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Moonstone and Labradorite Drop Earrings With White Topaz Accents in 14kt Gold Over Sterling
Item#: 883683
The magic of moonstone and labradorite gives these drop earrings an otherworldly glow. The iridescent jewels are bezel set in 14kt yellow gold over sterling silver and topped with white topaz accents. Hanging length is 2 3/8". Earwire, moonstone and labradorite drop earrings.
Product Details (for Moonstone and Labradorite Drop Earrings With White Topaz Accents in 14kt Gold Over Sterling)
7/8 inch
14kt close 14KT: Karat (abbreviated kt or K) is a unit that indicates the purity of gold in the metal. 14kt is 58.33% gold. In the United States, 14K yellow gold is most favored and used in jewelry. Yellow Gold close YELLOW GOLD: Gold is a precious metal with a natural yellow color. It is quite soft and often alloyed with other metals to increase its strength. The purity of the metal is indicated by a unit called a "karat," with 24kt having the highest percentage of natural gold. Over Sterling close STERLING SILVER: Also known as "Standard Silver," sterling silver is silver alloyed with other metals to increase the hardness and durability. Generally, sterling is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Some sterling silver jewelry is plated with 14kt-18kt gold and referred to as "vermeil," or "gold over sterling." Silver
Polished close POLISHED: A buffed-out finish used to produce a mirror-like shine.
Wire close WIRE: sometimes called "shepherd's hooks" or "fishhooks," earwires are a thin, hook-shaped earring backs. They thread onto the ear and can sometimes be squeezed into place or held on with a rubber clutch.
Hanging Length:
2 3/8 inches
Gemstone 1:
Labradorite close LABRADORITE: A unique mineral named for the Canadian region where it was discovered. Labradorite glows with an aura called labradorescence, causing it to shift in color depending on the viewing angle. (Color: Gray, Quantity: 2, Shape & Cutting Style: Pear close PEAR: Similar to the outline of a pear fruit, this is a round shape that comes to a point on one side. Rose-Cut close ROSE-CUT: An antique gemstone cut dating back to the 1500s, with a flat back and a faceted top. , Size: 22 mm)
Gemstone 2:
Moonstone close MOONSTONE: named for the white reflection that mimics the reflection of moonshine. Typically polished and featuring a cabochon cut, moonstone's light-catching shimmer is perfect for fine jewelry. In Europe, moonstone is the birthstone for June. (Color: White, Quantity: 2, Shape & Cutting Style: Round Checkerboard close CHECKERBOARD: A technique that creates a contrast of dark and light when light hits the pattern of square or diamond-shaped facets. , Size: 14 mm)
Gemstone 3:
Topaz close TOPAZ: Available in a stunning selection of shades, the topaz's sky blue hue is one of the most popular colors for jewelry designs. Once thought to offer protection, today topaz is favored for its durability and affordability. Yellow topaz is the birthstone for November while blue topaz is for December. (Color: White, Quantity: 6, Shape & Cutting Style: Round, Weight: 0.07 ct. t.w., Size: 1.2 mm)
All weights and measures are approximate.
Ross-Simons Presentation Box Your purchase includes an elegant Ross-Simons presentation box.
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The lashes offer a natural, wispy appearance - helping you to achieve the perfect look. Each box contains one pair of handmade Eye Candy lashes, along with adhesive. These lashes are easy to apply and lightweight - they're also reusable if removed carefully. Order your Eye Candy Lashes Style 012 now!

subset: commoncrawl


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Outlook Of The Future Prospects For The Baby Food Industry In Emerging Markets
Bharatbook.com included a new report on "Baby Food Market: Opportunities in Emerging Markets" which provides major driving forces and opportunities for baby food industry.
Global baby food market is growing rapidly, particularly in the emerging economies. But still, North America and Europe account for the major share in total revenues. However, as for future, emerging countries like China, Russia, Brazil, Poland, Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia and Romania represents the most attractive markets for baby food industry.
Key Findings of the Report
Increasing health awareness among consumers and changing role of women is taking expenditure on baby food high.
The baby food markets in China, Russia, Poland and Romania are expected to grow fastest among all the emerging nations.
The market for baby food products in China is projected to hit a CAGR rate of around 15% between 2008 and 2012.
Global organic baby food industry is expected to reach US$ 2.26 Billion by the end of 2012, becoming the fastest growing segment in the emerging countries.
High price and the monopoly of big players remains a major challenge for the baby food industry in these regions.
Key Issues and Facts Analyzed in the Report:
Analysis of the emerging markets for the baby food industry.
Outlook of the future prospects for the baby food industry in emerging markets.
Study of the success and sensitivity factors for the industry.
Evaluation of the major driving forces and opportunities for the industry.
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text: The year was 1951, perhaps 1952, when I first went to Casper's Hot Dogs on Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. I was a student at Ells Jr. High School and had my first Casper's hot dog. 65 years later I went out of my way to have another since I now live in WA State. Over the years when living in... More


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| Recently found by viaLibri....
The Art of Decorative Design.
1862 - 28 chromo-lithographed plates, illustrations to the text. First edition. 8vo., original red cloth, blocked in gilt on the upper cover, repeated in blind on the lower cover, spine lettered and blocked in gilt. London, Day and Son. Signed 'CW Dresser' on the title page. Bookplate and Library label to the front pastedown of Charles Edward Fewster, member of a famous family of paint manufacturers in Hull, expert numismatist, and owner of a considerable library of books on decorative art and design. The Victoria and Albert Museum owns two albums from Fewster's collection filled with examples of Dresser's work. Spine recently strengthened with the original endpapers relaid, these slightly bubbled, spine faded with some small loss of the gilt, covers spotted, corners bumped. [Attributes: First Edition; Hard Cover]
[Bookseller: Maggs Bros. Ltd ABA, ILAB, PBFA, BA]
Last Found On: 2016-11-26 Check availability: AbeBooks
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|Reviews for The Rules of Dating
| hil2378 chapter 2 . 11/29/2009
At first I decided that it was sad,boring n depressing and as I read on I got interested and found it funny...So great job on saving this fic so yeah...I hope u write what happens next...u have made me subscribe 2 the story.
| hil2378 chapter 1 . 11/29/2009
I still can't believe this is you...a.2 well written as a
neway it's awesome i think but not enough 4 me 2 think it's awesome n reading the next chapter...well-written but not awesome so yeah...make something interesting happen
| Guest chapter 1 . 11/20/2009
nice nice
is tis complete?
| Guest chapter 1 . 11/20/2009
nice starting. when will you update it?
| KellyYeoh chapter 1 . 11/20/2009
it's so sad. yet i'll be the first one to review :P


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Nationals 8, Mets 2(10)
Associated Press | Last updated July 23, 2012
Bryce Harper homered his first time up in New York, then hit a tiebreaking single to key a six-run burst in the 10th inning Monday night that sent the Washington Nationals over the Mets 8-2. Shortstop Ruben Tejada's error on a potential double-play ball set up the big 10th. Ryan Zimmerman hit a three-run double and Michael Morse added a two-run homer as the NL East-leading Nationals broke away. The Mets lost for the 10th time in 11 games. A day earlier, they gave up five runs in the 12th inning and fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3. It was 2-all on a rainy evening when Roger Bernadina opened the Washington 10th with a bloop single. Sandy Leon followed with an easy comebacker to Tim Byrdak (2-2), but Tejada dropped the throw and also appeared to get spiked by a sliding Bernadina. Pedro Beato relieved, Mark DeRosa bunted into a forceout at third and Steve Lombardozzi singled to load the bases. After pitching coach Dan Warthen went to the mound, Harper made it 3-2 with a sharp single to right-center. Zimmerman, chosen earlier in the day as the NL player of the week, doubled to the right-center alley and a hustling Harper almost caught Lombardozzi near home plate. Morse capped the rally with his sixth homer. Tom Gorzelanny (3-2) retired Jason Bay on a grounder with a runner on second to end the ninth. David Wright and Ike Davis homered for the Mets in their fourth straight loss. Harper hit a two-run homer in the first inning that sailed into the Washington bullpen beyond the right-center wall. The rookie connected for his ninth home run of the season and first since June 28. He later drew a walk from Chris Young and stole his 13th base. Harper grew up in Las Vegas and said he twice came on family vacations to New York City. The highlights, he recalled, were seeing Times Square and Central Park and going to a game at old Yankee Stadium when was about 12 in which current teammate Chien-Ming Wang pitched. If he has time on this short trip, Harper said he most wanted to visit the 9/11 memorial at ground zero. Wright hit his 15th homer in the fourth off Jordan Zimmermann. Davis hit a tying home run in the seventh on the first pitch from reliever Michael Gonzalez. Young and Zimmermann matched up for the third time this season. Last Wednesday, Zimmermann threw six scoreless innings to win in Washington. Zimmermann allowed four hits, walked none and struck out six in six innings. Young retired 14 straight batters in the middle innings, allowed three hits and struck out seven before leaving after the seventh. NOTES: A Snooki, a Wookiee and a Rookie - but no Mookie. It was ''Star Wars'' night at Citi Field, featuring dressed-up characters. Mets fan Nicole ''Snooki'' Polizzi from ''Jersey Shore'' also was on hand - she got booed - as was Mets rookie pitcher Matt Harvey, who will make his big league debut Thursday night at Arizona. Alas, Mets ambassador Mookie Wilson was not seen. ... Washington put All-Star SS Ian Desmond on the 15-day DL with a strained left oblique. ... Mets closer Frank Francisco (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday at Class-A Brooklyn.
