed to work on.
There are three differences between the initial version published by a freelance journalist and the final version of Wilson's evaluation released by the City:
- Wilson's evaluation score went from 4 on the initial version to 3.97 on the final version.
- "Although members of council value your input while we formulate policy" was added to the sentence "I want you to be mindful of your role as we move forward" on the final version.
- The following paragraph was completely removed from final version of the evaluation: "You need to worry about appearances of impropriety. Your relationships with the MCA Foundation (Medical Center of the Americas Foundation) and the PDNG (Paso Del Norte Group) have raised concerns in the community. I request that you decline to serve on the board, become a member of, or serve in an advisory capacity for any entity that will contract with or seek funding from the City of El Paso."
Each of El Paso's eight city representatives filled out a survey that included open-ended questions and a comment section. The mayor's staff then averaged out the scores without the mayor looking at them.
In the evaluation, Cook said he is pleased with Wilson's performance and thinks she has helped the city move forward. He also wrote about several items that concerned him and City Council members, as well.
Cook also pointed out that Wilson's emails that became public, which some considered to be mean-spirited, were a concern to all city representatives.
"The emails are evidence you let your impatience with the process, the public and elected officials overcome your better judgment," Cook said in the evaluation. "Your comments regarding members of the public and individual council members were inappropriate and disrespectful. While we appreciate that you have publicly admitted the inappropriateness and apologized, we would like to request that for the remainder of your term as City Manager you undertake the following:
- Cultivate a culture of courtesy and respect for members of the public and elected officials. You and your staff should not engage in either written or verbal communications about members of the public or elected officials that could be considered to be inappropriate, disrespectful or insubordinate.
- Work to improve your demeanor during public meetings. Your impatience is very evident. Please wait to be recognized and do not interrupt other speakers. Several members of council have expressed concern about the manner in which you address City staff during the meetings. Staff needs to be allowed to respond to questions from members of council. Stop rushing council and the members of the public through the meetings. The weekly meetings are the manner in which the governing body conducts the business of the City and a duly called and posted meeting of council is the only time we can deliberate over the business of council and engage with the members of the public as a body.
Cook also mentioned in the evaluation that Wilson shared information with select council members and purposefully kept it from others.
"You even encouraged council members not to share information with me," Cook wrote. "I consider that insubordination and not only would I have appreciated an apology, I feel you should also undertake the following for the remainder of your term:
- "Make certain all City Council members and the Mayor are provided with the same information. While different council members are more engaged on certain topics, all elected officials should have the benefit of the same information -- even if they do not agree with the recommendations you are advancing for the consideration of the governing body.
- "Avoid taking actions that may cause divisiveness between the council. There is currently an "us and them" mentality which is being exacerbated by the fact council members believe they are not receiving the same levels of support, respect and consideration from administrative staff. You need to work to improve your working relationships with all the elected officials.
- "Make certain council is provided with enough information to properly respond to requests from the media."
Cook briefly touched on city representative comments on Wilson's deputy city managers, saying that she needs to hold her subordinates to a high standard and treat all of them equally.
"Fear is not a motivator and our employees need to think of the city as a great place to work," Cook wrote. "That said, there have been a few incidents within the past year that merit mention as examples of situations that council was less than pleased with and which require further corrective action."
At the Dec. 11, 2012 City Council meeting, Wilson thanked City Council for their "affirmation of support" after they evaluated her. "I want to thank all of you for your constructive critique of things we need to address within the organization and that I need to address personally."
Wilson released a statement on Dec. 11 in which she once again publicly apologized for the emails. Through the statement, Wilson also said the emails "created an unfortunate distraction from the important work of the city and a regrettable conflict in relationships with ... some members of council."
The city manager said she's committed to rebuilding those damaged relationships. City officials said Wilson would not comment on the evaluation any further and let her Dec. 11 statement stand as her response to it.
Cook had asked that Wilson's evaluation be moved up before the end of the year because of emails from Wilson that became public that some interpreted as mean-spirited.
In one email she called ballpark opponents "crazies" and in a separate email she referred to city representatives Carl Robinson and Ann Morgan Lilly as having the beginnings of dementia. "That was a very significant issue. I think Ms. Wilson has apologized numerous times and the council expressed their opinions on the emails but right now it's time to move on."
Robinson said he felt the evaluation was appropriate but wished council had taken more action.
