text:
"Make that two-and-a-half minutes!" Chad laughed, then set his eyes on the road. "Buckle up, chucklenuts."
A look of horror suddenly shot up Twitch's face. "Uhh, this car has... Airbags, y'know? Right?"
"I guess we'll find out." Amber mused.
And so they shot out of the alleyway and into the building.
There weren't many ways to describe what Amber felt upon impact. Her whole body seemed to bounce off the airbags into every surface in the whole car. She felt her neck pop very loudly, heard a crunch, and then felt blood running down her face.
The next thing she knew, she was being pulled out of the car by Chad. Amber fell immediately on the ground, dizzy beyond belief. Eventually she found her footing and managed to stand with Twitch's help.
"Damn, girl." Chad said. "Your nose is busted pretty badly."
"Shut up or your face'll be busted pretty badly." Amber turned around and examined the impressively large hole the truck had made in the concrete wall. Debris lay all over the place, and the vehicle was completely busted. "Wow." She gasped.
"Come on, Amber!" Twitch pulled at her arm. "We only have two minutes!"


text:
Filter Results:
- Full text PDF available (2)
Publication Type
Publication Venue
Key Phrases
Learn More
- Longbiao Wang, Shinji Ohtsuka, Seiichi Nakagawa
- IEEE Transactions on Audio, Speech, and Language…
- 2009
In conventional speaker recognition methods based on Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), phase information has hitherto been ignored. In this paper, we propose a phase information extraction method that normalizes the change variation in the phase according to the frame position of the input speech and combines the phase information with MFCCs in… (More)
In conventional speaker recognition methods based on MFCC, phase information has been ignored. We proposed a method that integrated the phase information with MFCC on a speaker identification method, and a preliminary experiment was performed. In this paper, we propose a new modified feature parameter (that is, coordidates on an unit circle) obtained from… (More)
- ‹
- 1
- ›

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Her Dirty, Vulgar WordMature
Free-verse poetry depicting a sequence of relationships and affections.
No subliminal rejection,
Thought you had me near.
But conditional affection,
Is quick to disappear.
I wish to take the way I felt,
Capture it in your empty bottle,
Put it on low a shelf,
And step away by my self.
And later back to where I knelt,
Without your thoughtless throttle.
A bottle... corked by reluctance,
Will never forget a heart's inductance.
That's where I will draw the line,
Staring at that bottle of wine.
Start to think,
I don't drink!
What'll I do with vintage affection?
Ain't the kind o' thing where I find a connection!
A lesson I should have learned before.
You lay there looking up, expecting lust.
Was I just another thrust?
Wondering when I'd fall near.
Looking at me like I was another score.
There's a word that rhymes here, and I won't say it!
It's a vulgar, dirty word.
I never said it, despite all I heard.
Maybe because I heard it from you?
Oh, though, I heard him say it too.
He loves you with it like a whip,
Each hand upon a hip.
He says it again and again,
But it doesn't hurt.
That vulgar, dirty word.
I think it's absurd!
Degradation loves you.
It's your foundation,
Your docking station.
That paints you in a new hue.
You expected me to stick around,
Even with that something new.
Thought I'd turn the other cheek.
Ignore the lover in your bed.
Such is the way of the meek.
You thought I didn't care.
What's gotten into your head?
It's true.
A horrible thing you'd dare.
It's true I didn't care.
But the veil of lies,
Brings tears to my eyes.
You thought I'd be relieved of obligations,
Despite and because, of all his penetrations.
Compersion? More like perversion!
At least you know I'll never scoff.
It's not about your vice,
But all the others that entice.
There are things that just aren't nice!
That's why I broke it off.
You were a different person when I fell for charm,
I waiting too long and now you've come to harm.
The influence of no affluence,
Sadly comes to play.
The absence, of parents.
The untreated mental state,
Fucked on only the first date.
Bipolar, gettin' older.
Grieve 'til you heave,
Never to achieve.
Yes, your Mom and Dad are dead.
But what's gotten into your head?
Didn't think you were naive.
And then there are the drugs,
You answered with far more than shrugs.
Always stoned, while hoping to be boned.
Seven men in twice as many months,
And how many women?
Oh, wait,
That is none of my business.
Temptation, invitation.
But seduction just ain't your best function.
Yeah, great,
I'm not on the list.
This is one you've missed.
And that really makes you pissed.
Your mother's birthday comes, and you cut again.
You grieve for her still,
Never to forget, and always to abet.
What would your mother think of you?
A question I never, ever, asked.
I always wanted to.
I walk away and call myself a God damn self-righteous virgin,
Just to make you happy. Even though it's true.
Put my head against yours, and I felt shadow in your mind.
I should have told you I wasn't looking for flesh to grind.
And you should have told me, that romance wasn't you.
Now do you see, self-soiled orphan?
I wish I'd told you long ago.
About what I keep in that bottle.
The scars are so dark,
Your bed is so stark.
For now you are the vulgar word,
Always unheard, save during lust.
That, you call yourself.
I implore,
If a God is real, in any way, then this I pray:
Help the one who on this day,
Deluded and drugged away,
Calls herself whore.
Whore, whore, whore!
That dirty, vulgar word.
This dirty, vulgar world.


text:
Zecc Architects have designed the remodel and expansion of a historic railway cottage in Santpoort-Noord of the Netherlands. They have done a great job preserving the original structure as well as the brick walls and windows. And with the addition of modern elements and amenities, this is truly a special home!
Festival des Métiers
Hermés' Festival des Metiers made it's way to San Francisco earlier this week, bringing together generations of skilled artisans to demonstrate how some of their most iconic goods are made. The celebration of luxury craftsmanship walked us through the diligent and meticulous fabrication of the Collier de Chien cuff and Jypsiere handbag, as well as ties and shirt collars. The pièce de résistance, however, was witnessing the process of silkscreening an Hermés scarf in it's entirety. Some scarves have upwards of 49 colors – which means 49 individual screens are manually layered over a sheet of silk twill, seamlessly depositing individual, custom created colors. Three things I came away with from this experience? Price. Tag. Justified.
Well Seasoned
Francesco Scognamiglio Spring 2013
Sheer maxi shirts and delicate floor length dresses shown in white, baby blue and black . . . it was romance epitomized at Francesco Scognamiglio in Milan. The collection had us daydreaming about where and when we could possibly get away with wearing such ethereal and sensual frocks.
Bottle Cap House
Olga Kostina has turned her modest home, in the rural town of Kamarchaga in the Siberian taiga, into quite the landmark. Inspired by traditional macrame motifs, the Russian pensioner has individually nailed over 30,000 plastic bottle caps to create pixelated patterns. She's vowed to continue adding more bottle caps until every wall is completely covered. So sweet, right?


text:
Michael Davis (trombonist)
|This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (January 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Michael Davis (born August 13, 1961 in San Francisco, California) is a jazz trombonist from San Jose, California.
He studied at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Davis has worked with famous singers and bands, for example The Rolling Stones,[1] Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson.. He is also a music entrepreneur.[2]
He spends most of his time acting as a clinician for colleges and high schools all over the USA. Noted as a talented educator, he started hip-bone music to write publications for young jazz musicians. He has written books regarding warm-ups, trombone technique, jazz theory, and many other topics. He has also co-written several books on trumpet and jazz pedagogy.
In 2014, Michael Davis visited Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and participated in their annual jazz festival. He gave several clinics, participated in adjudicating several high school bands, and played with the Slippery Rock University Jazz Ensemble.
|This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2008)
- Sidewalk Cafe (1989)
- Heroes (1991)
- Midnight Crossing (1994)
- Absolute Trombone (1997)
- Bonetown (1999)
- New Brass
- Brass Nation (2000)
- Look into the Eyeball by David Byrne (2001)
- Trumpets Eleven (2003)
- Absolute Trombone II (2007)
- ^ Astarita, Glenn (May 3, 2004). "May 2004". All About Jazz. Retrieved 30 January 2011.
- ^ Biography, pdf file
External links[edit]
|This article on an American jazz trombonist is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.