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Join your Brother Bears on December 10 for a Free evening of fun, food and celebration of the Holiday Season. We will be having our annual Holiday Party at Cinzzetti's in Northglenn. We have a semi-private area from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event will be free for all FRB members, and $10 for non-member guests.
It will include the Italian Buffet, and Non-Alcoholic Drinks; however alcoholic drinks are available, and they can be ordered from the server in our room. We have to be out at 6 pm so the program will be short and sweet. Please help us to keep to the schedule.
Due to limited space and restaurant requirements, reservations must be made by noon on December 3rd, and is limited to 80 people. Please RSVP below.
NOTE: You must log in to your account to be able to RSVP, and you cannot RSVP for others. Guests may purchase a tickets below as well.
Click this RSVP button to go the official event page to scroll down to sign up.


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CDC: Flu Season Hits Early and Could Be a Bad Year »
"Dec. 3, 2012 -- The U.S. flu season is here -- the earliest start since the "moderately severe" season of 2003.
Just as in 2003, the nasty H3N2 flu bug is causing most cases so far.
"This could be a bad flu year," warned CDC"...
Read the CDC: Flu Season Hits Early and Could Be a Bad Year article »
Fluvirin Consumer (continued)
Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin, heparin), corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone), cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressants (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus).
OVERDOSE: Not applicable.
NOTES: Vaccination may be given to anyone wishing to reduce the chance of getting the flu. For optimal protection, the vaccine must be repeated each year since it may contain different strains than previous years.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised March 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.
Fluvirin Consumer Overview
Additional Fluvirin Information
Fluvirin - User Reviews
Fluvirin User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Fluvirin sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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text:
- 1 [only before noun] on the other side of a particular area from somebody/something and usually facing them Answers are given on the opposite page. We live further down on the opposite side of the road. It's not easy having a relationship when you live at opposite ends of the country.
- 2 (used after the noun) facing the speaker or somebody/something that has been mentioned I could see smoke coming from the windows of the house directly opposite. He sat down in the chair opposite.
- 3 [usually before noun] as different as possible from something I watched them leave and then drove off in the opposite direction. She tried calming him down but it seemed to be having the opposite effect. students at opposite ends of the ability range Word Originlate Middle English: via Old French from Latin oppositus, past participle of opponere 'set against'.Idioms
adjectivejump to other results
BrE BrE//ˈɒpəzɪt//, BrE//ˈɒpəsɪt//; NAmE NAmE//ˈɑːpəzət//
(informal) a person who does the same job as you in another organization The Foreign Secretary is currently having talks with his opposite number in the White House.
your opposite numberjump to other results
the other sex He found it difficult to talk to members of the opposite sex.
the opposite sexjump to other results
to have different aims that cannot be achieved together without causing problems
pull in different/opposite directionsjump to other results
Check pronunciation: opposite


text: Tekes Witty City Case Studies - USA Master Long List Final Selection 25 September 2013 FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 1 Living Building Challenge: Cleantech Innovation Horizon for Buildings, Neighborhoods & Communities - - - - Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a philosophy, advocacy tool & certification program that promotes the most advanced measurement of sustainability in the built environment possible today. Currently [2012], there are more than 140 Living Building Challenge projects spread across eight countries and 28 U.S. states. LBC is administered by the International Living Future Institute, with offices in Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, in the USA, and Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada. Key parties/contacts are: - International Living Future Institute: http://living-future.org/ - Cascadia Green Building Council: http://living-future.org/cascadia - The Natural Step Network USA: http://www.naturalstep.org/en/usa/membersnatural-step-network-usa LBC "…is comprised of seven performance areas: Site, Water, Energy, Health, Materials, Equity and Beauty. These are subdivided into a total of twenty Imperatives, each of which focuses on a specific sphere of influence...it defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today and acts to diminish the gap between current limits and ideal solutions..." for buildings, parks, campuses, infrastructure and communities. FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 1 continued - - LBC "…provides a framework for design, construction and the symbiotic relationship between people and all aspects of the built environment." Project typologies are: - Renovation: Does not form the substantial portion of a complete building reconstruction – e.g., single floor tenant improvements. - Infrastructure + Landscape: Does not include a physical structure as part of its primary program; projects may be as diverse as roads, bridges, plazas, sports facilities or trails. - Building: Any project that encompasses the construction of a roofed and walled structure created for permanent use – either new or existing. - Neighborhood: Any project that contains multiple buildings in a continuous campus, neighborhood, district or village. The socio-economic impact of LBC is best captured by the following comments. - "The Living Building Challenge is…much more than building green. It describes the end game; the ultimate vision of where we want to get to..."", says Jerome Partington, Jasmax (New Zealand). "It's much, - Says Julian Huggins, Arrow's Auckland Manager. "… this is the future. It's where innovative developers, planners and construction companies should be looking..." - "LBC seeks to lead the charge toward a holistic standard that could yield an entirely new level of integration between building systems, transportation, technology, natural resources, and community." - See FinNode USA Trendwiki Signals or contact Michael Lovejoy at: email@example.com FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 2 Building Smarter Cities: Integration of Smart Grid & ITC Networks with Other Forms of Urban & Social Infrastructure in Houston, TX. - - In March 2011, the City of Houston deployed the first municipal 4G wireless communications network in the USA as part of its ongoing Smart City project. [The City had already been recognized for a number of years as one of the leading cities in the USA for its eGovernment Center: http://www.houstontx.gov/] Major anticipated benefits from the City's 4G network are as follows. • Improving Public Service: Improving customer service and reducing cost by connecting the city's mobile AMR system to the WiMAX network to remotely monitor 550,000 water meter accounts; Improving traffic safety and congestion throughout the city through remote control of 2,500 traffic intersections and 1,500 school zone flashers • Reducing Costs: Reducing multi-million dollar annual commercial T1 costs by replacing these connections with WiMAX service at over 500 city facilities (such as water/wastewater plants, maintenance and libraries); Affordably expanding connectivity service to facilities and operations (i.e., SCADA, video surveillance and parking pay stations) • Serving the Public Good: Making excess bandwidth available to enable free Internet service for more than 300,000 residents in underserved, underprivileged communities (such as public computer centers for children offering free Internet access and a safe environment to stay and learn; 20 centers are already operating today) FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 2 continued - - - - - As an important node in the global economy, Houston requires smart solutions: http://www.houstontx.gov/abouthouston/houstonfacts.html In terms of sustainability, the city already has important features: - Green Space: http://smartercities.nrdc.org/city-stories/city-profiles/large/houstontexas#tk-city-profile - Green Building: http://blog.kirksey.com/houston-a-green-building-leader.html The commercial sector is doing its part: Houston was selected by both AT&T and Sprint to be among the first five metropolitan areas in the USA to receive their 4G wireless telecommunication services; local electricity distribution utility, Centerpoint, is ranked 5th nationally in the number of installed smart electricity meters; Houston's local electricity retailer, Reliant, is ranked first in the USA in social media usage – i.e., Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/reliantenergy In August 2011, the City established the seven division Department of Neighborhoods to serve as a "one-stop" for residents seeking assistance with neighborhood issues: http://www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods/ In March 2012, Houston was the first Texas city of among eight U.S. cities to receive a Smarter Cities Challenge grant from IBM, which looked at ways the City can provide greater access to information, services and resources for residents. Specifically, the project focused on how the City can better connect school-aged students to public services that strengthen families and schools. In August 2012, IBM presented its findings & recommendations: http://www.houstongovnewsroom.org/go/doc/2155/1523483/ Houston offers good insight into the hype and realities of smart city progress. FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 3 Smart Parking: San Francisco, California's SFpark Pilot Study - - - - - - City of San Francisco is pioneering an advanced parking management system, utilizing new meters, sensors and demand responsive pricing (SFpark). In the current pilot, 7000 meters have been outfitted, which allows drivers to conveniently identify parking availability on a realtime map located either on the SFpark.org homepage or via freely distributed apps for smart phones (iPhone or Android) or the region's 511 phone system. The system is being developed by City of San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), with support by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration – both offer Project funding, support and evaluation. [Note: futures trials planned in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and