"I indicated to Ms. Wilson that I was disappointed and that the abundance of emails need to be addressed specifically and publicly," Robinson at the Dec. 11 City Council meeting. "Depending on who may read those emails, some of them could be considered slanderous so I feel that there needs to be an action plan to address those not only today but in the future."
Wilson, through her statement, said she learned "all citizens are entitled to be heard and treated with respect, as are elected officials regardless of their respective positions on issues. Processes and relationships are equally as important as results."


text:
Rob Forbes:
Ways of seeing
Rob Forbes, the founder of Design Within Reach, shows a gallery of snapshots that inform his way of seeing the world. Charming juxtapositions, found art, urban patterns — this slideshow will open your eyes to the world around you.
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- Beauty
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- Photography
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text:
Sneak preview of GISWatch 2011
By GJ for APCNews
OTTAWA, Canada, 28 October 2011
The new edition of Global Information Society Watch 2011 focuses on internet rights and democracy. It features stories from almost 60 countries including on internet in prisons in Argentina and the role of social media during the Arab uprisings. GISW 2011 is out in December but you can read some chapters now online.Full article at http://giswatch.org/en/2011


text:
Hi all,
While removing round section honey this season I noticed alot of bridge comb between the super that contained honey. When I remove the section supers some honey ran down the face of the sections. This honey ruins the appearance of the section. Is there any trick for this. Some one I seem to recall said to go the day before harvest and break the bridge comb, then the bees will clean up any mess by the next day. Have any of you tried this?


text:
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text:
Winds push NE Bend fire, traced to cigarette
Official: Don't try to put big fire out yourselves
BEND, Ore. - A cigarette discarded near Advanced Energy on Monday afternoon sparked a wind-fanned brushfire that prompted evacuation of the business and safety reminders from fire officials – including when not to tackle a blaze yourself.
Fire crews were dispatched around 3:45 p.m. to the fire near the business at 20720 Brinson Boulevard, said Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering.
They arrived to find a fire spreading rapidly in heavy brush and juniper on vacant land east of the business, Kettering said.
Employees tried to put out the blaze with several fire extinguishers and also were trying to put out 8- to 10-foot-tall flames with shovels when the first fire crews arrived, the deputy fire marshal said.
Within 20 minutes, the fire was contained to a quarter-acre, as Bend firefighters were assisted by a U.S. Forest Service crew.
An investigation found that a cigarette discarded along the fence line of Advanced Energy was the likely cause of the fire, Kettering said.
Carelessness with cigarettes and other smoking materials is a cause of many fires each year, she said, urging people to use designated smoking areas only, and to dispose of them in a non-combustible container.
Also, Kettering said, "citizens should never attempt to fight a large fire," especially one spreading rapidly, noting that the workers who wielded shovels had no training, protective gear or proper equipment.
"Employees had gone over the fence and were trying to put it out with shovels," as tall flames were pushed by the wind, Kettering said. "They put themselves in harm's way. … This could have resulted in severe injury or even death."
"Fire extinguishers are designed to be used on small fires, such as a wastebasket fire," she said. "In larger fires, remember: Life safety comes first. Go to a safe location, away from the fire, ensure that everyone is accounted for, and wait for trained personnel to arrive."


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To get you started as a full-time undergraduate day student taking 30 credits per year, here are the important numbers you need to know for 2017-2018
Application Fee: $35
Tuition: $30,650.00 per year
Deposits: $400 on campus; $350 off campus
Room and Board: $13,000 per year*
Estimated Yearly Fees: $490 (add an additional $1,948 for optional medical insurance)
Total Resident Student: $44,575
Total Commuter Student: $31,575
* Exclude if commuting
Other studio, computer, and laboratory fees may vary. Costs for books and supplies are extra. You should anticipate personal expenses for transportation and miscellaneous items.
Part-time Student Cost Per Credit: $1,251.50


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Promoting the Program
Many consider parent access to information the most critical variable in achieving diversity in and across magnet schools. Studies13 document differential access or use of information by parents. The more aware parents are of options, the more likely they are to pursue them. Thus race-neutral recruitment targeted to those community sectors from which a magnet wants to draw students is absolutely key. Every district develops aggressive strategies for promoting and marketing their schools, and schools are expected to do the same. Duval advises schools to "scream your theme." Such efforts typically include developing descriptive brochures, distributing magnet program information to students, mailing information to parents, offering magnet school tours, and hosting large-scale, multischool recruitment events such as a magnet fair.