text:
Apple MacBook Air MD760B/B 13.3inch 1.4 GHz - 128GB
This product is no longer available or has been replaced by a newer model.
The Apple MacBook Air MD760B/B 13.3" 1.4 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor is an ultra-portable notebook computer with a slim, stylish and lightweight design. This model features Apple's fourth-generation of Intel Core processors, 128GB of storage space, 4GB of RAM, Intel HD Graphics 5000 processor, lightning fast Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 connectivity and up to a 12 hour battery life. More
1x Apple MacBook Air MD760B/B 13.3inch 1.4 GHz - 128GB Sorry, there are no more available.
The Key Features:
- 13.3" LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
- 1.4 GHz processor speed
- 128GB storage space
- Intel HD Graphics 5000 card
- Operating on OS X Mavericks
- Up to 12 hours battery life
The thin and light notebook, at the height of its power.
Underneath the sleek exterior, MacBook Air is packed with powerful components that give you smoother graphics, faster storage and all-round serious performance. Not to mention enough battery life to get you through the day. The result? A computer that's as capable as it is portable.
Fourth-generation Intel Core processors with fast graphics.
Fourth-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors - based on the groundbreaking Haswell ULT architecture - give MacBook Air the power you need to finish the task at hand. Whatever the task may be. The dual-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.7GHz comes as standard. Or you can choose the optional dual-core Intel Core i7 processor for 1.7GHz of processing power and Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3GHz. In addition, these processors are much more power efficient, which means you're able to do all the things you love to do on a computer for longer than ever - up to 9 hours between battery charges on the 11-inch MacBook Air and up to 12 hours on the 13-inch model.1 And with the Intel HD Graphics 5000 processor, you get advanced graphics performance.2 So when you're trying to level up in your favourite game - or taking on other graphics-intensive tasks - things move more smoothly and with greater detail.
Fast memory.
MacBook Air features up to 8GB of super-fast, power-efficient 1600MHz LPDDR3 memory. Combine that with powerful processors and fast flash storage and you get a notebook that can run more memory-intensive applications at the same time - without compromising performance.
Fast flash storage. Up to 512GB.
From the moment you start up MacBook Air, you realise this is exactly how a notebook should perform. Much of that power is thanks to flash storage, which is up to 9x faster than a traditional 5400-rpm notebook hard drive.2 Apps launch quickly. Files and documents open faster. Even after a month in standby mode, MacBook Air springs to life.
High-speed Thunderbolt and USB 3.0.
A high-speed Thunderbolt port and two USB 3 ports allow MacBook Air to transfer data at lightning-fast speeds and connect to displays like the Apple Thunderbolt Display. So with a few connections, you can turn a highly portable notebook into a highly versatile workstation.
Up to 12 hours of battery life. Power through your whole day.
Thanks to compact all-flash storage in MacBook Air, there's plenty of room for a big battery. Working together with the power-efficient fourth-generation Intel Core architecture, this battery can post some impressive numbers. The 11-inch model gets up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge and the 13-inch model gets up to 12 hours. That gives you all-day power for surfing the web or watching iTunes films. Put MacBook Air to sleep for more than 3 hours, and it enters standby mode to conserve battery life for up to 30 days.1 And if you enable Power Nap, you'll continue to receive new email and calendar invitations while your computer is asleep.
Up to 3x faster Wi-Fi. 802.11ac. The de?nition of fast.
MacBook Air supports ultra-fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi. When connected to an 802.11ac base station - including AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule - wireless performance is up to 3x faster than with the previous generation of Wi-Fi or MacBook Air with 802.11n Wi-Fi.2 And your Wi-Fi range improves as well. With Bluetooth technology, you can connect MacBook Air to Bluetooth-enabled devices like speakers and headphones. Even without all the wires, you're totally connected.
Fast all-flash storage.
Part of what makes MacBook Air so responsive is that it's designed entirely around flash storage. Not only does this make MacBook Air much lighter and more portable than traditional notebooks, it also provides faster access to data. Available in capacities up to 512GB,3 this PCIe-based flash storage is up to 9x faster than a traditional 5400-rpm notebook hard drive.4 So when you flip open MacBook Air, it's ready to go straightaway. Even after a month in standby mode, the screen springs to life.
LED-backlit display. Millions of pixels. Millimetres thin.
Corner to corner and pixel by pixel, the MacBook Air display is both an engineering feat and a design breakthrough. The display measures a mere 4.86 millimetres thin, yet its resolution makes you feel like you're looking at a larger screen. The 11-inch MacBook Air features a resolution of 1366x768 pixels, while the 13-inch model wows with a resolution of 1440x900 pixels. And LED backlighting makes colours bright and vibrant from edge to edge. So whether you're editing photos, perfecting a presentation or watching a film, you're going to love what you see.
720p FaceTime HD camera. Stay sharp.
Let your friends and family see more of you with the 720p FaceTime HD camera. Every smile looks bright, even halfway round the world. And the widescreen format means everyone can fit into the picture without having to crowd round the display.
Dual mics. They'll hear you loud and clear.
The dual microphones in MacBook Air are great for when you want to be heard. If you're making a FaceTime call, for example, the mics reduce background noise from behind the notebook. And when you use Dictation, they create an adaptive audio beam that intelligently adjusts to detect your voice - instead of the noise around you.
Multi-Touch trackpad. It goes hand in hand with OS X.
The Multi-Touch gestures in OS X make everything you do on MacBook Air more intuitive, direct and fun. And the spacious Multi-Touch trackpad is perfectly designed for them, whether it's a three-finger swipe to activate Mission Control or a four-finger pinch to see all your apps in Launchpad. Gesture responses are smooth and realistic. So when you're scrolling up and down a web page or swiping from one full-screen app to another, it's almost like you're touching what you're seeing.
Product Specification
|Battery Life
|Up to 12 hours
|Mag Safe 2 power port, SDXC card slot, Thunderbolt port (up to 10 Gbps) 2x USB 3.0 ports
|Graphics Card
|Intel HD Graphics 5000
|MacBook Air
|Processor Speed (GHz)
|Processor Type
|1.4GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 Processor
|Screen Size (Inches)
|Size (mm)
|170 x 325 x 227mm
|System Requirements
|OS X Mavericks
|Weight (g)
|Manufacturer Link
{{item.DisplayName}} for the Apple MacBook Air MD760B/B 13.3inch 1.4 GHz - 128GB
1x {{accessory.DisplayName}}


text:
Product Information
Why Global One?
- Trusted by thousands. Over 26,000 customers in 100+ countries trust Global One Technology to deliver mission-critical HP hardware - including Fortune 500 businesses, schools, hospitals, and federal, state, and local goverment agencies.
- HP is our specialty! We only sell genuine HP parts.
- EASY ordering process. Purchase online now with credit card or PayPal!
- FAST shipping. Global One Technology ships orders received by 5pm the same day and offers NEXT DAY delivery to US customers.
This item, 593923-B21, is the HP retail number for the product described as 4GB (1x4GB) Dual Rank x8 PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333) Unbuffered CAS-9 Memory. Further details below.HP Option Part #: 593923-B21
HP Spare Part #: 595102-001
Assembly Part #: 500210-171
Last Updated: 2/24/2017
Other Customers Purchased:
593921-B21 HP 2GB (1x2GB) Dual Rank x8 PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333) Unbuffered CAS-9 Memory - New
Price: $104.00
Today's Price: $78.00As low as: $73.32
481041-B21 HP Slim SATA DVD-ROM Optical Drive - New
Price: $83.00
Today's Price: $59.00As low as: $55.46
593915-B21 HP 16GB (1x16GB) Quad Rank x4 PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066) Registered CAS-7 Memory - New
Price: $171.00
Today's Price: $128.00As low as: $120.32
481043-B21 HP Slim SATA DVD RW Optical Drive - New
Price: $79.00
Today's Price: $59.00As low as: $55.46


text:
Posts Tagged by hints
Help – How do I Start my Book?
|Posted by admin under Writers Helps, ARTICLES
You have had this story spinning around in your head for months. You have a few days break with nothing else lined up so it seems like a good time to begin putting it down in writing. You sit down at the computer and open a new document, imagining your story flooding the screen with […]


text:
Join the discussion on Dawgman.com's message boards
On being ranked in the top 10 "Wow, I didn't know that. We have to keep going. That's big time, but it doesn't mean anything until we beat everybody and go to the PAC-12 championship game and that stuff. We just have to keep going. I hope everybody doesn't find out that, because we have to stay humble and keep grinding."
On the first game "We did well. A lot of rotation and stuff, everybody got their feet wet and stuff. But as a whole, as a defense, we swarmed around to the ball and we made them feel us. I think we did a really good job bringing what we practiced to the game."
Are the younger guys acclimated to college football "We have really good leaders on the team. so the coaches don't have to really tell them everything. We just lead and show them how we're supposed to do it on game week and they do a really good job. They're really focusing and giving us good looks on scout and everything. They're doing really good job."
What are some signs you need to work on to get better? "Going at the quarterback. That's about it. I'm in a position to go get the quarterback. Last game we didn't really have many opportunities rotation wise and drops and they were a run team. The next couple games, I have to get my feet wet and go get the quarterback. Do what I was put in a position to do."
Was linebacker a hard transition for you? "I played linebacker freshman year and sophomore year and junior year I moved to d-line to help the team out. I went to seven on seven. It's not hard to play. It's just going back, adjusting to it is a little different, being a little quicker, keeping your feet light. It's really easy."
On the ranking "It's a blessing but we have to stay humble. It's good news but we don't want anyone off track. We have to stay focused on what's important. It's good. It gives us a pat on the back, but we have to keep pushing forward, staying hungry, and keep fighting for what we want."
Did you think you'd ever be a top 10 team during your time here? "I always knew it would be somewhere near that, but I didn't think it was going to be this soon. It's crazy that you told me that. We have to keep going. I can't just be like 'I'm so happy.' I want to be number one at the end of the day."


text:
Welcome to GTScore.com
GTScore is an easy to use and affordable online golf tournament scoring system created on web-based technology
and has been tested in several tournaments.
We are currently finalizing our product to be released soon.
Should you want to be notified upon launching of GTScore system, please
send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com
Thank you.


text:
Creepiest Fighter Blog Entry Ever?
From a Suki MMA post titled "Gono is getting ready":
** Aug 19 **
Gono posted a picture of himself [...]
From a Suki MMA post titled "Gono is getting ready":
** Aug 19 **
Gono posted a picture of himself [...]
Just as Kenny Florian won't be sitting on the bench until BJ Penn decides to give him a [...]Read More
(You'd be smiling too if you sold $2 million worth of tickets.)
Just a few hours after tickets for UFC [...]Read More
(Up next: a real fight, or a shameless hype match?)
What do you do if you're Pro Elite and you [...]Read More
10. Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
At 44 years of age, Randy Couture was the one who was supposed [...]Read More
("Indeed I did have a relationship with methadone that was not appropriate.")
In a letter received by the Nevada State Athletic [...]Read More
Despite announcing that he had signed a "ground-breaking record" deal with Affliction, Tito Ortiz is now said to [...]Read More
(Props: MMA Scraps)
HDNet brings us an absolute war between Jesse Forbes and Chris Camozzi for the "Fight [...]Read More
SpikeTV just sent out the first cast shot of the Ultimate Fighter 8 [...]Read More
We haven't heard much from Denis Kang since his shocking loss to Gegard Mousasi at DREAM's Middleweight Grand [...]Read More
(Admit it, the camera loves him.)
It's almost time again for everyone's favorite MMA-themed reality show, Spike TV's "The Ultimate [...]Read More
(If you won't pay to watch Fedor beat up this man, what will you pay for?)
The quest to figure [...]Read More
(Props: MMAScraps.com)
As mentioned on Saturday, Jared Hamman avenged his questionable-stoppage loss to Po'ai Suganuma [...]Read More
(Photo courtesy of UFC.com.)
"It was interesting…karma comes around. Honestly what I thought of it was that Karma's a [...]Read More
(Props: FiveOuncesofPain)
In part one of Nike's new commercial series "Train Like LT," San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian [...]Read More
(ShoXC weigh-ins become an impromptu beach party. Photo courtesy of Combat Lifestyle.)
Last night's ShoXC card from Fresno, Calif. had [...]Read More
- The fight poster for Dream.6 is pretty bad-ass. (SubFighter Forum)
- Talking Rampage, ShoXC, GSP and more on [...]Read More
If there's a worse sign for an MMA company than canceling a scheduled event just over a month out, [...]Read More
With the recent bookings of bouts between Martin Kampmann and Nate Marquardt as well as Jason Day vs. Jason Lambert, [...]Read More
Stephanie Lum of Honolulu's NBC affiliate KHNL 8 got a lot more than she bargained for when she [...]Read More
(Clearly, this man has much to teach us all.)
Let's not kid ourselves, the San Francisco 49ers suck. No [...]Read More
It's official: Vitor Belfort will not face Matt Lindland at Affliction: Day of Reckoning on October 11. The [...]Read More
(Cain Velasquez: Don't be scared, homey. Photo courtesy of Sherdog.)
— The arraignment of Quinton Jackson (which was supposed [...]Read More
(Props: "Captain Insano X" on the UG)
Though he was supposed to fight at Gladiator Challenge two days ago, [...]Read More
The good people at famed gentleman's magazine Playboy have an interview with UFC prez Dana White in their [...]Read More
(Props: MMA Scraps)
When we wrote about American judoka Ryan Reser and his plea for more love from MMA [...]Read More
From Yahoo! Sports via Bloody Elbow:
"[Fedor Emelianenko is] not the best pound-for-pound fighter, not even close, [...]Read More
We've touched on Lee Murray's Tito-stomping, depot-robbing exploits in the past, but ESPN dug a little deeper on [...]Read More
As we told you earlier this week, Matt Hughes was not at all impressed with Georges St. Pierre at [...]Read More
Chris Leben: Evolution of an Icon (Episode 5) – Watch more free videos
When Chris Leben first showed up [...]Read More
Part of the Made Man network.