NYC.] Key parties/contacts are: - Donald Shoup, Professor, Urban Planning, UCLA: http://shoup.bol.ucla.edu/ - Edward Reiskin, Director of Transportation, SFMTA, City of San Francisco: http://www.sfmta.com/cms/acontact/indxcont.htm In addition to identifying available parking via mobile apps, customers can pay for parking at City meters by phone, receive a reminder message when time is almost up, add time without returning to the meter, and receive a receipt via email. UCLA professor Donald Shoup estimates that 1/3 of the traffic on downtown U.S. streets is due to drivers looking for parking spots. This consumes time & fuel, causes frustration, and it contributes to green house gas emissions. For full details see: http://sfpark.org/ FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 4 Promoting Safe & Appealing Walkable Urban Environments: San Francisco, California's WalkFirst - - - - - In December 2010, the City of San Francisco adopted the Better Streets Plan, a comprehensive set of pedestrian-oriented policies and design guidelines for San Francisco's public streets and sidewalks that coordinates with other efforts to improve the City's streets and transportation system. Building on this, the City initiated the WalkFirst project to improve pedestrian safety and walking conditions, encourage walking as a mode of transportation, and enhance pedestrian connections to key destinations. WalkFirst is a collaborative effort between the San Francisco Department of Public Health (lead agency), San Francisco Planning Department, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, and San Francisco County Transportation Authority. Key parties/contacts are: - Megan Wier, SF Department of Public Health, Email: email@example.com - Lily Langlois, SF Planning Department, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com San Francisco's efforts provides citizens with an Internet forum for community involvement in walkable urban street planning (http://www.sfbetterstreets.org/) as well as online maps for planning safe and appealing pedestrian trips (http://www.sfplanning.org/index.aspx?page=2568#products). WalkFirst initiative promotes pedestrian involvement & confidence and actively supports walking as an alternative to motorized fossil fuel transport. For full details see: http://www.sfplanning.org/ftp/files/Citywide/WalkFirst/WalkFirst_Final_Document_102711.pdf FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 5 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): New York City's Midtown in Motion Project - - - - In June 2012, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America recognized the City of New York's Midtown in Motion project's commitment to "smart" technologies that allow engineers to respond to traffic conditions in real time. The pilot project has been a success, and the program is being expanded. Midtown in Motion is initiated by the City of New York's Department of Transportation (NYDOT) with support by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. Key parties/contacts are: - Janette Sadik-Khan, Commissioner, NYDOT, Email: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/maildot.html - Bruce Shaler, Trafic & Planning, NYDOT, Phone: +1 212 839 6662 - Cordell Schacter, IT & Telecom, NYDOT, Phone: +1 212 839 8163 In this intelligent transportation system (ITS) application, real-time traffic data is transmitted wirelessly through the city's network and made available to motorists and to app developers to use on smart phones, tablets and PDAs. The system allows Department of Transportation engineers the ability to conduct real-time analysis and change signal patterns at the touch of a button, helping to alleviate congestion before it worsens. In addition to intelligently managing traffic flow, Midtown in Motion reduces greenhouse emissions and air pollution on the city's most congested streets. For full details go to: https://www.dot.ny.gov/index FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 6 Connected Cars in Urban Traffic: Dedicated Short Range Vehicle Communications Pilot in Ann Arbor, Michigan - - - - - - As of August 2012, 3,000 vehicles in Ann Arbor, Michigan are taking part in a 12month pilot, whereby cars can communicate with each other, traffic signals, and share data to a central platform. [Note: General Motors & AT&T announced in February 2013 a commercial 4G development project for connected cars.] The project is being run by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), whose partners also include Michigan Department of Transportation, City of Ann Arbor, Texas Transportation Institute, AAA of Michigan, and ESCRYPT. Key parties/contacts are: - Dr. Peter Sweatman, Director, UMTRI, Email: email@example.com - Dr. James R. Sayer, Project Lead, UMTRI, Email: email@example.com - John Hieftje, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Connected vehicles are a subset of the intelligent transportation system ecosystem (ITS), and the Ann Arbor pilot involves dedicated short range communications (DSRC) and video recording facilities. Concept offers vehicle operators and city traffic managers a platform for optimizing the potential negative impact of traffic hazards, which in turn enables a more secure and pleasant quality of life for urban drivers. For full details see: http://www.umtri.umich.edu/divisionPage.php?pageID=505 and also http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/B01__Michigan_Connected_Vehicle_Working_Group_2012-01-30_379092_7.pdf FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 7 Driverless Vehicles on City Streets: Google's Demonstration/Pilot in Las Vegas, Nevada - - - - - In May 2012, The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles announced that it had approved Google's application to test autonomous ('driverless') vehicles on public streets in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is believed to be the first license in the USA. Utilizing Toyota Prius hybrids and Lexus RX hybrids, the vehicles are outfitted with Laser radar mounted on the roof and in the grill detects pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles, creating a virtual buffer zone around the obstacles that the car then avoids. The pilot is run by Google; however, another test by Continental is the first by a commercial automobile manufacturer. Key parties/contacts are: - Dr. Chris Urmson, Head of Engineering, Self Driving Car, Google Inc. Autonomous vehicles are a subset of the intelligent transportation system ecosystem (ITS), and the technology works like auto-pilot to guide a car with little or no intervention from a human operator. Las Vegas experiences a large number of visitors, who rent cars for a limited time and who are not familiar with city streets. The autonomous car concept could ease traffic situations for both visitors and locals as well as minimize fuel usage and GHG emissions for needless driving. It also offers the visually impaired the potential means to independently utilize personal transportation technology. For full details see: http://www.dmvnv.com/autonomous.htm and http://businessprnews.com/google-driverless-car FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 8 ZNE Pilot Program / Architecture at Zero: PG&E Net Zero Energy Building Initiatives, San Francisco, California - - - - - Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Pilot Program was launched in 2010, and it is focused on achieving maximal energy efficiency and load reduction by leveraging advanced design, construction and building operations before the addition of on-site renewable energy generation. PG&E ZNE Pilot Program in collaboration with the San Francisco Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has developed an annual zero net energy building design competition, Architecture at Zero. ZNE Pilot Program is run by California energy utility, PG&E, who also join AIA San Francisco and University of California at Merced for the Architecture at Zero awards. Key parties/contacts are: - Peter Turnbull, PG&E ZNE Pilot Program, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com - Margie O'Driscoll, AIA San Francisco, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com ZNE Pilot Program supports the 2008 California Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, requiring that all new residential & commercial construction be ZNE compliant by 2020 and 2030, respectively. ZNE Pilot Program & Architecture at Zero is an active outreach effort to stimulate innovation in net zero energy building construction. The State of California's ZNE mandate helps set a goal horizon. For full details see: http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/energysavingsrebates/rebatesincentives/znepilotpro gram/us.htm and http://architectureatzero.com/ FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 9 Net Zero Energy LEED Platinum Campus: SMUD East Campus Operations Center, Sacramento, California - - - Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), which has taken a leading role in netzero home building in Northern California, is building the most energy-efficient corporate yard of any U.S. electric utility, SMUD's East Campus-Operations Center, which will be completed in 2013, with the expectation that it will receive the U.S. Green Building Council's top award, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. The new center, employing 700 persons on 51 acres, will include a six story office building, equipment repair shops, maintenance and warehouse buildings, storage space and parking for fleet vehicles. SMUD is a publically-owned municipal utility. Key parties/contacts are: - Mr. Farres Everly, Communications, SMUD, Email: email@example.com Photovoltaic and thermal solar panels will be the source of on-site renewable energy. Techniques for low-energy heating and cooling and lighting include displacement & evaporative cooling, external shading, daylighting, ceiling fans, geothermal energy storage, radiant slab heating and cooling, use of building exhaust air to precondition incoming air, and a heat recovery heat pump system. SMUD campus is seventeen years ahead of California's ZNE mandate for commercial buildings. For full details see: https://www.smud.org/en/about-smud/news-media/newsreleases/2011-09-26.htm FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 10 Building/Modeling Replicable Zero Energy District: FortZED Project , Fort Collins, Colorado - - - - - - Mission of FortZED is to transform the downtown area and the main campus of Colorado State University into a net Zero Energy District through conservation, efficiency, renewable sources and smart technologies. The downtown area of Fort Collins currently supplies 45 MW of peak demand electricity to 7000 residential and commercial customers. FortZED is a public-private partner community initiative, which includes the City of Fort Collins & its municipal-owned utility, Fort Collins Utility, and members of the