Market your schools
Duval partners with an outside marketing firm, which works closely with site staff in preparing a brochure for each magnet school. One of the first tasks each year for Duval's marketing specialist is to consult with the lead teacher at each magnet school, who in addition to having program development responsibilities, is charged with formulating and executing a marketing plan for the school. Duval's district-level marketing effort focuses on two major events. The first is "Magnet Mania," an annual trade show of sorts for its magnet schools where students and parents can learn about the various options. Magnet Mania began in 1991, with much thought given to finding a convenient location that would attract and accommodate the most attendees. It is held on the Jacksonville Fairgrounds, which has enough parking to serve the 10,000-12,000 people who attend annually. As a complement to Magnet Mania, the district also produces a catalog containing extensive information about each magnet school. It is structured similarly to college catalogs with their thorough description of various programs.
Duval's second major marketing effort is aimed at eighth graders as they make decisions about where to attend high school. Over a three-day period, the district buses each eighth-grader to a 20-minute session at three different magnet schools of his or her choice. Students complete an interest inventory in advance to help them narrow their choices of which schools to investigate during this period. Other Duval marketing efforts include approximately six parent information sessions a year, print advertising, and informational videos. Duval also has its guidance counselors visit each magnet school so they can accurately advise students and parents from the regular schools.
Figure 5. Hamilton Billboard Advertisement
Hamilton hired an agency to teach principals marketing techniques and to help them conduct focus groups and surveys. It also uses every possible avenue to lure parents and their students: producing shopping-mall recruitment fairs, offering free speakers to civic and religious groups, and providing magnet staff for guest spots on talk-radio programs. It also uses local billboard advertising (see figure 5).
Wake uses an extensive marketing campaign to inform the public about its distinguished magnet program options. Two magnet program staff plan recruiting activities throughout the school year. These activities include organizing and advertising the application acceptance period, a magnet school fair, magnet school open house sessions, evening magnet information sessions, and monthly parent information sessions. The marketing and recruitment staff also network with local businesses, real estate agencies, and government organizations, present at local childcare centers and moms groups, and participate in local camp and education fairs and festivals.
The magnet marketing and recruitment staff work closely with Wake's Communications Department to create and produce a magnet brochure, a magnet web page, a video, a monthly magnet newsletter, flyers, posters, direct mailings, news releases, media advisories, and television and radio interviews. Figure 6 lists Wake's various marketing and recruitment efforts.
Montclair's choice department conducts separate magnet program orientation sessions for elementary and middle school parents, which are followed by school visits during both regular school and evening hours. Each school also has a unique pamphlet describing its theme, core curriculum, special programs, and other highlights. The schools also publish catalogues with more extensive views of what they offer.
Houston produces a magnet program open house at the district administration building, followed by "Magnet Awareness Week," whose activities include scheduled tours of prospective schools.
Figure 6. Wake Marketing and Recruiting Campaigns
|Target specific organizations
|Present at meetings and events
|Create and distribute marketing materials
|Child care centers
Public libraries
Grocery stores
Doctor's offices
Women's organizations, mother's groups
Chamber of commerce
Visitor's bureau
Education foundations
Realtors' association
|Festivals and fairs
Pre-K information sessions
Parent/Teacher Association meetings
Systemwide conferences
Annual Magnet Fair
|Magnet newsletters
Newspaper ads
Marketing videos
TV and radio interviews
Magnet Web site/ intranet
Involve others as co-promoters
Some districts form local advisory councils as a means of getting folks involved and spreading the word. To generate more parent involvement in the magnet program, Wake created a parents' advisory council, with one member serving as a liaison to the district's magnet office. This volunteer is trained by the district in key magnet-related issues such as school budgets and transportation and, in turn, shares this information with other members of the advisory council. The council meets once every four to six weeks with the magnet recruiter to brainstorm and share ideas about how to reach other parents and students. Wake has also created a speaker's bureau, with 40 speakers available to make presentations about the magnet program. The Montclair Council of Parent-Teacher Associations developed a guide, included in orientation packets, to help parents navigate the school selection process. It proposes specific questions for parents to ask on their site visits, ranging from school hours and transportation to learning approaches and areas of study (see figure 7).