text:
Additional titles
Additional titles hitting stores this week include:
Modern rock act Cold's "Year of the Spider" (Flip/Geffen), featuring a guest shot from Weezer's Rivers Cuomo.
The various artists collection "It'll Come To You: The Songs of John Hiatt" (Vanguard), featuring Eric Clapton & B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, and Linda Ronstadt.
Pat Metheny Group's "One Quiet Night" (Warner Bros.).
Singer/songwriter Todd Snider's "Near Truths and Hotel Rooms" (Oh Boy).
Hard rock outfit Chimaira's "The Impossibility of Reason" (Roadrunner).
The KMFDM splinter group Lucia's "From the Land of the Volcanos" (Universal).
- News [1]


text: On a whim, I bought DH concert tickets for Father's Day to a show in Chicago. It's on a Thursday night and we are planning on driving from Detroit. Then I thought, well if we're going anyways, let's have Nana come to watch the kids while we're at the concert and then we can extend the trip and take the kids to see the Windy City. Here's where you come in: I need a reasonable hotel, in a safe area that has a pool (so she can keep them entertained while we are at the concert.) The concert is at Toyota Park which I believe is near Midway? What should we do with the boys (Ages 6 & 8)while in Chicago (approx. 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 days)? Any discounts? You guys are the best! Thanks!


text:
Contact us 24/7: +1 877 678 9627
View product details
Zoom In
- - Fits true to size, take your normal size
- - Cut for a slim fit
- - Mid-weight, slightly stretchy fabric
- - Model is 177cm/ 5'10" and is wearing a size Small
Proenza Schouler's black and silver stretch-knit gown is woven with sunburst pleats so that it contours the body and drapes beautifully - the finish is sheer, so chic lingerie is a must. We love how the plunging V-neck draws attention to the narrowest part of your waist.
Shown here with: Pamela Love ring, La Perla briefs, Proenza Schouler shoes, Jil Sander bag.
- - Black and silver sheer plissé stretch-knit
- - Concealed zip fastening along side
- - 77% viscose, 23% polyester
- - Dry clean
Product Code: 431626
For alternative suggestions, contact our Fashion Consultants
Help & Advice
Product Code: 431626


text:
Urological oncology
Urinary bladder carcinoma stage T1 is an unpredictable disease that in some cases has a good prognosis with only local or no recurrence, but in others can appear as a more aggressive tumor with progression to more advanced stages. The aim here was to investigate stage T1 tumors regarding
After re-evaluation of the original slides and exclusions, the study population comprised 141 patients, all with primary stage T1 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. The hospital records were screened for clinical parameters and information concerning presence of histologically proven recurrence and progression. The paraffin-embedded tumor material was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Any mutations found in the
Of the 141 patients, 82 had at least one
Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is an unpredictable disease, and this is particularly apparent in patients with stage T1 UCB, who are at high risk of progression (30–50%)
The molecular mechanism of tumor progression in UCB is poorly understood. Several studies have tried to explain the transformation from normal to malignant urothelium and the progression that is often seen in this disease
The murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is a negative regulator of p53. Furthermore,
MDM2 and p53 play a critical role in carcinogenesis
We have previously investigated clinical and histopathological parameters, as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC) for proteins involved in cell cycle regulation ( i.e. p53, p21, pRb, p16, and cyclin D1) and for matrix metalloproteinases
In the current study, we examined a population-based cohort of patients with primary stage T1 UCB. We analyzed possible effects of the functional polymorphism SNP309 in the
Patients and methods
The study population and histopathological re-evaluation
This population-based retrospective study included all patients reported in 1992–2001 to the regional Bladder Cancer Registry of the Southeast Healthcare Region in Sweden as having primary stage T1 UCB. The hospital records were reviewed to collect information concerning tumor characteristics (size and multiplicity), treatment modalities, and outcome in relation to histologically proven recurrence and/or progression, as well as eventual death from UCB. Definition of progression was recurrence with infiltration to T2 or more, regional lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, or death from bladder cancer. Re-evaluation was done by one uropathologist (HO) on the original hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides with respect to T stage
The study cohort initially consisted of 285 patients, and 141 remained after re-evaluation, reviewing of the hospital records, and performance of the laboratory analyses. One important reason for exclusion was a changed diagnosis in the re-evaluation (n = 52; 50 changed to Ta and two to T2). Furthermore, seven patients had missing specimens (both tissue blocks and slides), and 15 had insufficient information in their hospital records (e.g., absence of tumor characteristics and/or details of follow-up). In addition, due to a combination of poor tumor quality and methodological difficulties in processing old formalin-fixed tumor material for genetic analyses, tumor material from 70 patients was excluded from further laboratory analyses. In general, these 70 patients did not differ substantially from the 141 that remained, although, when we compared these two groups, we noted significant differences with regard to age and p21 expression measured by IHC (Table
When screening the hospital records, we found that early re-resection, 4–6 weeks after initial TUR, was not stipulated as mandatory during the period that the studied material was collected, and hence this procedure had been performed on only a very small number of patients (included during the last years of the study period). The presence of a tumor at a re-resection was considered to be a recurrence. Random biopsies of normal mucosa were not performed routinely, and no patient had received intravesical BCG or chemotherapy before recurrence.
Immunohistochemical analysis
IHC was performed on 4-μm whole sections from the original formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. The blocks were carefully chosen, paying special attention to large tumor volume and good fixation. The sections were deparaffinized in xylene and then rehydrated, pretreated with Tris-EDTA buffer (pH 9), and stained in an automated immunostainer (DAKO TechMate-TM Horizon, DAKO Denmark A/S). For detection, we used monoclonal mouse antibodies (Table
Figure 1
Positive (abnormal) immunohistochemical staining for p53 (left) and p16 (right) in urinary bladder carcinoma cells.
Positive (abnormal) immunohistochemical staining for p53 (left) and p16 (right) in urinary bladder carcinoma cells.
IHC stainings for the proteins pRb and p21 were also performed using the same method as described above, and has previously been reported by our group
Genotyping by pyrosequencing for the
Two 10-μm-thick sections obtained from the original paraffin blocks were transferred to an Eppendorf tube, and DNA was purified according to the protocol provided in the Maxwell TM 16 FFPE DNA Purification Kit (Promega, Madison, WI, USA). To detect SNP309 (rs2279244), the
Blood samples randomly collected from a population of 725 healthy individuals (registered in our database) living in the same region as the study population were tested for
Single-strand conformation analysis and Sanger sequencing for
Tumor DNA was analyzed for mutations in exons 5–8 in the
Labeled PCR products were diluted 20-fold with 50% formamide/10 mM EDTA/0.1% SDS (containing xylene cyanol and bromophenol blue tracing dyes). After denaturation at 95°C for 5 min, the samples were immediately put on ice and loaded on a native 6% polyacrylamide gel containing 10% glycerol. Electrophoretic separation of single-stranded DNA was performed at 10–12 W for 16–20 h. Thereafter, the gels were attached to filter paper and dried, and then exposed to x-ray film for 16–24 h. Shifted bands (indicating a different secondary structure) were excised, and DNA was eluted and used in a re-amplification PCR reaction for direct DNA sequencing.
DNA sequencing
A 3–5-μl aliquot of PCR product (collected directly or from re-amplification of excised SSCA bands) was used in a standard protocol for fluorescently labeled dideoxynucleotides (BigDye, Applied Biosystems, Life Technologies), with injection into a capillary electrophoresis instrument (ABI 3500, Life Technologies) for separation and detection. The sequences that were obtained were compared with the reference sequence NC 000017 (
Statistical analysis
Descriptive statistics were used for frequencies of mutations in
The 141 patients in the study population had a median age of 73 years (range 42–93 years) and 25 (18%) were women. Of the 141, 115 (82%) had recurrence, and 53 (38%) had progression. The intention was to follow all patients for at least 10 years. The median observation time was 65 months (4–192). The characteristics of the study-population are given in Table
In all, 53 (38%) of the 141 tumors we investigated had a mutation in the
The frequencies of the
We observed a significant association between
No association was found when we analyzed
In patients with a
Figure 2
Kaplan-Meier curves for patients with a
Kaplan-Meier curves for patients with a
Figure 3
Kaplan-Meier curves for patients without a
Kaplan-Meier curves for patients without a
No association was found for pRb or p21 IHC on one side, and
SNP309 is a common polymorphism in the regulatory region in intron 1 of
Here, we studied a large well-characterized group of patients with primary stage T1 UCB, none of whom had received intravesical BCG or chemotherapy before recurrence, a treatment strategy that is mandatory today. Accordingly, these patients exhibited a natural course of stage T1 UCB and were therefore ideal to investigate in the present context. We found that neither
For analysis of
We found an association between abnormal p16 expression and mutations in
Alhopuro et al.
Several studies have examined
The frequency of
Polymorphism in
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors' contributions
HO and SJ planned the study and were responsible for the design, coordination, and drafting the manuscript. PH and PS participated in the study design and helped draft the manuscript. JR and SJ performed the statistical analysis. PS and HO were responsible for the methodological issues involved in this study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
We thank laboratory technicians Annette Molbaek and Åsa Schippert for assistance.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy in stage Ta/T1 bladder cancer: prognostic factors for time to recurrence and progression
A retrospective analysis of 153 patients treated with or without intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin for primary stage T1 grade 3 bladder cancer: recurrence, progression and survival
Radical cystectomy in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer: long-term results in 1,054 patients
Optimal timing of radical cystectomy in T1 high-grade bladder cancer
Can restaging transurethral resection of T1 bladder cancer select patients for immediate cystectomy?
A systematic study of gene mutations in urothelial carcinoma; inactivating mutations in TSC2 and PIK3R1
The p53 tumor suppressor gene and nuclear protein: basic science review and relevance in the management of bladder cancer
Superficial bladder cancer: an update on etiology, molecular development, classification, and natural history
A single nucleotide polymorphism in the p53 pathway interacts with gender, environmental stresses and tumor genetics to influence cancer in humans
Clinical implications of the MDM2 SNP309 and p53 Arg72Pro polymorphisms in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Shaping genetic alterations in human cancer: the p53 mutation paradigm
Effects of the MDM2 promoter SNP285 and SNP309 on Sp1 transcription factor binding and cancer risk
Recent advances in p53 research and cancer treatment
The RP-Mdm2-p53 pathway and tumorigenesis
p53: the attractive tumor suppressor in the cancer research field
The MDM2-p53 interaction
A single nucleotide polymorphism in the MDM2 promoter attenuates the p53 tumor suppressor pathway and accelerates tumor formation in humans
Reactivation of p53: from peptides to small molecules
Patented inhibitors of p53-Mdm2 interaction (2006–2008)
Molecular modeling approaches in the discovery of new drugs for anti-cancer therapy: the investigation of p53-MDM2 interaction and its inhibition by small molecules
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Cell Cycle Regulators: Impact on Predicting Prognosis in Stage T1 Urinary Bladder Cancer
Altered mRNA expression of the Rb and p16 tumor suppressor genes and of CDK4 in transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder associated with tumor progression
Expression of p16 and retinoblastoma determines response to CDK4/6 inhibition in ovarian cancer
CREG1 enhances p16(INK4a) -induced cellular senescence
Lymphovascular invasion in transurethral resection specimens as predictor of progression and metastasis in patients with newly diagnosed T1 bladder urothelial cancer
Lymphovascular invasion as a prognostic tool for advanced bladder cancer
p53 predictive value for pT1-2 N0 disease at radical cystectomy
Prediction of progression in pTa and pT1 bladder carcinomas with p53, p16 and pRb
p53, p21, pRB, and p16 expression predict clinical outcome in cystectomy with bladder cancer
Screening for Mutations in DNA by Single-Stranded Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) Analysis
p53 mutations in urinary bladder cancer
Association of a functional polymorphism in the promoter of the MDM2 gene with risk of nonsmall cell lung cancer
Association of breast cancer outcome with status of p53 and MDM2 SNP309
MDM2 promoter polymorphism is associated with both an increased susceptibility to gastric carcinoma and poor prognosis
MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism as risk factor for susceptibility and poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma
Association of TP53 and MDM2 polymorphisms with survival in bladder cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy
Immunohistochemical staining patterns of p53 can serve as a surrogate marker for TP53 mutations in ovarian carcinoma: an immunohistochemical and nucleotide sequencing analysis
Elevated and absent pRb expression is associated with bladder cancer progression and has cooperative effects with p53
Level of retinoblastoma protein expression correlates with p16 (MTS-1/INK4A/CDKN2) status in bladder cancer
P16 immunoreactivity is an independent predictor of tumor progression in minimally invasive urothelial bladder carcinoma
The MDM2 promoter polymorphism SNP309T→G and the risk of uterine leiomyosarcoma, colorectal cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
MDM2 T309G polymorphism is associated with bladder cancer
MDM2 SNP309 promoter polymorphism, an independent prognostic factor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Impact of alterations affecting the p53 pathway in bladder cancer on clinical outcome, assessed by conventional and array-based methods
FGFR3 and Tp53 mutations in T1G3 transitional bladder carcinomas: independent distribution and lack of association with prognosis
Pre-publication history
The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:


text:
A lot of acquisitions have been going on since years and gradually they merged business processes and been on track of business strategy. The following infographic provides some interesting insights about digital acquisitions between some of the most prominent businesses in the world and why they think these alliances will work.
Source : Kwasi Studios


text:
Lore'l – Leading Lady(mixtape)
The moment we've all been waiting for! Lore'l gears up to for the release of her leading Lady mixtape hosted by Angela Yee & Dj Ill Will. The femcee takes it all for herself on this project with no features, but great production by Jahlil Beats, Ted Smooth, Justice League and more. Download the mixtape here


text:
The evenly-contested event saw many close matches, including two decided in overtime. The first overtime match was won by Madison's Tommy Sapio, at 70 pounds. He used a double-leg takedown to earn his victory. The first wrestler to score points in overtime wins the bout. At 90 pounds, Madison's Kyle Teeven aggressively used the same double-leg takedown to win his match. The most exciting match of the day was in the 130-pound weight class. With t he score tied, and each team guaranteed 6 points each in the final two weight classes, the match at 130 pounds would decide the outcome. Madison sixth grader Russell Boardman used determination, and a half-nelson, to flatten his opponent with a pin in the second period.
"This was a tremendous team effort by our young men," said Madison coach Les Canter. "If just one match went the other way, we would not have won. We take guys like Darnell Evans and Frankie Davis for granted, but they pinned two good wrestlers here tonight."
Also winning for Madison were Christian Mazzocchi, Ryan Colwell, Jason Benensky and Billy Hutchison.
The victory upped the Madison Junior Wrestling team's record to 2-0 in the North Jersey League.
The young Madison matmen will wrestle Hackettstown this Friday, Jan. 4, in Madison.


text:
Popular player suspended for drug use
The Denver Broncos suffered a loss even before the NFL season officially opens this weekend. Receiver Wes Welker has been suspended four games after testing positive for amphetamine, which violates the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, the team said on Tuesday.
In an e-mail to The Denver Post, Welker said, "I'm as shocked as everyone at today's news. I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I would NEVER knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way... have never been concerned with the leagues performance enhancing or drug abuse policies because under no scenario would they ever apply to me, but I now know, that [drug-policy procedures] are clearly flawed, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they are corrected, so other individuals and teams aren't negatively affected so rashly like this."
Welker tried to appeal the penalty two weeks ago, before it was made public, but the league shut him down.
Since the Broncos have a bye in week four of the season, he won't be eligible to return until game six when they face the Jets in New York.


text:
To celebrate the birth of my baby website, I'm inviting you to participate in a contest. Come on over and win a free pattern by um..helping me name it. You guys come up with great names and my mind is a blank for this one. So enter!
I'm gonna win cuz I just know that I answered firstest!!!
LOL. You did answer first. So far, I like all the names I've received. I think I'll do this with every pattern from now on!
[color=blue]Was I second.. hmmm hmmm? was I? :cheering: lol.
annesouthern maine[/color]
My idea is sent.
That is purty! I liked your Twisty Toasty - - does it go pretty fast?? I'm still a couple of Christmas presents shy...
Anne--yes, you WERE second.
Keep the names coming!
Rebecca--yes, Toasty Twisty is pretty fast. Two or three evenings ought to do it.
I wish I could've named Chloe! I LOVE that pattern!!!
My submission has been.....well........submitted. :shifty:
I couldn't get through on your website to enter so i sent you a PM here. Is that ok??
Hedgehog,Yes, I got it. I wonder why it wouldn't let you through?
Kelly--Don't worry. There's another lacy shawl on the drawing board which will result in another contest.
I should have said - i couldn't get through because of things on MY end, not yours. It links us directly through a stupid email program that always ends up freezing the computer.
Sorry if i confused you!
My name, [size=1]ahem, the best one[/size], has been sent
[color=indigo]I saw that!
Hee! My name is the [size=7]BEST[/size]one for sure!Modest? Me? Ha![/color]
I love all the names! Good thing it's a random drawing or I wouldn't be able to choose!I wonder what names I would have gotten if I'd hung it on a nail?
:rofling: :rofling: :rofling: :rofling: :roflhard:
Took me a while, but I finally came up with something! Guess I wasn't feeling too creative today.
All the name suggestions so far are just fantastic.Even if you already submitted one but think of something else before Monday, go ahead and enter again.
I'll be drawing the winning name out of the hat tomorrow. :cheering: I love all the names submitted. (There is still time to submit more though!)
I sent you a couple more via PM here.
Got 'em; threw 'em in the hat!


text:
DJenkins Photographer
AmymequelModel Female Lehi, Utah, US
My MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/amyquel
Mayhem # 2334045
About MeI have just started a fashion blog and I am in need of photographers to shoot my photos weekly. Please let me know if this is something you can help with. I have some examples of my fashion blog photos posted. Let me know if you have any ideas of good locations to shoot. I can shoot Mondays and Tuesdays. I am very outgoing and bubbly. I am a cosmetologist, so for the most part I can do my own hair and makeup.
Have you worked with Amymequel? Add Credits for Amymequel! >>
DJenkins Photographer
BWNoir Photography Photographer
studio M2 Photographer
Julio Camacho Photographer
Mood E Studios Photographer
Landscape Portraits Photographer
Loading Content


text:
Daub's Frosted Chinese Juniper
The low, spreading Juniperus chinensis 'Daub's Frosted' is especially appealing: it develops new, bright, golden-yellow growth that points in all directions above the bluish-green, feathery, interior foliage. A lively selection for a sunny, well-drained bank or other challenging site where a reliable bit of color is needed.
Garden Size: 4'H x 8'W
Dwarf: 3-6″/year
Zone 4
Download a printable point of sale sign HERE.
View General planting instructions HERE.