Colorado Clean Energy Cluster and also Colorado State University. Key parties/contacts are: - Ms. Katy Bigner, FortZED Coordinator, Email: email@example.com, Phone: +1 970-221-6317 FortZED is 'jump started' through 'Smart Grid' & 'Smart Projects' – i.e., 5MW Smart Grid Technologies Pilot & Renewable and Distributed Systems Integration – which is matched with eleven ongoing 'Smart Building' demonstrations/pilots as well as a community energy challenge, designed to promote 'Smart People', who are inspired to make their homes more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable. FortZED brings together government, university and companies in a combined effort to create local innovative net zero energy know-how by achieving a replicable model net Zero Energy District, which can be introduced/sold to other communities. For full details see: http://fortzed.com/ FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 11 Public-Private Community Effort to Building a Smart City & County: Greenprint Denver, Denver, Colorado - - - - - In 2007, the City of Denver created an office of sustainability, Greenprint Denver, and established the cities sustainability policy. The mission of Greenprint Denver is to provide leadership and contribute practical solutions to deliver a prosperous, world class community where people and nature thrive. City of Denver was ranked second for sustainable competitiveness in a study completed by The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. In July 2012, City's Mayor unveiled 'Smart City' plans for creating a vibrant, world-class city attracting new residents and businesses. Greenprint Denver is a city initiative, but its intent is to actively involve the community to achieving the mission. Key parties/contacts are: - Ms. Cindy Bosco, Office of the Mayor, email@example.com Greenprint Denver addresses energy, air & emissions, water, land, transportation & waste. There are a variety of ongoing community programs: The Denver Energy Challenge, Certifiably Green Denver, Watts-to-Water, Non-profit Energy Efficiency Program, etc. Greenprint Denver philosophy is knowing the entire community has a role to play in building a world-class city where everyone matters. Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock states: "Even if the City of Denver took every action possible to retrofit its buildings and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 97 percent of the problem is still in the hands of the community and in need of a solution." For full details see: http://www.greenprintdenver.org/ FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 12 Systems Dynamic Modeling for Smart City Development: Portland Plan, Portland, Oregon - - - - - - Working with IBM, the City of Portland, Oregon, has developed a 25-year plan for becoming a "smarter" city. IBM chose Portland with idea of using simulation for smart city planning because of the City's reputation: Portland has consistently ranked as the 'greenest' city in the USA, with an initial sustainable urban plan dating back to more than thirty years. In creating the simulation model, IBM and the City of held sessions with more than 75 Portland-area experts in a wide variety of fields in order to learn about how city systems interact. Portland State University and Forio Business Simulations contributed to the project and IBM collected ten years of historical data. Key parties/contacts are: - Ms. Susan Anderson, Director, Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, City of Portland, Email: email@example.com , Phone: +1 503-823-7700 Plan uses computer simulation designed to help city leaders see how municipal systems work – i.e., the economy, housing, education, public safety, transportation, healthcare/wellness, government services, utilities, etc. IBM states: "…City of Portland has served as a living laboratory…to explore how complex city systems behave over time...While other analytical approaches rely on breaking a problem down into smaller and smaller pieces, the model we've created recognizes that the behaviour of a system as a whole can be different from what might be anticipated by looking at its parts." For full details see: http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/ FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 13 Mobile Urban Food Culture: U.S. Food Truck Revolution - - Jonathan Gold writes in his article How America became a Food Truck Nation in March 2012 Smithsonian magazine: "At a time in America when finances are shaky, yet even modest big-city restaurant spaces involve multimillion-dollar build-outs, when consumers have wearied of giant chains but still demand food that is novel, inexpensive and fast, food trucks are the new incubators of culinary innovation" Food trucks are a phenomenon that exploded across the USA in 2011, with its origins in Los Angeles, California, this new form of the Urban Street Food Movement, has its own urban geography. See: http://www.theatlanticcities.com/artsand-lifestyle/2012/11/geographyamericas-best-food-trucks/3987/ NOTE: Cities across the USA are dealing with the Food Truck Revolution differently – some positively; some negatively. Los Angeles, California, is best for analysis. FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 13 continued Once the purview of immigrant cooks, food trucks are now often art-designed and run by culinary school grads, celebrity chefs…they serve food (often fusion) to go, they've lowered the financial bar for becoming a restaurateur, and they use electronic media to connect to their loyal followers, either by public or their own means. Incredible Flying Soup Mobile City: Atlanta, Georgia Cuisine: Soup and other dishes from Souper Jenny Cafe Twitter: @souperJenny Sample Tweet: "Mobile truck will be parked in front of Murphy's for Summerfest Sat & Sun Selling Lobster Rolls and other yummies!" See: http://www.cityofboston.gov/business/mobile/schedule-tabs.asp FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 14 Building the World's Leading Digital City: City of New York's NYC Digital Project - - - Established in January 2011, the mission of NYC Digital is to realize New York City's potential as the world's leading digital city. With 80 percent of its objectives complete, NYC Digital demonstrates the strides the City has made to achieve its goals, driven by a vibrant technology industry, a strong media presence, infrastructure improvements, and historic investments in education. See: http://www.nyc.gov/html/digital/downloads/pdf/digitalroadmap2012.pdf NYC Digital is part of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Key parties/contacts are: - Ms. Rachel Haot, Chief Digital Oficer, NYC Digital, Mayor's Office, City of New York, New York, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com - International Requests, NYC Digital, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com NYC Digital's approach is focused on initiatives that span five core pillars: Access to Technology, Education, Open Government, Engagement and Industry. The status of the program through 2012 is as follows: - - Free Wi-Fi through public spaces, including 26 park locations, 6 subway stations and 11 payphone kiosks. Through the City's cable franchise agreements, Wi-Fi will grow to an additional 32 public parks through a $10 million commitment by Time Warner Cable and Cablevision. In addition, the City is also supporting more broadband choices for residents, serving 80,000 low income families with high-speed internet. Open all of the City's data by 2018, releasing nearly 900 data sets in real-time APIs, and hosting two 'hackathons', resulting in 5000 person-hours dedicated to solving civic challenges & nearly two dozen website prototypes and applications. FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 14 continued - Status of the NYC Digital program continued: - - - - - Increasing the City's digital reach each month to more than 5.4 million individuals through social media, smartphone apps, SMS programs, newsletters and NYC.gov. In addition, the redesign of NYC.gov is underway and will be designed with a user-centric approach, making the site more intuitive, usable and efficient than ever before. Introducing two new Applied Sciences campuses, including the Cornell NYC Tech on Roosevelt Island, the new NYU/NYU-Poly Center for Urban Science and Progress, and the Academy for Software Engineering – all together, a $2 billion capital investment for building more STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) instruction in New York City. The City has partnered with the public and private sector on these groundbreaking education initiatives that will create an estimated 400 new businesses, 22,000 construction jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity. Supporting New York City's digital sector through recognition of homegrown startups, expansion of the City's broadband connectivity for businesses to 600 buildings in the next two years and partnerships with technology companies like Facebook, Buddy Media and Shapeways to develop youth employment programs that encourage diversity in the workforce and help young students discover careers in the industry. This includes the launch of the Made in NY Digital Map, highlighting nearly 1000 local technology companies hiring. NYC is already a leading node in financial services and media/communications commerce. These information technology intensive industries provide a firm base for NYC to achieve its digital city goals. For full details see: http://www.nyc.gov/html/digital/html/home/home.shtml FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 15 Enabling the Idea Economy: City of Boston's Innovation District Initiative - - - - The City of Boston is implementing the Innovation District initiative, which is a new approach to spur economic development along the city's waterfront. It is based upon the idea that people in clusters innovate at a quicker rate, sharing technologies and knowledge easier, offering small firms the ability to generate ideas and intermingle with larger firms who have the access to capital and the ability to scale and grow those ideas. Boston's Innovation District was initiated by the City of Boston's Mayor in 2010. Key parties/contacts are: - Mr. Kristopher Carter, IDBoston, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Boston's Innovation District has three core principals: - Work: create clusters of innovative people - Live: build flexible housing options to work for flexible lifestyles - Play: provide public space and programming to foster an innovation ecosystem With its world-class cluster of universities and colleges, the City of Boston was recently ranked the number one smart city in North America. See: http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680967/the-top-10-smartest-cities-in-northamerica#1 . FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 15 continued - Innovation District is a cornerstone in the above