Word-of-mouth is one of the more effective ways to create awareness and draw parent interest. Magnet schools make sure that teachers and counselors are well versed in their school program and are prepared to answer any questions parents or community members might have. Schools have found that if teachers and staff members share their success stories with others in the district, interest and participation increase.
Summary for Promoting the Program
Figure 7. Montclair School Visit Questions for Parents (Page 1 of 2)
Here are some sample questions to ask at the school visits. Some of the information may be in the written materials or tours provided by the schools. Put a check next to the questions that you would like answered when you visit the schools.
Mission and Community
Resources and extra-curricular opportunities
Special Needs


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"How to do your brows is one of the most common questions we get asked at MAC," says the company's senior artist for Oceania, Amber D. "Women are recognising just how flattering a tidy brow can be." So it is no surprise the groomed brow is making a comeback.
At Auckland's Off Wax and Brow bars customers are keen to find exactly what suits them.
"People are moving away from wanting someone else's brow (like Kim Kardashian's) to finding their own best brow," says owner Nicky Shore.
The fastest growing service at Off is a combination of a brow shape and customised colour. People are also wanting quick fixes to help mask quirks like gaps, scars, thinness. That is why we have fallen in love with the brow pencil, but reinvented - no longer the harsh sharp lines that look obvious."
Full boy brows have dominated the runways for a fair few seasons and Amber D says this is still the trend."There is a real focus on a masculine-looking brow, only slightly arched and without looking tweezed - even if they are slightly.
If you don't have quite that much brow, or if yours are quite a bit lighter than your hair colour, then subtly defining and infilling what is there will help frame your face. Consult the experts for a good initial shaping or shape correction then see how you get on with upkeep at home.
Personal preference will come into whether you want to use pencils or powders on your brow. A soft pencil is quick and handy for everyday wear, but the effect of brushing on powder is subtler and, if you set the end result, it will last longer. Taupe-toned shadows and pencils are particularly versatile, with truly black brows usually looking overly harsh; people with darker hair should try muted chocolate or charcoal tones. Redheads should check out M.A.C's new collection of brow products which includes specific shades for them.
Another way of getting an ideal brow colour match is by checking out eyeshadow ranges, which offer more tonal variety.
Use a mascara wand-type brush to comb the brows upward for an idea of what needs filling. Apply product starting slightly inward from the inner corner of your brows so that they don't look too sharp in the corners. Feather through the brow to almost create the appearance of extra hairs.
Holding your makeup brush from the side of your nostril to the corner of your eye is the best way to see where the end of your brow should be. Where the brush points to is where you should pull the ends of your brows out to.
If you need to tweeze try filling in the shape you like first on both brows then tweeze away the hairs that sit below that.
If you have high, arched brows and want to soften the effect use a darker shade of product to fill under the highest point of the arch, straightening the brow out a little.
Amber D, who offered these tips, is a big fan of M.A.C's Clear Brow Gel to keep good grooming in place all day. M.A.C Brow Duo in Redhead $65
These complimentary colours, one matte, one satin, blend beautifully so you can vary the mix to suit the intensity you require.
Billion Dollar Brows Universal Brow Pencil $36
This colour suits most and comes from a blendable crayon-pencil with a grooming brush attached. (From Off Wax bars Britomart, Takapuna and Newmarket, see www.offwaxbar.co.nz.)
M.A.C Veluxe Brow Liner in Strawberry Blonde $40 and M.A.C Eye Brows in Lingering $38
Create a softly defined brow, with the double-ended brush which comes in five shades that tone to differing hair colours. The wand end allows hairs to be brushed into place before the slim-line pencil does its stuff.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow colour in Medium $45
Use the brush tip to easily paint on colour which is designed not to run or smudge so you can fearlessly go forth. Also available in light shade. (From Mecca.)
Browtician Slant Tip Tweezer $18.99
Slant-tipped tweezers are good at winkling out those pesky hairs. (Selected pharmacies, www.mybeautystore.co.nz.)


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"A guitar that goes doink can be as entertaining as someone singing la-la-la," insists Bunnies bassist Jack Science, on speakerphone with the rest of the band from their practice space, a desolate warehouse by the Connecticut River in Holyoke.
Science is speaking of Bunnies' ongoing affinity for what I call "interesting noises." But his observation also expresses Bunnies' æsthetic — it doesn't sound as if it made any sense, but deep down it does. Case in point: in Bunnies, guitars go doink.