text:
Doug Dorward, our friend and sometimes sub fiddle player, has a new album out and the show is THIS Saturday in St. John's! All the Dardanelles are guest musicians on it. Come on out! #wicked ...
Doug Dorward "Waves" Album Release Concert
November 19, 2016, 7:30pm - November 19, 2016, 8:00pm
Rocket Room
Doug Dorward "Waves" Album Release Concert Saturday 19th November 2016 The Rocket Room, Rocket Bakery, 272 Water Street, St. John's, NL Doors 7.30pm, Concert 8.00pm Tickets $20, under 18s advance tickets free Tickets available in advance from Fred's Records and O'Brien's Music Combining the traditional music of Scotland and Newfoundland, "Waves" is the debut album from Scottish fiddler Doug Dorward! Join Doug and friends for the album release concert! Doug Dorward (fiddle) will be joined by: Duane Andrews (guitar) Emilia Bartellas (fiddle) Matthew Byrne (guitar) Aaron Collis (button accordion) Andrew Dale (bouzouki) Jill Dawe (trumpet) Rich Klaas (percussion) Tom Power (guitar) Josh Ward (bass) The concert will open with a set from special guests Maria Peddle and Sarah Harris. dougdorward.com
Our good frd and sometimes sub fiddle player Doug Dorward has a new album out today. All the Dardanelles are guest musicians on it. Hope you dig it! New Newfoundland/Scottish music!
vimeo.com/180885702 ...
Doug Dorward - "Morag and Binker's" (live at Mallard Cottage)
filmed on a cloudy summer's day at Mallard Cottage in St. John's, NL. Morag Dorward's (Doug Dorward) Binker's Tune (Doug Dorward) Doug…
Playing TONIGHT at Bannerman Park as part of the last night of the (rain delayed) NL Folk Festival. Can't wait for a concert in the park with our buddies The Once, Fortunate Ones and The Ennis Sisters ...
We're back!
While we work on new music for our next record, we're still doing a few dates this summer. So excited to be playing the 40th anniversary of our home festival - the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival next weekend, then stops in Milwaukee and Burlington. See you out there! ...
Calling all those who love fiddle and play fiddle! World Fiddle Day is May 21st! How many of you will be out for a tune for #WorldFiddleDay in St. John's? Special guests: Kelly Russell, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy! #WorldFiddleDayNL ...
World Fiddle Day St. John's Celebration!
May 21, 2016, 1:30pm
Arts and Culture Centre - St. John's
Did you know there is a World Fiddle Day? Countries across the globe as well as other Canadian cities will celebrate World Fiddle Day on May 21, 2016. The St. John's Arts and Culture Centre (ACC) is planning a free fiddle tune session for Newfoundland and Labrador to represent our wonderful fiddling community and traditions. In the afternoon of May 21 anyone who plays, teaches, or has a love of just listening to fiddle music, are invited to bring their string instruments and join in the fun. We want as many people as possible to play three songs together as one giant fiddle army. The songs that have been chosen are "Mussels in the Corner", "Pretty Little Mary", and "Auntie Mary". Sheet music will be provided! In a happy coincidence, fiddling sensations Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will be in St. John's with their family to kick off a provincial Arts and Culture Centre tour. MacMaster and Leahy will make a special appearance to the afternoon event to celebrate World Fiddle Day and to jam with all the local musicians! WHO: Anyone who plays or enjoys listening to fiddle, violin or bowed-string-instruments WHAT: Free fiddle tune session WHEN: Saturday, May 21, 2016 WHERE: Concourse, Arts and Culture Centre St. John's TIME: Arrive 1:30 pm (for a 2:00 pm start). Event ends at 3:00 pm TUNES: "Mussels in the Corner", "Pretty Little Mary", "Auntie Mary" SPECIAL GUESTS: Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy as well as invited local fiddle musicians This is a FREE event celebrating World Fiddle Day and is open to the public to come listen and any fiddling and string musicians who wish to participate and are able to play the three selected songs. Sheet music will be provided and will be posted on the ACC website, facebook and twitter. The Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy provincial tour will start that evening at 8:00 pm. Tickets for that performance $30 each (HST and service charge included) and can be purchased at the box office by calling 729-3900 or online at www.artsandculturecentre.com. For more info, visit www.worldfiddleday.com or connect with this event on social media using our event hashtag: #WorldFiddleDayNL
Tomorrow night is night 1 of our 2 night stint at the Bella Vista. Monday night's show is sold out, but there are till a few tickets left for Sunday. Kat McLevey made one of the best records of the year and we're so excited to have her opening up the night. We're so excited to see you there. ...
In-store: Fred's Records
– no shows currently booked –
Bob Hallett
Kilbride Music Ltd.
Email: email@example.com
Phone: (709) 351-3385
Booking & Publicity...
North American Booking
Jack Ross
The Agency Group
Email: email@example.com
UK & Ireland Booking
Loudin Temple
The Brookfield-Knights Agency
Email: email@example.com
UK & Ireland Publicity
Email: email@example.com
General Inquiries...
The Dardanelles
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Catoptrophobia - Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
One afternoon, in the beginning of summer, a non-existing room with a frightening secret, where a boy with many fears got his first phobia.
Chapter One: The Cottage, Part I
"Stop it!"
The cry had sounded from across an old courtyard, which surrounded a big cottage located somewhere in a vast garden. Behind the building, three figures stood facing the wall, all of them surrounding a smaller figure on the ground. The last one was a child, sitting with his back against the stone wall, both knees bent up to the chest and legs held tightly against the upper body.
There was a loud clatter as the contents of a bag were suddenly emptied in front of the small child by one of the older boys, books, pencils and other small objects meeting the ground all at once.
"No!" The child went as if to grab the objects but was stopped immediately by the boy on his right, who took a handful of his long soft curls and yanked them back, forcing the child back against the hard wall.
"Calme-toi, gosse...!" The boy grinned, tugging once again on the fistful of hair, smile broadening when he heard a whimper escape his captive's mouth.
"There's nothing here," scoffed the boy farthest from the child and the tallest of the group, limply holding the now empty backpack in his hand as his narrowed eyes swept the disarray of objects at his feet. The bag soon joined them as the boy threw it down in a violent manner. "Just a load of rubbish…!"
"Please, stop it…" whispered the small boy in a very soft but hoarse voice, the tight hold that the older kid had on his hair making it impossible for him to move his head and hide his smudge covered cheeks or the tears that peeked from the corners of his closed eyes. "I didn't … do anything," he breathed out, a sob escaping his lips.
"'I didn't do anything'…" mimicked the third boy of the group, his voice high and mocking as he took a few slow steps forward, stopping next to the scattered possessions. The younger boy visibly cringed at the words but gingerly opened his eyes to look at the one who had spoken.
Meeting his gaze, the corners of the elder's lips turned slightly upwards in an almost caring smile, but then, slowly, he lifted his foot and moved it so the hard sole of his shoe would hover above one of the objects on the ground.
It was a glass figurine, about the size of a golf ball and in the shape of what looked like a butterfly with its wings spread wide open, already marked with a few cracks from its short fall but still reflecting the beaming sunlight that came from high above.
The elder waited until he saw the child's eyes widen and his lips part, before stomping down hard on the object with a piercing cracking sound. The figurine smashed into thin little pieces of scattered glass, most of them disappearing into the gaps between the little blocks of stone which made the courtyard floor.
The small boy let out a choked sound, but made no movement towards the broken figurine. Instead, he leaned back and closed his eyes shut, letting the tears fall freely but silently down his cheeks, arms limp by his sides.
"What makes you so sure of that? Huh?" the older boy continued, glancing down once more at the pieces of glass at his feet before turning towards the child. "What makes you so sure that you didn't do something horribly wrong to us?"
The other two boys chuckled under their breaths as they watched their companion walk and stop right in front of the now trembling child, who, sensing the looming figure above him and felling the cool shadow that engulfed him, blocking the sun, leaned as far back as he could against the cold wall.
A few seconds passed, the silence broken only by the buzzing sounds made by the insects that roamed the surrounding garden. And then, suddenly, the child felt a calloused hand grab his chin and force it upwards, his eyes opening involuntarily to stare up into deep and hardened black eyes.
"You're just a brat! A spoiled, snob, snot-nosed brat who thinks he's better than everyone else!" the older boy spat in the child's face, sinking his worn nails into the soft fat flesh in his hand, an action that earned him a pained yelp from the child.
"Oi, look at this!" a voice called from behind them.
Letting go of the kid, the boy turned around to look at the tallest of the group; the young teen had picked up one of the books on the ground and was now looking at something between its pages.
"What is it?" questioned the first, eyebrows lowered to a frown.
"You are not going to believe what's in here!" the taller boy exclaimed, a crooked smile twisting the hard pale features as he looked back at the other two, a twinkle in his eye.
The child felt more than he heard the boy with the dark eyes moving away from him, his shadow soon following, leaving him stunned and confused as his eyes blinked rapidly in the harsh sunlight.
Moving to stand besides the other, the dark eyed boy snatched the small book away from the taller one's hands, holding it with one hand under the smooth leather cover before taking a look inside its stained pages. The expression on his face soon mirrored the one on the boy next to him.
"Well, well… Look what we have here…."


text: sherlock holmes Audrey Kupferberg: William Gillette's Sherlock Holmes And Avant-Garde Films By Audrey Kupferberg • Nov 26, 2015 Listen Listening... / 4:53 One-hundred years ago, renowned American actor William Gillette stood before the cameras at the Essanay Studios in Chicago to make a celluloid record of his celebrated stage performance as Sherlock Holmes. The play was based on four of the popular Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and was adapted by Gillette with the author's blessing. Gillette played the legendary fictional detective on stage 1300 times from 1899 to 1932. He acted the character wearing the deerstalker cap and smoking the large, curved pipe, according to 19th century illustrations by Sidney Paget in the Strand Magazine. Schenectady Civic Players Present "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure" By Joe Donahue • Jan 24, 2014 Listen Listening... / 9:48 The King of Bohemia is about to be blackmailed by a notorious photograph, and the woman at the heart of this crime is the famous opera singer Irene Adler. With Dr. Watson at his side, Sherlock Holmes pursues first the case, and then the affections of Miss Adler - and in doing so marches right into the lair of his longtime adversary, Professor Moriarty. Schenectady Civic Players presents Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure - a spirited, fast-moving adaptation by Steven Dietz, directed by Aaron Holbritter – who joins us now along with his Holmes: Tom Templeton and Irene Adler, Erin Waterhouse. "Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes" by Maria Konnikova By Joe Donahue • Jan 7, 2013 Listen Listening... / 14:46 No fictional character is more renowned for his powers of thought and observation than Sherlock Holmes. But is his extraordinary intellect merely a gift of fiction, or can we learn to cultivate these abilities ourselves, to improve our lives at work and at home? We can, says psychologist and journalist Maria Konnikova, and in her book Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes, she shows us how.