ranking, and its success is summarized by Professor Daniel Isenberg: Boston's Innovation District was launched with clear vision and commitment, but, surprisingly, one of its keys to success was that it had no detailed plan, budget, organizational structure, nor even an officially designated team. The fuzziness was a counter-intuitive advantage in engaging diverse stakeholders to define for themselves the role they would play. The mayor and his staff were inspirational facilitators, not controllers. They were not shy about making specific proposals and asking for investments from the private sector, but more as a way to concretize the projects' feasibilities than to push particular programs. One element of "best process" in fostering entrepreneurship ecosystems is experimentation. As Mayor Menino put it, "We'll experiment with alternative housing models. We will test new ideas that provide live/work opportunities to entrepreneurs and affordable co-housing for researchers.... We'll give architects and developers the challenge to experiment with new designs, new floor plans, and new materials. Our mandate to all will be to invent a 21st century district that meets the needs of the innovators who live and work in Boston." Experiment. Test. Invent. See: http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/06/planting_entrepreneurial_innov.html - For full details see: http://www.innovationdistrict.org/ FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 16 Aerotropolis – City of the Future: DFW International Airport in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex - Rowan Moore writes in the 2 March 2013 issue of The Observer: …in the 21st century, efficient, large, well-connected airports matter to prosperity above everything else. "The fastest, best-connected places will win", and the future belongs to the "city that can see the writing on the wall before the competition can even see the wall". Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport has been cited as one of the leading examples of the above by John Kasarda, co-author of Aerotropolis: The Way We'll Live Next, who writes: "Airports will shape business location and urban development in the 21st century as much as highways did in the 20th century, railroads in the 19th and seaports in the 18th." As a local DFW construction contractor observes: The term "aerotropolis" is gaining traction in today's lexicon of urban development, global trade and economic growth. Basically, it means the combination of an airport, planned city, shipping facilities (e.g. roads, rail and ports), and a business hub. See: http://greg-wilkinson.blogspot.fi/2012/12/welcome-to-age-of-aerotropolis.html DFW Airport already in 2009 initiated its long-term plan – Vision for the Future (VFR:2030) – with the theme "DFW International Airport – Connecting the World". See: www.dfwairport.com/cs/groups/public/documents/webasset/p1_056466.pdf FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 16 continued - - - - DFW International Airport, first completed in 1973, is "Considered one of the most successful cooperative projects in the history of the cities." It is jointly owned by the Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, with operations administered by a DFW Airport Board. Since its opening, four suburban cities have grown up around it – Irving, Euless, Grapevine & Coppell – and in an effort to ensure future harmony, these cities have one non-voting representative serving on a rotating basis on the airport's administrative board. Key parties/contacts are: – John Terrell, VP, Commercial Development, Email: email@example.com The region surrounding the Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth can best be described as a an emerging megalopolis – i.e., clustered network of cities with a population of about 10 million or more. Interlinked ground transportation corridors often support this kind of urban evolution, and the DFW International Airport is locally linked to a highway, rail and an intermodal logistics hub at Alliance Airport north of Fort Worth. It is also linked through strategic alliances to airports in China, Dubai & Taiwan. The DFW Metroplex is home to the USA's wireless electronics industry, which contributed to the establishment of a Finnish presence in the region twenty years ago. DFW International Airport was also an enabling factor; it is the fourth busiest airport in the world in terms of aircraft movements and eighth busiest in terms of passengers. For more details see http://archive.uli.org/fallmeeting2012/thur/JohnBrookby.pdf, http://www.dfwairport.com/index.php & www.dfwairport.com/landhere/index.php FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 17 Open Data & Municipal Regulatory Oversight: City of New York's CityScan Pilot Project - - - - A start-up company, CityScan, offers a system that that integrates public information on local codes with advanced street-mapping technology to perform the regulatory oversight cities often cannot manage with their own recession-limited budgets and small numbers of available inspectors. See: http://cityscan.com/. In March 2013, it was reported that a 90-day pilot would be ordered by the City of New York to focus is on construction site permits as part of its 'Broken Windows' approach toward general cleanliness by improving recognition of permit expiration and debris removal. Additional pilots may be ordered by 11 cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, & Washington, D.C. CityScan is a Chicago-based private company. Key parties/contacts are: - Mr.. Orlando Saez, Chief Operating Oficer, CityScan, Contact: http://cityscan.com/about-us/contact-us/ A laser-type remote sensing technology – also known as LiDAR – underlies CityScan's system. Strategic partner Nokia/NAVTEQ provides street-level maps and LiDAR datasets that allow CityScan to create detailed 3D cityscape models and use information gathered by cars driving through cities to see where things don't match up. System allows cities to better enforce codes & collect unpaid permit revenue. The Finnish connection could be a real winner for the Smart Cities effort. For technology commercialization timeline see: http://www.tikitoki.com/timeline/entry/49879/CityScan-Inc/%23!date=2012-0524_19:18:10!#vars!date=2010-09-18_12:02:10! FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 18 Municipal Broadband Networks – U.S. Small City Leadership: City of Chattanooga, Tennessee's EPB Fiber Optics - A column in the 22 January 2013 issue of Governing states: Chattanooga, Tenn. (pop 167,000), has leapt to the forefront of American cities with ultra high-speed broadband service and has accomplished the feat in a surprisingly old-fashioned way: the city's municipally-owned electric utility [EPB] provides the service…What makes Chattanooga's situation even more unique is that it stands virtually alone among U.S. cities with a population of 100,000 or greater that has municipally-owned broadband. There are only 122 U.S. cities and towns that have municipal broadband in their community, according to Broadband Communities Magazine. But nearly all are small jurisdictions. - Internet service is offered by a unit in the City's municipal electric utility. Key parties/contacts are: https://epbfi.com/ - Governing further notes: Chattanooga didn't install fiber broadband just to make consumers happy, but as an effort to reinvent itself as a city with first class infrastructure that will further enable economic development while giving the government innovative capabilities in delivering better services for public safety, traffic and transit, public works and education. - Small cities in smaller states are leading the way, because the telecom services giants have lobbied hard to get legislation passed to block offerings in large markets. For more details see: https://www.epb.net/news/news-archive/epb-fiber-optics-offersfaster-internet-speeds-without-changing-prices/ & https://www.epb.net/ FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 19 Open Data for City Apps: City of San Francisco, California's DataSF Initiative - - - In 2009, San Francisco became one of the first cities to share its data publicly by creating DataSF, which makes available over 200 datasets from City agencies. In March 2012, the Mayor San Francisco announced the strengthening of the open data initiative by moving it to cloud computing, stating: "Making City data more accessible to the public secures San Francisco's future as the world's first 2.0 City." DataSF is an open data portal of San Francisco's municipal government, but it is described as a "laboratory for participatory democracy", whereby individuals and organizations are invited to "…help improve the City's information by using and providing feedback on the applications and also by building their own applications from the available datasets. Key contact: Jah Nath, CTO, City of San Francisco: www.jaynath.com/contact/ Multiple apps have been developed for these areas: Crime, Dinning, Environment, Local, Maps, News, Politics, Transportation. See: http://apps.sfgov.org/showcase/. In January 2013, GreenBiz.com blog stated: Open Data increases government efficiency and civic engagement, leading to social and economic benefits as a result of citizen interaction with government. Opening city data allows residents to use that data in innovative ways -- to identify trends, create solutions and build products and companies. Open Data creates positive environments that support early stage entrepreneurships and contribute to workforce development and job creation. - For further information see: http://www.socrata.com/newsroom-article/mayor-leeunveils-socrata-powered-san-francisco-open-data-cloud/ . FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 20 Street-Level Public Internet Access: NYC's Smart Screen (Pay Phone Booth) Pilot - - - - - - In May 2012, the City of New York (NYC) began a pilot installation of 32-inch "smart screens" with Internet connections inside 250 old phone booths throughout the City, with the idea that City's the futuristic screens could eventually replace all of the city's 12,800 outdoor pay phones, whose franchise contracts with the city expire in October 2014. NYC's Department of Technology & Telecommunications (NYCIT&T) oversees the project and it has given the private company City24x7 the franchisee to install & maintain the smart screens. See: www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/news/pr071112.shtml Key contact: Tom Touchet, CEO, City24x7 , Phone: +1 212 229 1414, Email: email@example.com Free touch-screen technology will display local neighborhood information, including lists of nearby restaurants, store sales in the area, traffic updates, landmark information and safety alerts — in multiple languages – as well as emergency public safety connections, and the smart screens will eventually be wired to make Skype calls, log onto e-mail accounts and serve as WiFi hotspots. The