Science and guitarist Jeremy Dubs, who also split vocal duties, uprooted themselves from Pennsylvania to move to Northampton five years ago, and they shifted the paradigm of their band in the process. The "e" in Bennies, their previous band, was swapped for a "u," and drummer Matt Newman was found on Craigslist. As for the conceptual modifications they made, Bunnies began penning cosmically inclined, lyrically abstract, structurally fluid stoner metal. Or maybe it's post-post-post-punk. Whatever it is, it sounds crazy.
"A lot of the noise sections of our songs are based on cues," Science explains. "There's a general idea of the sounds we're going to make, and then we move to those parts based on cues from one person or another."
"We know that they're choruses, but other people don't," adds Dubs.
"We felt like people weren't really thinking of the future," Science continues, "or there wasn't enough progress. So we did our future concept album." He says this in reference to Music for Dinosaurs by Dinosaurs. As for the next concept album: it's "about action — about doing."
Mission of Burma's Roger Miller produced Music for Dinosaurs in the summer of '08, and his crush on Bunnies is a matter of public record. Saturday's bill at the Paradise is only the most recent to include Bunnies and their envelope-pushing precursors. During their tenure as Bennies, they landed a handful of choice gigs opening for Burma and the Pixies — and as Bunnies, they played with Frank Black's Grand Duchy project this past summer. You'd think such illustrious associations would swell their heads — yet they get as animated when name-dropping barely known fringe acts like We Are the Seahorses as they do when mentioning Miller and Black Francis.
In fact, that last show they played with the Seahorses was a crucial turning point: caving in to misguided accusations of gimmickry, Bunnies resolved that no more would they perform dressed like pulp sci-fi characters. Dubs: "It's too much to worry about before a show. We'd rather focus on songs. But the last time I dressed up, I wore an inflatable dinosaur costume."
Of course, mere spectacle isn't what keeps a Bunnies show interesting (and least of all Dubs's confinement to a wheelchair, from osteogenesis imperfecta). The songs are their own distractions. Although they may sound like quixotic wanderings, Dubs has them smartly charted out like secret missions, or scientific experiments. Take the in-progress concept album — this Saturday, they'll unveil track one, which is dubbed "The Starting." "The album is breaking down the process of doing," says Dubs, "and when you're doing something, the first thing that happens is you start, and there's a process that you go through. We try to break it down and be scientific, sort of."
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Jefferson City day care shut down after toddler found wandering in road
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A day care facility is out of business after a toddler was found wandering in the middle of the road.
In a story ABC 17 News first reported Monday night, a 23-month-old child left the Kids Unlimited property for approximately 20 minutes on June 13 without the day care's knowledge.
"It scared me; you know your heart just drops," said Claudia Boyce, the woman who found the child. "Walking up the middle of the street, he had one shoe on and one shoe off."
The day care is located off Fairgrounds Road, across Highway 50 from the Capital Mall in Jefferson City.
According to records, Jefferson City police were called to the scene when a passerby returned the child to the day care. The day care staff initially stated they were not missing any children, but after a head count, they realized they were indeed missing one child.
ABC 17 News learned this isn't the first time it's happened at the day care.
There are conflicting reports in state documents: According to day care staff, they told investigators they realized the child was missing at 9:05 a.m. when another child was dropped off. However, police did not receive a call from the passerby until 9:24 a.m. That means staff were aware a child was missing and failed to call authorities for nearly 20 minutes.
"They weren't looking for anyone when I went up there, they didn't seem to be," said Boyce. "One lady was on her cell phone and the other one was standing at the top of the playground just looking out at the kids."
It gets even worse -- the same situation happened twice. The state's report said the same child opened the same gate on June 17. The second time, the toddler tried to head toward Fairgrounds Road, but day care staff were able to stop him.
Last Thursday, the state shut down Kids Unlimited and suspended its license.
The owners of the day care appealed the decision and a hearing was held Tuesday. No ruling has been made, and the suspension will stay in place until a ruling occurs.
If Kids Unlimited appeals the revocation, the Department of Health and Senior Services will have 90 days to file a complaint with the Administrative Hearing Commission. Once the commission receives a complaint, it will hold a hearing on whether the Department has cause to discipline Kids Unlimited's license.