text:
CATERPILLAR 5V9346 CABIN for sale POA
Machinery Attachments / Cabins
|Listing Type
|Stock Number
Cab. Part number 5V9346. Used.
Wide range of other new replacement, used and reconditioned Caterpillar Parts also available.
Product coverage
New replacement, used and reconditioned including:
backhoes, compactors, dozers, dump trucks, graders, loaders & scrapers
Undercarriage parts
for dozers and track loaders
Ground engaging tools
Bucket teeth/tips ? New replacement Caterpillar J series teeth, twist lock, Komatsu & more.
Adapters ? Two strap & flush mount
Compaction wear parts ? compaction feet/tamping feet, cleaner bars
Ripper tynes & shanks
Ripper boots/tips
Cutting edges
Grader blades
End Bits & segments
Side protectors
G.E.T Removal Tools
Hardware ? nuts, bolts & washers
Reconditioned components Huge range of reconditioned components available ?off the shelf? for Caterpillar earthmoving machinery, including:
cylinders, differentials, engines, final drives & wheel groups, pumps, torque converters, transmissions.
Elevating scraper parts
Flights, chains, rollers, idlers, sprockets.
Grader moldboards and edges
Caterpillar ? New replacement - G, H & M Series
John Deere - New replacement ? 670/770 B/C/D
Engine parts
Oils, filters, seals/o?rings & hardware
Dismantled machines
Plus many more parts
About RD Williams Parts
Through first class service, technical knowledge and capabilities, we have established an enviable reputation as a major supplier of quality parts and components for all earthmoving machinery. Our substantial stock holding gives you a choice of new, used or reconditioned parts so there is something to suit every budget and ensure you get value for your money.
From our roots in specialising in New Replacement Caterpillar parts, we have expanded to stock an increasing range of manufacturers, including Komatsu, John Deere & Volvo parts.
As the authorised agents and leading distributor for a number of suppliers from Europe, USA and Asia, we are able to guarantee a fast, reliable service from more than 35,000 line items in our stock.
Related Articles
Five must-have machinery attachments
Our machines are made into so much more thanks to the wide variety of attachments available. We've rounded up five attachments we think belong on the 'must-have' list. +more
JB Attachments to rebrand as Calibre Contracting Equipment
JB Attachments is rebranding itself as Calibre Contracting Equipment, saying the name change reflects changes to its operating model and design process. The change will be effective from October 1, 2016. +more
Menzi Muck A91 'spider excavator' on show at ACE EXPO
The weird but wonderful Menzi Muck A91 'spider excavator', can rise up on all four legs and comfortably work in up to 1800mm of water or mud, is one of the heavy machines to be shown at ACE EXPO Victoria from 12-14 November at the Melbourne Showgrounds. +more


text:
Requiem for a Shrimp: The Bandit Escapes
Today, the saga of the Shrimp Bandit has come to a close. When we last left you, we were hot on the trail of the elusive thief, ready to snare him in our nets like so many fisherman before. But this morning, the trail went cold. Our contacts hit dead end after dead end, and even when we thought we were the closest to catching him, he eluded our grasp. This morning I received a chilling communique from the bandit himself that put me at a loss. His message is clear: He can strike at will, laughing from the shadows as we scramble to gather the tattered remains of our meals.
Steel yourself, for this is footage of the most chilling sort:
Get the Food & Drink Newsletter
Our weekly guide to Miami dining includes food news and reviews, as well as dining events and interviews with chefs and restaurant owners.
In Case You Missed It
Popular Stories
Sponsor Content


text:
Deuter Guide 40+ SL Backpack - Women's - 2440cu in - $179.00
Designed as the perfect ski-mountaineering pack for female athletes, the Deuter Guide 40+ SL Backpack combines every feature needed for technical climbing and skiing with an SL fit system that is completely tailored to the female physique. The Variflex hip-belt pivots with your body's movements, allowing you to maintain balance while swinging ice tools or making fresh tracks. Wide ski slots make it easy to carry your boards, and the side-access zipper allows you to grab your puffy without dumping everything out in the snow. - $179.00


text:
You are currently using an unsupported web browser.
We support the latest versions of these browsers:
If you have any problems while attempting to download a browser, you should contact your organization's system administrator.
For any questions related to Cvent, feel free to contact our Customer Care team.
Jungle Park Hurghada is a resort of endless choices on the road to Safaga, Red Sea coast. Here there is something for everyone whether you are planning an active holiday or a family vacation combined with a most exquisite theme of water sports and leisure. Here the experience begins with a restful ...
You must be logged in to view contact information for this supplier. Sign up for a free Cvent account today.


text:
Element Moving – The Best Packing & Moving Companies Dallas
Welcome to Dallas Element packing and moving — the future of moving and storage solutions. Here at Element Moving and Storage, we understand how stressful relocating your home or office can be. Don't try to take on this daunting task alone.
Instead, enlist the help of one of the best moving companies in Dallas TX and throughout the region. Element Moving and Storage can fill essentially any moving need. We specialize in:
- Residential moves: Whether you are moving to or from a small apartment or a large home, we offer the Dallas best packing and moving services to make it happen. Our team will organize and coordinate the move, pack, load, transport and unpack quickly and efficiently.
- Commercial moves: Relocating an office is no easy feat — and it's one that can bring your operation to a screeching halt. With Element packing and moving in Dallas TX, you can minimize this process down to a slight inconvenience. We are experienced in office relocations.
- Specialty services: The Dallas best moving companies are the ones that can handle the unique and specific needs of their clients. Our specialty services include everything from moving furniture and automobiles to fine wine, pianos, antiques and more. Our careful attention to the safety and security of your items shines in these services.
Dallas Element packing and moving works with residential and commercial clients that are embarking on both local and long-distance moves. We also offer a wide range of storage options, which are commonly needed during a move. We're your one-stop resource for all moving needs.
Practicing a "Culture of Care"
Most people have anxieties about moving because they don't want their belongings to become damaged or lost. We are one of the best moving companies in Dallas TX because we have built our company on what we call a "Culture of Care."
This means treating your home and belongings like they were our own. That means appropriately packing and protecting them for transport and then safely unloading them at the final destination.
This devotion to our clients has allowed us to build a strong reputation both locally and throughout the rest of the country. Element Moving and Storage enjoys an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is a certified PROMOVER. We are a three-time recipient of the Angie's List Super Service Award, as well.
Consult with the best packing and moving services in Dallas TX
Dallas Element packing and moving wants to make your move easy and stress-free. Talk to our team about your moving needs and we will create a proposal, which also includes an estimate. Thank you for considering Element Moving and Storage for your moving needs.


text:
In light of the Financial Ombudsman Service's annual review, Michael Isaacs examines the dubious practices employed by some claims management companies
The latest annual review from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) into personal finance disputes has confirmed what many banks have been experiencing for some time – namely, that a very high proportion of claims (26 per cent) now made to the FOS come not from consumers, but through claims management companies (CMCs). There is a similar experience in general claims against banks and lenders.
Besides suggesting a further decline into a 'claims culture', and yet moving further away from concepts of individual responsibility in financial matters, the FOS statistics are worrying for another reason. The FOS's stated aim is to "settle individual disputes between consumers and businesses providing financial services – fairly, reasonably, quickly and informally"; and yet the rash of CMC-driven claims through the FOS does not, in many cases, help to achieve this aim.
For one, as the FOS has been at pains to point out, the FOS complaints process is designed for ease of use by consumers. Yet it seems that CMCs, many of which charge fees for up-front reviews or for the vetting of claims (and which sometimes contract with consumers for a share of the return), are the main beneficiaries. The FOS has expressed serious concerns over whether CMCs add much value.
CMCs have been around for many years, but their latest incarnation as a regulated industry has its basis in the Compensation Act 2006. Subject to limited exemptions, CMCs providing regulated claims management services in six sectors (including financial products and services) now have to be authorised by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and comply with the Conduct of Authorised Persons Rules 2007.
Failing to be authorised is a criminal offence. In addition, firms that carry out ancillary credit business (including debt adjusting and debt counselling) need a license from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) under Section 21 (1) of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
The act came on the back of a May 2004 report entitled 'Better Routes to Redress' and was aimed at many of the poor claims practices that had previously characterised the industry. Advertising and sales practices were particularly poor and consumers were often misled into false expectations of compensation. Now, as well as being a breach of the conduct rules, marketing that does not comply with the Committee of Advertising Practice's codes of practice, or that is misleading to consumers, may breach the requirements of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
Notwithstanding that much of the current regulatory regime addresses advertising and garnering leads, there remains much abuse. You can still Google adverts promising to write off your credit card debt.
There is also considerable doubt as to just what CMCs are doing for the money they take from consumers. As well as making claims via the FOS that consumers could well undertake themselves, a recent piece in The Guardian (30 May) referred to the fact that "claims management companies are raking in £400m a year for doing nothing more taxing than passing on customer details to solicitors" – a reference to the fact that many CMCs are more akin to the claims farmers of previous years, who 'help' consumers not by providing any real advice or assisting them in advancing a legitimate claim (one of the purposes of the 'Better Routes to Redress' report referred to), but simply by acting as a middleman and selling customers' details to a panel of lawyers for a fee (and often for all or part of the solicitor's conditional fee arrangement success fee when the claim is completed).
Indeed, such is the market for these leads that many independent financial advisers (IFAs) who were involved in selling the financial products complained of are themselves either selling their clients' details to a CMC, or in some cases setting up their own CMC to exploit them. Not only must one wonder whether that data is being used with the customer's consent, but it is clearly not being used properly in some cases.
The result is that regulators are having to be on their toes to address abuses and to protect consumers. Most recently the MoJ and the OFT issued a joint 'consumer alert', warning consumers to think carefully before responding to businesses claiming that they can arrange for outstanding balances under loan, credit card and other consumer credit agreements to be written off and secure compensation.
Furthermore, by being associated with CMCs that are guilty of misleading marketing, solicitors can also find themselves culpable. The Solicitors Regulation Authority is already looking at 10 law firms concerning false or exaggerated claims that debts could be written off.
The reality is that there is a risk of conflict between the financial interest of the CMC in getting a claimant to pursue a claim and the need to spend time getting consent from the customer, investigating the claim, then advancing it properly. Dodgy advertising is the route to getting customers interested. After that the drive to turn over claims quickly and get money in often leads to poor claims handling. Many consumers will not receive any (or any effective) screening of their claim and may be misled into making claims that have no merit.
When claims are made they are often made on the basis of very little factual information, with the CMC trying to put the burden on the lender of uncovering the facts of a potential claim, often by misusing Data Subject Access requests under Section 7 of the Data Protection Act 1998. On top of that, the standardisation of claims documents means that genuine claims are often lost because there is a drive to squeeze the claim into some existing template for the ease of the CMC, not the claimant.
CMCs tend to focus on what they perceive as a quick win. Most recently this has been the perceived loophole in consumer credit agreements entered into before April 2007. However, as the FOS has observed, the fixation with these loophole issues is often "masking the real issues that we can tackle" – in other words, the real claim that the consumer may have is being overlooked, or at least inadvertently hidden, by the way in which the claim is being presented.
This last issue prompted the FOS to write to CMCs that are handling payment protection insurance claims, telling them they need to send all relevant material to the FOS and that "extensive standardised text is unlikely to bear much weight in our assessment of the case".
Consumer confusion
These shortcomings continue to mislead consumers as to their claims, while placing huge burdens on lenders, who are obliged to deal with complaints from customers under Financial Services Authority rules. There is no doubt that CMCs understand this, and indeed may be relying on this huge administrative burden to force lenders to settle claims they would otherwise fight. If so, that is equally abusive of the system and the general public will ultimately end up paying the price, as lenders have to find the money to pay for the necessary action.
The claims management industry itself seems to recognise that there are those within the regulated arena who are giving their industry a bad name. The better among them now seek to distinguish what they are doing by evidencing good practices, such as using a vetting process approved by a QC and a contract with consumers and solicitors that mirrors some of the requirements under which solicitors operate.
However, one cannot help but wonder whether the MoJ, as the claims management regulator, will be prompted to take robust action against recalcitrant CMCs. We await a first serious review of authorised CMCs with interest, but regrettably without expectation.
Michael Isaacs is a partner at Addleshaw Goddard