screens cost the city nothing and will eventually bring in revenue via advertising beyond the pilot of 36% of sales. NYCIT&T states: "The goal is to pilot it and see what the response is." This pilot is important as much for the future of pay phones as it is to the question of whether the Internet should be everywhere. See: http://bizshifts-trends.com/2012/10/22/theultimate-ubiquitous-internet-any-place-any-time-any-apps-omnipresent-web-stats-facts/ . For further information see: http://www.smartcity24x7.com/NYC.html FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 21 "Smart Becomes the New Green": Fort Wayne, Indiana, 'Smart Hospital' - Smart buildings predictions for 2013 in the February 2013 issue of AutomatedBuildings.com opines that "Smart Becomes the New Green" and states: The lives of typical tenants and building occupants are technology-laden with constant social and internet connectivity; they're expecting advanced technology in buildings and smart building certification can meet those expectations. We anticipate many owners will either forgo or complement the green certification and get their building certified as smart. - - Perhaps a sign of the above is the recently constructed Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which features smart rooms, smart beds and materials handling robots among other things. Jones Lang LaSalle teamed with HKS Architects of Dallas to design the hospital. Key contact: Margy Sweeney, Jones Lang LaSalle, Email: email@example.com Jones Lang Lasalle have also partnered with Pacific Controls to introduce IntelliCommandSM, the commercial real estate industry's first integrated, end-to-end building management solution to combine cloud-based, smart-building technology to enable 24/7, real-time remote monitoring and control of facilities and portfolios worldwide. See: http://www.us.am.joneslanglasalle.com/Pages/IntelliCommand.aspx New builds and solutions of this kind are important first steps in bringing an urban-level of "Internet of Things" to fruition. For further information see: http://www.us.am.joneslanglasalle.com/unitedstates/enus/pages/newsitem.aspx?itemid=24584 FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 22 Mobility – Augmented Reality – Smart Cities: Google and Visux Glasses - - - As reported by URENIO in April 2012, "Google has confirmed that is developing glasses enabling augmented reality within smart cities." The 23 February 2013 Daily Mail reports that the glasses will go on sale at the end of this year for under $1500. A competing offering by New York-based Visux, who has been developing similar glasses for the military and industry for years, will be released in summer 2013, priced at under $500. One could call these offerings game changers. These are proprietary endeavors; see links at bottom of page. Smart City pilots/demonstrations are unknown at this time but their future development needs to be actively monitored. The glasses will give users the capability to simultaneously view the actual physical environment around them along with related computer generated inputs. The above offerings are truly one of the first steps toward merging the physical and digital worlds in a robust environment and the impact on how people interact in the modern urban landscape will be profound. Ubiquitous internet nodes & DER, holographic & future-generation haptics technologies, and wireless energy transfer may them outmoded in ten-or-less years, but the way these glasses model the human interface with augmented reality are an important element in future urban design. For further details see: http://www.google.com/glass/start/ & http://www.vuzix.com/augmented-reality/ FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 22 Mobility – Augmented Reality – Smart Cities: Police Video Glasses - As a precursor to the use of 'smart glasses' by government entities, police departments in the USA are starting to employ Point of View (POV) video glasses other officers – e.g., Maryland, Minnesota & Utah. "The body cameras work like dash cameras already in police cars — they they'll provide an eye-level view of an officers one on one interaction with the public." See: - - http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-57572355-71/police-to-wear-video-cameras-onsunglasses/ http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=22965087 Several manufacturers offer these glasses: http://www.taser.com/products/on-officer-video/axonflex-on-officer-video http://www.policemag.com/channel/technolo gy/articles/2012/04/police-product-test-eyeof-mine-hd-video-camera-sunglasses.aspx FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 23 Microgrids as an Enabler of Compact Self-Sufficient Smart Communities: Dublin, California, Santa Rita Jail Demonstration - - - - - In March 2012, the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California, seamlessly disconnected itself from the electric grid and switched over to its own microgrid, powering itself for the duration of a demonstration. Santa Rita Jail is the fifth largest in the USA, housing approximately 4,000 inmates, with peak electricity demand reaching about 3.0 megawatts (MW). The jail was already active in lowering its reliance on the grid, with the installation of a 1.2-MW rooftop solar array, a 1-MW molten carbonate fuel cell, and five small wind generators in 2002. The microgrid's 2-MW lithium ferrous phosphate battery can carry the load during a power outage without turning on backup generators. The Demonstration is led by Chevron Energy Solutions with major collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). Key contact: Chris Marnay, Berkeley Lab, Phone: +1 510-508-7705, Emial: firstname.lastname@example.com & Morgan Crinklaw, Chevron, Phone: +1 925 790 6908 Berkeley Lab used software they developed called DER-CAM (Distributed Energy Resources-Customer Adoption Model), which looks at electricity and heat requirements, to help analyze and develop an optimal plan for the Jail to meet minimum cost. The Global FinNode 21st Century Design Project presented information, forecasting selfsufficient, compact urban neighborhoods in 2030, and the above demonstration, combined with previous cases, is a technological step to this future. For further details see: http://der.lbl.gov/, http://der.lbl.gov/publications/compendiumberkeley-lab-research-involving-santa-rita-jail-2008-2012 and http://www.chevronenergy.com/news_room/default.asp?pr=pr_20120322.asp FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 24 Selecting the Most Sustainable Solutions for City Needs: Tacoma, Washington's Required Sustainable Return on Investment Tool - - - - Tacoma, Washington, was named the first Life Cycle City by the Institute for Environmental Research and Education (IER&E) in January 2011 for its commitment to life cycle assessment (LCA). The vision of IER&E's life cycle communities program is simple: government and business working together to make products and services that are more environmentally friendly, as measured by life cycle assessment. The City of Tacoma and 20 other cities around the world are joining Citymart.com for the LLGA/Cities Pilot the Future program, which focuses on discovering and implementing the most promising solutions to social and urban challenges. City of Tacoma Environmental Services Department oversees LCA initiatives. Key contact: email@example.com In line with its commitment to LCA and its participation in the LLGA/Cities Pilot the Future program, Tacoma is looking for a decision-making tool to help evaluate projects and select the most sustainable solutions for the city's needs. This will enable the city to incorporate life cycle assessment practices into its decision-making for capital projects and programs and better meet economic, environmental & community concerns. Sustainable solutions help cities live smartly for present and futures generations, and Tacoma's needed tool may offer a chance for Finnish interests to collaborate in a region of the USA that is both innovative and highly receptive to smart city solutions. For further details see: http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=18884 , http://llga.org/call.php?idCall=27 and http://www.iere.org/life-cycle-cities.aspx FinNode USA Smart Cities Case 25 Thriving Local Economy as an Engine for Smart City Innovation: Houston, Texas – 'Coolest' City in the USA - - - - Houston, Texas, a city that is not appreciated for its hot & humid spring & summer climate, described once as a "Hell Hole" during an NBA basketball championship by an NYC reporter, was named as the Coolest City in America by Forbes magazine in July 2012. A major driver for this designation – a vibrant local job market in a period of U.S. , recession, which attracted 50 thousand new residents in 2011. Many of the new residents are young – the average age of the city is 33. And they are educated; Houston boasts a percentage of college grads over 25 somewhat above the USA's average, having added 300 000 college graduates in the past decade as compared to Boston's 240 000 or San Francisco's 211 000. While Houston is a primary node in the global energy industry, home to NASA's manned space program, with state and city government policies that favor business, many of the innovative transformations in the city are occurring from the ground up. Key contact: Mr. Peter Brown, Chairman, Mayor's International Trade and Development Council at City of Houston. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hoyt_Brown There are counter opinions: http://www.salon.com/2012/07/30/houston_is_not_cool/ . Aside from youth-driven inner-urban building & services boom, 1-in-20 of the world's top million websites are hosted in Houston: http://gigaom.com/2013/03/07/where-does-theweb-live-surprisingly-houston-is-a-popular-neighborhood/ . And the City is home to a functioning 2nd Generation Smart Grid: http://www.reliant.com Door is open for linkages: Mr. Brown, an architect & urban planner, who interned in Helsinki, and he has talked to Reijo Kangas by phone.


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5 out of 5 stars Hair Transplant
It Turned the Clock Back 20 Years. Meeting Dr Rassman Saved my Life. Litterally! - Los Angeles, CA
I went to a competing hair transplant center first. Their entire setup was like walking into a car dealership. There was the greeter the sales guy and the sales pitch. I never met with a doctor at all. I walked out with a brochure, price schedule and some finance options. It was a complete turn off. When I went to see Dr. Rassman the owner at New hair Institute I actually met him. he explained the process in detail and answered all of my many questions to my full satisfaction. Most importantly Dr. Rassman is very approachable and likable. He doesn't have the god complex so many doctors have. I didn't have to think for another minute where I was having my transplant done and I could not have been happier with the treatment or result.
5 out of 5 stars Hair Transplant
Dr. Rassman is the Best in the World- I'm a Physician and my 6000 Mile Round Trip Was Well Worth It!!! - Los Angeles, CA
As noted above....Dr. Rassman is a credit to the profession!
5 out of 5 stars Hair Transplant
New Hair Institute - Los Angeles, CA
The first thing that impressed me at NHI was the fact that the surgeon himself and not a salesperson saw me unlike the other medical offices. Dr. Rassman was very straightforward regarding my results, expectation, and my budget. After careful review, Dr. Rassman gave me his honest opinion and recommendations of what to expect and what would be the cost, no "low ball" games, or gimmicks. To my surprise, I was offered to meet other patients who went through the same procedure (again; unlike other medical offices). I even had the opportunity to observe live surgery. All of the above helped me make the right decision to my complete satisfaction. Now, years after my procedures I have my own hair in place, and very grateful to the Dr. Rassman and his devoted staff.
5 out of 5 stars Hair Transplant
Going Bald and Clinically Depressed Until I Met Dr. Rassman and New Hair Institute - Los Angeles, CA
I went for consultations with all the hair transplant doctors ranging from Swords to Bosley then decided on Dr. Rassman, based on his thoroughness to the small details ranging from the hairline , position of the angles of the hair to the temples in relations to the corners. He was thinking the same thoughts that every single one of us who is losing their hair would think of. After doing the procedure I decided to share my story with every other patient that came in and attended all of his open houses so people could see my before and after pictures and decide on their own whether or not this was the quality of work that would want. I referred family members from my brother and my father and their results were nothing less of magnificent.
5 out of 5 stars Hair Transplant
He Won't Take My Money?
To review my doctor is easy. Dr. Rassman is second to none. He didn't see me as a quick $2500 but rather someone who was going through an emotionally charged time in his life. I mean, you can go to school and get an education. You can go to the gym and improve your physique. With hair, however, I was powerless. Thank goodness he didn't take advantage of that. Now, the other issue that must be discussed here is a review of the New Hair Institute TEAM, not just the doctor. You can't expect one person to perform a procedure of thousands of grafts by himself. You need a skilled team to dissect, handle and relocate the grafts. You're paying for the expertise of the team, not just the doctor. It's the math, science and art that must coalesce into your original vision. I encourage you to check out one of NHI's events and see what I'm talking about. You owe it to yourself to investigate this thoroughly prior to making any move. If I have in any way assisted you with your decision making process, I'm honored. There's nothing wrong with going bald. However, if you choose to do something about it, I encourage you to visit the New Hair Institute. You'll get honesty and clarity… and the egg salad sandwiches aren't bad either.
5 out of 5 stars Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp Mircro-pigmentation - Dr. William Rassman - Los Angeles, CA
Dr. William Rassman is an excellent physician and his staff is top notch. They are kind, helpful and provide a very comfortable environment. I can not express enough how much these people have changed my life and I am eternally grateful.
5 out of 5 stars Hair Transplant
55 Year Old Female With Hair Loss in the Temporal Area - Los Angeles, CA
I love Dr. Rassman. You will not find a more patient, kind and intelligent person anywhere. I feel very blessed to know him.
5 out of 5 stars Hair Transplant
Going Bald and Took Action! - San Jose, CA
The entire staff was both friendly and professional. Dr. Rassman explained the options available. I was glad that he was a board certified MD with all of the experience behind him along with finding out that he is one of the pioneers in modern day hair transplant work.
5 out of 5 stars Hair Transplant
42 Year Old Man, Now Looking 32 Years Young! - Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Rassman is truly one in a billion. He is very honest and a true professional. He's also a pioneer in the "Hair Transplant Business" and most importantly will make you look normal again!
5 out of 5 stars Hair Transplant
Loosing Hair and Loosing Confidence Was Completely Restored with New Hair Institute!!!!! - Los Angeles, CA
Amazing, extremely personable and knowledgeable. A+
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Liechtenstein (3912 items)
Welcome back! Whilst you were away we added the functionality to view auctions and bid in pounds.
Liechtenstein: Information on the Catawiki site about Symbols of Evangelists (70), 1996.
At its heart, Catawiki is an online catalogue with images of, and information on, collectibles. Our catalogue is compiled by users in a similar way to Wikipedia.


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Mongol Warrior 1200-1350
Mongol Warrior 1200-1350
By Stephen Turnbull; Wayne Reynolds (Illustrator)
Osprey Publishing (UK), Paperback, 9781841765839, 64pp.
Publication Date: November 21, 2003
List Price: $18.95*
* Individual store prices may vary.
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The Mongol warriors are one of the great success stories of world military history. Under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his successors the Mongols conquered much of the known world, fighting in territory ranging from the frozen steppes, the wilderness of Palestine, the jungles of Java and the great rivers of China. Through all this they showed a remarkable ability to adopt, adapt and improve a vast range of military techniques and technology, from siege weapons to naval warfare. This book tells the story of this remarkable military organisation, including details of weaponry, tactics, training and beliefs.
About the Author
Stephen Turnbull is best known for his numerous books on samurai and Japanese military history, for which he is the recognised expert outside Japan. More recently he has expanded his interests into China, Korea and Southeast Asia, particularly in relation to their military interaction with Japan. He has also published several books on the subject of warfare in medieval and early modern Europe, where he has developed a strong interest in eastern European armies such as the Hussites and Muscovy.


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Brick Red | Merino Wool Roving
Brick Red | Merino Wool Roving
• Item: 1 oz. Merino Wool Combed Top (sliver).
• Animal Friendly: Sourced from non-mulesed flocks.
• Eco-Friendly: Dye is certified under the Oeko-Tex 100 quality system for non-toxicity.
Make something marvelous with this chromatically dyed Merino wool top (sliver). Medium Fine 23µ with a Bradford Count of 64. Ideal for spinning, felting, and other fiber art projects.
Add To Cart


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Notable Faculty
Nearly all of Capella's faculty from the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences have a doctoral degree and many work as licensed practitioners, school psychologists, school counselors, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, alcohol and drug abuse counselors, registered play therapy supervisors, psychologists and social workers. Our instructors have expertise in child and adolescent development, and family and geriatric issues. They are also proficient in designing programs to meet state and national accreditation standards, and have experience consulting with privately held businesses with a focus on succession planning, organizational development, executive development, and coaching.
Andrea Miller, PhD
Andrea Miller, PhD
Dean of Psychology, Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Andrea Miller has worked as a member of the Capella team since 2010 and has taught online since 2005. She began as an adjunct faculty member and later moved to lead faculty and then to the faculty chair role for the psychology department in the School of Undergraduate Studies at Capella University. In 2015 Dr. Miller moved to the Dean of Psychology role in the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Her professional background includes work as a psychologist in the public schools and as a psychologist and supervisor for non-profit clinics. She specializes in working with children and families as well as individuals of all ages with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Dr. Miller is licensed as a psychologist in three states, licensed as a specialist in school psychology, and a human services board certified practitioner. She is active in psychological associations and served as President of the Georgia Psychological Association from 2013-2014. Dr. Miller holds Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman's University and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Bethany Lohr, PhD
Bethany Lohr, PhD
Bethany Lohr, Ph.D., LP/ Faculty Chair: Dr. Lohr joined Capella in 2011 as a part-time faculty member in the Masters Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. In 2012, Dr. Lohr became a member of the Core Faculty and Colloquia Lead before becoming PsyD Director of Residency training in 2013, and Faculty Chair in 2014. She earned her Masters and Ph.D degrees in Clinical Psychology with a subspecialty in Behavioral Medicine from the University of Georgia in 1996, and did her internship at Harvard Medical School, specializing in CBT and Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Lohr has always enjoyed a balance of teaching, clinical work, and clinically- related research in her training and career. Prior to her role as a Capella faculty member, Dr. Lohr ran a private practice in a rural area, and has had numerous experiences and training in various settings, including forensic work, community mental health, and in hospitals and schools. Her research interests include many aspects of psychopathology, health psychology, and CBT. Dr. Lohr is a very evidence-based psychologist with a strong theoretical orientation in CBT. She has provided cognitive behavioral therapy to individuals, couples, and groups of all ages. She also has training and experience in administering a wide range of psychological assessments, and is licensed as a psychologist in the States of Alabama and Tennessee. Dr. Lohr has been involved in her State Psychological Associations, serving in the past as President and Disaster Response Coordinator, and feels strongly about the importance of advocacy in our role as psychologists.