text:
How does professional containment work? Find out with this infographic.
Properly cleaning hardwood floors will help them last for years to come.
ACI Cleaning Product Ingredient Safety Initiative Available at www.cleaninginstitute.org/cpisi
Thanksgiving can leave you with some tough stains on your clothes. Here's the rundown of the top 3 toughest stains and top tips on how to remove them.
While only a professional cleaning can achieve optimum results, there are a number of steps homeowners can take.
As Labor Day approaches, remember that not all stains are created equal.
Whether for your business or to share on your blog for your customers, these tips are great to have in your back pocket.
This month's Powr-Flite Floorcare Troubleshooter identifies some of the different types of customers cleaning contractors might encounter when formulating bids for restorative floorcare.
Floor refinishing can be complicated and many cleaning professionals overlook the fact that it can also be dangerous.
Exploring "natural" grout cleaning methods


text:
New zoning for downtown Providence, Rhode Island,
New zoning for downtown Providence, Rhode Island, part of a package of measures recommended in a Duany Plater-Zyberk & Co. charrette last March, suffered a setback when a judge ruled the zoning invalid because of the public hearing process in which it was adopted. "This put two important buildings at risk of demolition and has resulted in a major effort to get the zoning back on track," says Douglas Storrs at Cornish Associates, whose Providence firm has been converting several old buildings into a mix of ground-floor retail and upper-floor housing. u


text:
It's experiment time! Roll up yer sleeves. Here I am again trying to make sense of Facebook. Over on our glorious Ptype Facebook page, we post a few things now and then we hope will be of interest to UX practitioners. But we notice that Facebook rarely shows them read moreRead More
Our Bay Area Axure Meetup has over 200 members. I'm proud of that! But for some reason, meetups have very low turnouts even though I try to make them relevant, cool, and not too frequent.
I decided to put on a User Research hat and send out a 2-question survey asking people who can't go to our most recent Meetup why not. I'm curious if it's mostly schedule conflicts or something else.
Just Two Questions
The first was why you can't come to the Meetup. You could pick "yes" or "kinda sorta" for a few pre-written options. Or choose "other" and write in your own.
The second question was a freeform response on why you joined the meetup group and what you hope to get from it. Helps me understand expectations.
I got back a survey response so interesting I had to share it.
Survey responses were anonymous so I have NO idea who this person is. He or she is one of the nearly 200 people who did not come to the most recent Meetup.
If I'm reading this correctly…
- This person has joined a meetup group but has had bad experiences with "mass meetings," and mostly finds them a waste of time. Perhaps Meetup isn't the right place for someone who doesn't like mass meetings?
- This person kinda doesn't care about Axure but has joined the Axure meetup.
- This person wants to learn more about Axure, even though he/she doesn't care that much about it, and hopes to get more info on it.
How do I make that person happy?
I'd love to help that person get more info on Axure. You want more info on Axure and I have that info! But you kinda sorta don't care about Axure. Hmmm….
You could come to our meetup! Oh, you don't want to come to meetups as they might be a waste of time.
Just a reminder that we can't make all of our customers happy. I probably cannot meet the expectations of a meetup member who doesn't like or trust "mass meetings."
Luckily, other survey answers showed that people mostly just couldn't make that particular night and it was nothing against Axure or Meetups. 🙂
If you stacked a bunch of things end to end, it would reach the moon and back twice. If you lined up all the candy made in that factory each day, it would be the weight of 13 farming vehicles.
But what does that mean to me? Do I have a better sense of "10 million candies" when it's presented in units of "football fields"?
The first question should really be: do we think people struggle with the idea of "our factory makes 10 million candies every day?"
Because they're probably not struggling with that idea… which means you don't have to come up with a (meaningless) way to try to clarify it.
If your clarification makes it muddier, you're doing it wrong.
I definitely have a better sense of numbers of things produced or sold than lengths of football fields, weights of rhinos, or distances to astronomical bodies (and back). In fact, I understand numbers and units of time really well.
The second question will be: what do your customers or users understand? What will they need clarified?
It's then your responsibility to explain it to them on their level in a way that makes it completely easy, clear, and intuitive.
Real ones I found posted on the web.
The height of a stack of 100,000,000 (one hundred million) one dollar bills measures 35,851 feet or 6.79 miles. This would reach from the earth's surface to the approximate altitude at which commercial jetliners fly.
I understand 6.79 (or 7) miles pretty well. Comparing it to how high a plane flies over the earth's sea level doesn't make that clearer.
The area covered by 100,000,000,000 (one hundred billion) one dollar bills measures 400 square miles. This would cover an area equal to one-third the size of the state of Rhode Island.
Yeah from the same web page. I don't have a great sense of the size of Rhode Island or a third of Rhode Island.
A mole of 2-liter bottles stacked end to end would encircle the sun how many times?
Why. Just why. Does this count the distance of our bottles getting to and from the sun? Or they just magically arrived at the sun and now are circling it? And won't they melt?
Stacked end-to-end these pages would stretch nearly 9,230 miles long, about the same distance between Boulder, CO & the continent of Africa!
That was a tweet and it didn't say which pages. But I definitely can't envision the distance between Boulder and Africa. Where in Africa?
400 Football Fields Could Fit Inside Samsung's New Semiconductor Complex.
Um, American football? Australian Rules Football is played on cricket pitches, which vary in size.
Consider what has meaning to your audience.
Make sure whatever you say has meaning to your audience. Wacky facts can be confusing or distracting. If you have a figure that needs clarification, can you put it in terms that make sense to me every day? Time in units I deal with daily? Distances I deal with daily?
If people are likely to understand the information and data you have, then don't translate it. Nobody needs to see a number of months represented as seconds. That's not cool. It's meaningless.
How many times has a post like this ended up in your news feed?
And then let's say you share it. If you're like me or my Facebook friends, by default, your shares and posts are set to "Friends Only." That means this teacher will never see that you shared it.
What if you share one that was someone else's share? The teacher might not see that if she's just looking at how many shares her original post received. What if you pressed like on your friend's share of it? The teacher won't see that either.
Those students are not going to get the right info or data about how far this post really went.
Here's How To Do This Right
Step 1: Write your message. Make sure you mention elementary age school kids, sexting, security, or safety. Could be middle school or high school. I saw one where the teacher had written that her school kids thought it was OK to post pictures of themselves in their bras and underwear.
Step 2: Come up with a probably-unique hashtag like #apr2015internetsafety. Ask people who share it to tag the picture with that hash tag. Side note: in case some freako uses that hashtag for NSFW stuff, teachers, make sure you are checking these things before showing them in class to students.
Step 3. Ask people who share it to make sure that their Facebook share is a PUBLIC post. The kids can only see public posts. They can't see posts I made just to my Facebook friends. Shares have to be public.
Step 4: If the goal is really to see WHERE this post ends up geographically, ask people when sharing to post their location (generally) like city and state.
Step 5: If you want to teach kids how many people could see a post, have the people who share it also say how many Facebook friends and followers they have.
That means someone sharing it might create a public post that says, "San Francisco, CA. 300 friends, 60 followers. #apr2015internetsafety" The teacher can see how many likes and shares that got, and follow everything like a neural network.
Now you're cooking with gas. Everything else just seems is a sharing black hole since the original teacher will have no real way to track it all down later. But if she can go to Facebook and look for her hashtag, then she can now collect some good/better data.
Using imagery to show people something that may be important… that's a good idea!
Cheesing out and making very few images and then showing people the same image when the data falls into a range? Not as helpful.
How much battery do I have left in each of these images?
That went from 93%, which should look "nearly full" to 62%, which should look about half full. But the same image was used for this whole range. At a glance, I may think my battery life is seriously compromised when it's still ninety-something percent.
Bad, bad data vis.
PS: White text on light green = hard to read, especially at a glance… and especially for color blind people.
I recently ran an experiment. I had a blog post here. I posted it to my Facebook page. And I wanted to try "boosting" it so more people would see that Facebook post (and hopefully click it to see the blog post). Seems simple, right?
For a flat fee, Facebook will offer to push your post to a range of people. I chose to spend $60 on the 2900-6000 range. That makes you assume what??? Oooo I might get 6000 people. Right there, Facebook should do a better job setting expectations. I've run lots of Facebook ads that promised lots of "reach," and they always come in at the low end.
I also chose to push the boosted post to friends of people who already like my Facebook page. This was mostly an experiment for me, so I didn't get too crazy with targeting. I created my ad and Facebook created 2 versions of it for the sake of reporting/tracking. One was what was shown to the people who already like my page (weird, I thought I was just showing the boost to their friends and not them) and one was show to their friends.
Let's start with one main metric you need to know. Click to enlarge.
Post engagements. 58 of them according to Facebook. At $1.03 each, I spent the $60 I chose to spend at the beginning of the Boost process. OK what are post engagements?
Click to enlarge, and then let's discuss what's here because it gets really slimey really fast.
Here's another slice of it, click to enlarge:
And yet another slice from the post itself:
And from many clicks deep, there's this:
There are a lot of confusing and possibly misleading things here:
- My post got 0 shares according to this. How did it get 1 comment on a share if it got zero shares?
- Yes, the post got 2 comments. One was from a friend of a friend. The second was me responding to her. I saw another screen that made it look like those 2 comments were part of my 58 post engagements. So did I pay $1.03 for my own comment because that's a post engagement?
- I have 58 "post engagemgents" but 11 "likes, comments, and shares." Well then what are the other 47? Not sure. Can't be clicks to my website because Facebook claims there's 48 of those, and I'm looking for something that represents 47. If Facebook is being precise, I'll be precise too.
- I have 51 clicks. 48 supposedly to my website's blog page. 3 on "other." Do we not know what "other" represents? The info icon says that an "other" click is on the page title or "see more." Ummm, OK.
- Wait, do I have 51 clicks, 48 clicks, or 47 clicks? I'm so lost.
- That number of clicks doesn't match what Google Analytics reports from those days from Facebook as a source. Goog shows fewer than that by about 25%.
- I have how many of what??? One place says reach was 2906 people. But then it also says 3180 people reached and 3174 of those were paid. So which is it?
What did I really end up with?
Tangibly, I ended up with 1 new like to my Facebook page and 1 comment on the post. I probably got about 30 people going to my blog post to read it (based on Google Analytics and not Facebook's claim of clicks).
Facebook counted my own comment on the post as a "post engagement," and it looked like they do math like this:
Total spent divided by totally wanky number of post engagements = your cost per engagement. Well then please don't count MY replies in that!
Why don't the stats match up with each other? What is reach REALLY? What the hell is a post engagement?
As usual, I'm unhappy with having spent money running some sort of ad on Facebook. It always seems so unrewarding and like money was just sucked from me for no good reason. The stats don't match up. Reporting is weird. It's all very uninspiring.
But of course, Facebook wants me to boost that post again for more reach!
For $15, I can reach 3500 – 9200 people. Well, are those unique people? Or are those in addition to the nearly 3200 you say I already reached? Could you take $15 from me, reach 300, and say we're done? I can't tell. This is just completely unclear (and I'm not going to do it for the experiment).
The ranges are also kinda weird. For $50, I can reach 4600 – 12000 or for $60 for 4800 – 13000. So I could spend $50 or $60 and end up with 4800. That seems a little weird.
I also noticed I'm not paying specifically for post engagements.
I spent $60. I got somewhere between 2909 and 3184 "reach" based on which of Facebook's numbers you believe. I got 58 post engagements, and I was told that means they were $1.03 each. But I didn't get to bid on post engagements. I didn't get to say HEY I'll pay a dollar each for a post engagement, and run this ad until I've spent $60.
The tail wagged the dog. I got X amount of reach. I got Y amount of post engagements (whatever those are). And then the math was done later as some sort of "cost per."
It would be interesting if like regular Facebook ads you could pay per click or engagement and bid on that amount. Otherwise, this is the old pay per impressions model (reach are impressions) later manipulated to look like pay per action. Which also ends up feeling like I paid for over 3100 people to see my ad and ignore it, assuming we believe that Facebook showed it to them.
I hope someday someone at Facebook decides that consistency and honest are important in all of their ad products.
I warned you before about these penny bidding auction sites. But I have an interesting angle for you today.
From DealDash's terms of service:
By registering and using DealDash you understand that you are likely to spend more money than you may receive in merchandise value. Most customers using the site gain less in merchandise value measured in monetary value compared to the amount of money spent bidding to win auctions. Do not buy bids or spend money on the site if you cannot afford to lose the money.
Absorb that a moment. You are likely to spend more money than you get in merchandise value. Most customers spend more than they should to (try to) get stuff. People who lose auctions here don't get back what they paid for bidding. Yes, here bids cost money whether you win the item or not.
It goes on…
DealDash is convinced that the entertainment value of participating in its auctions is valued and that paying a premium price for this entertainment value compared to shopping at the lowest priced retailer is fair.
Let me translate that for you. DealDash believes you will have so much fun gambling on possibly winning the item that you won't mind playing a higher price. Like your time at a slot machine, you're paying for entertainment whether or not you win.
I wonder if people who walk away from a slot machine having lost money notice they feel entertained.
In summary, if you want to shop at the "lowest priced retailer," it's not DealDash, where they are selling you entertainment more than they're selling you goods, certainly not discounted goods.
Remember that if an iPad sells for $13.66 on DealDash, that means there were 1366 penny-incremented bids that DealDash collected 60 cents each on. DealDash collected nearly $820 for that item. If 1 out of every 5 bids were yours, then you spent about $164. Winning an iPad for $164 sounds good. Being one if four theoretical people that spent $164 and got no iPad probably sucked.
Don't fall for the commercials telling you how fair and honest this is. The more anybody tells you something is fair and honest, the more you should assume it's not.
You've been told by someone that you should eat lots of whole grains. Everybody got on the whole grains bus and now a bunch of crappy foods are made with whole grains. You now think you must be doing something nutritionally good.
Unwhole grains are unholy.
Unwhole grains are another way of saying processed grains… grains that have had the key nutritional bits removed. Take your standard white flour, which can be used for seemingly-everything from breading your chicken wings to baking your cupcakes to being the key ingredient in your breads and pastas. Here's how the nutrition on something like that looks:
- 1 cup (158 grams) of white flour
- 578 calories. 1 cup of white flour has about 1/4 of the calories suggested that you eat in an entire DAY.
- Low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Great.
- 126 grams of carbs. Less than 4 grams of "dietary fibre." So 2.5% of it is healthy fiber.
- Not much protein or vitamins. You're not eating chicken wings and cupcakes for the vitamins.
This is what you're eating all day in your bagels, macaronis, and on sandwiches. A giant pile of high-calorie carbs with pretty much no nutritional value. It's sadly the foundation of an American diet, even for vegetarian and vegans (who aren't reading labels).
Now let's talk about whole grains. Whole grains are unrefined and still have the healthier parts of the grains included. And that implies that we're talking about non-GMO grains. Anything Monsanto has touched, well Lord knows what's in that.
Let's consider quinoa.
- 1 cup (185 grams) of cooked quinoa
- 222 calories. Less than half what the same amount of white flour had.
- Low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Great.
- 39 grams of carbs. 5 grams of dietary fibre.
- Not much vitamins but it has 8g of protein and 15% of your daily value of iron.
- Plus it's gluten free for anybody looking to avoid gluten.
You've heard you should eat brown rice with your Chinese food instead of white rice. Well, eating brown rice will give you a bit more fiber but also a bit more calories.
Well if the whole point is to have fibre, what should I be eating?
The foods with the highest amounts of fibre include bran (yeah, just bran), cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, raspberries, celery, squash, and kidney beans.
Notice that other than bran, NONE of the foods in the top 10 are grains.
The health promises of whole grains are mostly a lie unless you are eating the right things.
If you are eating crappy processed oatmeal with sugar, preservatives, and it promises some "whole grains," what have you really eaten? Did you really get any of the nutrition your body needs? What nutritional elements are you getting daily from your pasta, bagel, sandwich bread, cookies, pizza, cereal, etc…? I suggest you are getting nearly zero nutrition and mostly empty calories from these things.
And have you ever noticed how quickly you're hungry again? You could eat a whole bowl of Cheerios and be ready to eat some more in an hour. This is one of many reasons why "all you can eat pasta" is such a bad idea. No nutrition, endless calories.
You're eating whole grains to reduce your risk factors for heart disease, cancers, and other health issues. Is the rest of your diet aimed at that goal?
I would bet that staying away from starches, especially refined flours and grains, would give you just as many health benefits if not more than eating "whole grains" or products made with whole grains. What if you got your fibre mostly from broccoli instead of the small amount of truly whole wheat you're getting each day.
Keep reading labels because wheat and whole wheat aren't the same thing. Whole grains and "made with whole grains" aren't the same thing. Don't believe the lies and don't tell yourself lies about nutrition. We can all do better for ourselves and the children. 🙂
There's a lot of buzz about Disney's new MagicBands at Disney World in Florida. In the old days, when you stayed and played, you got a card with a swipe strip. This was your hotel room key, room charge card, park tickets, and how you got your FastPasses (that let you dodge long line rides by coming back later).
MagicBands replace the cards. You wear a wrist band with an RFID chip and tiny battery. This wrist band gets waved all over the place to open your hotel room door, charge things to your room, get into parks, and get FastPasses. You can also associate pictures Disney staff and rides take of you with your PhotoPass account.
Since they're using RFID, some people are getting nervous. They're concerned that Disney will track their movements around the park. And think of the children! They might track children, and isn't that a breach of privacy!!!
I don't see it that way.
Thing 1, Disney World is a public place. What is my expectation of privacy in a public place? Not much when in theory, a marketing person could follow me ALL DAY and write down everything I do, eat, buy, ride, etc…
Thing 2, I'm sure before MagicBands tracked people, there were plenty of other ways to track people. The old card system knew where I was, what I was buying, where I stayed, and what FastPasses I got. Cameras can watch me everywhere. Experts track people's movement through parks and shops. Disney even has/had a manual system that helps them know how long a ride wait is. They'd give someone entering the line something they had to give to the staffer who seats you on the ride. They then know how long that wait was.
We're kidding ourselves if we think Disney weren't the masters of tracking, understanding, and catering to human behaviour, even before RFID got involved.
Thing 3, I don't remember a giant outcry when Disney World sold "Pal Mickey." He was a stuffed plush Mickey that told you stories, asked trivia questions, and tried to keep you occupied when waiting on lines. But he also reminded you when parades were, and he told you when certain characters were near you. This means he had RFID or something in him that knew where you were.
Thing 4, let's say Disney is using some long range tracking around the parks to see who's moving around where and how. Let's say your child is lost in EPCOT, which is a 300 acre park. And they don't make announcements over speakers for lost children like it's Walmart. Would you be happy that MagicBands saw your kid at The Land pavilion 7 minutes ago, helping you find your lost child more quickly?
Does that mean I'm for this? Well, it's a vacation experience with a company known for forward-thinking technology. And you can opt out. They'll give you the old card if you don't want the wrist band. And I also believe Disney will keep the data for themselves and their use to improve the parks, guest experiences, and get people to spend more and stay longer.
I also think the data Disney collects is nearly useless to anybody else. What can Procter and Gamble do knowing how long the average woman is in a Disney bathroom? What can Coca Cola do knowing what the average guest spends on souvenirs? What can Siemens do knowing the average guest eats chicken fingers for lunch and then rides the carousel?
So I don't feel particularly afraid of the data or how it will be used. It seems like a very specific application to me. I guess I can't really find the problem here. This info won't come up when you Google me. Nobody is going to call my house or mail me flyers. Pictures of children won't be on the internet (more than Moms and Dads post them now).
So I'm not sure what the problem REALLY is. MagicBands are a more efficient way for Disney to do what they were already doing in a public place.