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ED Magedson – Founder
Ripoff Report
The Secret Society Members2007 Taylor Rd Grove City, Ohio U.S.A.
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This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 11/18/2008 08:11 AM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/the-secret-society-members/grove-city-ohio-43123/the-secret-society-members-sent-a-letter-saying-i-have-special-talents-only-have-a-week-to-392303. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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April 17, 2015: Neurological Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee Meeting Announcement
|April 17, 2015
|8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
|FDA White Oak Campus
10903 New Hampshire Ave.
Building 31 Conference Center
the Great Room (rm. 1503)
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA-2015-N-0001]
Neurological Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting
AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of a public advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting will be open to the public.
Name of Committee: Neurological Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee.
General Function of the Committee: To provide advice and recommendations to the Agency on FDA's regulatory issues.
Date and Time: The meeting will be held on April 17, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: FDA White Oak Campus, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Building 31 Conference Center, the Great Room (rm. 1503), Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002. Answers to commonly asked questions including information regarding special accommodations due to a disability, visitor parking, and transportation may be accessed at: http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/AboutAdvisoryCommittees/ucm408555.htm.
Webcast link: https://collaboration.fda.gov/ndpm0415/
Contact Person: Jamie Waterhouse, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993, firstname.lastname@example.com, 301-796-3063, or FDA Advisory Committee Information Line, 1-800-741-8138 (301-443-0572 in the Washington, DC area). A notice in the Federal Register about last minute modifications that impact a previously announced advisory committee meeting cannot always be published quickly enough to provide timely notice. Therefore, you should always check the Agency's Web site at http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/default.htm and scroll down to the appropriate advisory committee meeting link, or call the advisory committee information line to learn about possible modifications before coming to the meeting.
Agenda: On April 17, 2015, the committee will discuss the current knowledge regarding the conduct of clinical studies and evaluation of clinical study data for flow diverter technology. FDA is convening this committee to seek expert opinion on scientific and clinical considerations relating to the study design and existing clinical studies, for flow diverter technology indicated for the neurovasculature.
Flow diverters are an endoluminal treatment option for intracranial aneurysms. They are similar to traditional stents in their tubular metal structure but with a significantly higher mesh density. The working principle is that the high-mesh density reduces flow rate into the aneurysm which promotes blood stasis and occlusion of the aneurysm. Flow diverters are advantageous for the treatment of large/giant wide-neck aneurysms and offer an alternative to other interventional techniques or surgery.
FDA intends to make background material available to the public no later than 2 business days before the meeting. If FDA is unable to post the background material on its Web site prior to the meeting, the background material will be made publicly available at the location of the advisory committee meeting, and the background material will be posted on FDA's Web site after the meeting. Background material is available at http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/MedicalDevices/MedicalDevicesAdvisoryCommittee/default.htm. Scroll down to the appropriate advisory committee meeting link.
Procedure: Interested persons may present data, information, or views, orally or in writing, on issues pending before the committee. Written submissions may be made to the contact person on or before April 3, 2015. Oral presentations from the public will be scheduled between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Those individuals interested in making formal oral presentations should notify the contact person and submit a brief statement of the general nature of the evidence or arguments they wish to present, the names and addresses of proposed participants, and an indication of the approximate time requested to make their presentation on or before March 24, 2015. Time allotted for each presentation may be limited. If the number of registrants requesting to speak is greater than can be reasonably accommodated during the scheduled open public hearing session, FDA may conduct a lottery to determine the speakers for the scheduled open public hearing session. The contact person will notify interested persons regarding their request to speak by March 27, 2015.
Persons attending FDA's advisory committee meetings are advised that the Agency is not responsible for providing access to electrical outlets.
FDA welcomes the attendance of the public at its advisory committee meetings and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact AnnMarie Williams at firstname.lastname@example.com, or 301-796-5966 at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.
FDA is committed to the orderly conduct of its advisory committee meetings. Please visit our Web site at http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/AboutAdvisoryCommittees/ucm111462.htm for procedures on public conduct during advisory committee meetings.
Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app. 2).
Dated: Dated: February 17, 2015.
Leslie Kux,
Associate Commissioner for Policy.


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April 13, 2011
| News
InStyle talks with N.Y.C.-based nail pro Ji Baek about how to get dry feet primped and perfect for the sandal season.
April 11, 2011
| Video
Pedicure using t4 Herbal Spa Products
March 23, 2011
| Article
Teachers, sales personnel, athletes and other groups of people who spend large amounts of time on their feet commonly suffer from aches and mains in the legs, knees and feet. One of the common ailments experienced by people who are standing much of the time is a condition called Plantar Fasciitis.
March 22, 2011
| Video
Kupa Inc. president Richard Hurter introduces the new Kupa U-Power 2G Portable E-File, and Vicki Peters shows how to use it for pedicures.
January 25, 2011
| Article
Every tech has seen clients who for one reason or another had to have their large toenails removed. Thistechnique will help you create a reusable prosthetic toenail that the wearer can be proud of
August 31, 2010
| Video
Kona Botanicals shares its Herbal Warrior Relief Pedicure, available at Presentations Salon in Kansas City, Mo.
August 1, 2010
| Demo
Hollywood Nails explains how to give clients a luxurious manicure/pedicure with mango oil, sliced oranges, and flower petals.
June 1, 2010
| Article
Pedicurists are in the unique position of being able to advise clients of the risks and educate them about sunscreen use.
May 1, 2010
| Article
Heather Goodwin offers relief to clients suffering from mildly ingrown toenails and pincer nails with the application of a B/S Brace.
A massage might seem just the thing to bring relief to pregnant clients' swollen feet and legs, but there are acupressure points around the lower legs and feet that, when aggressively worked, can bring on contractions.
April 12, 2010
| Video
A demonstration of Estelina's spa pedicure.
February 1, 2010
| Article
Though a common ailment, corns can often be avoided by something as simple as changing one's shoes.
January 1, 2010
| Article
A common and potentially painful condition, pincer nails can often be avoided by careful detection and proper care.
August 1, 2008
| Article
Heel pain is the most common foot complaint that sends people to their doctors. Your pedicure service can give relief to heel pain sufferers through communication, warming treatments, and massage.
30 Cuticle Care Products You'll Love30 photos
Nailing the Color of the Year 201623 photos
A slang term for a recently graduated or newly employed nail professional; someone with very little professional salon experience.
Learn More
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This review has some mild spoilers from early plotlines in the series. So beware!
Marvel's recent incarnation of Secret Wars is familiar, in that it falls in line with the company's strategy of having a yearly "event" series. And that is where the similarities end. In an era when broad sweeping affairs fall short of expectations, Secret Wars is one of the best, big-deal, stories I've read in a long time.
I don't go to the comic shops weekly and get the latest issues. I follow the major story-lines as best I can as they happen. But I do purchase many graphic novels (old and new), especially when events like these occur. And without a doubt this is the best story I've read since the first Civil War. And that was a long time ago.
This isn't to say worthwhile and entertaining event comics, from Marvel, haven't come out between now and then. Siege, AvX, Messiah Complex, and Secret Invasion were all special tales. But Civil War and its shift changing plot occurred in 2007. It was a landmark tale of heroes versus heroes. What makes the new Secret Wars great is the same thing that made Civil War unique—legendary characters in nontraditional situations. That is why the two tales are comparable and on a similar level.
Secret Wars is a culmination of what was happening in the short-lived New Avengers series. In that series, a group of heroes consisting of Black Panther, Dr. Strange, Reed Richards, Namor, Iron Man, Black Bolt, Beast and Captain America (though he is removed from the group early on), become aware of a deadly new anomaly—incursions. Incursions are when parallel universes/realities clash like a Highlander film, meaning—there can only be one.
Because the incursions are far beyond anything these men can manage, they end up making some very difficult decisions along the way. This included sanctioning the wholesale destruction of these other realities—and the innocence in them—to save their own.
But this isn't a review with designs to give you a bunch of back story. Though, you should find these stories for yourself. And I'm not looking to spoil big moments from the series either. However, I will drop dime on a couple of early story elements. My master plan is to let you know how great this series/book is, and why you should read it. Even if you read comics casually, all the time, or haven't picked one up in years, this story has the same characters you know, but put into an uncanny (pun intended) story.
I digress, while the aforementioned Civil War occurred within the confines of the Marvel 1610 universe (the universe most of us are familiar with), this story throws together some of the best elements of many of the alternate universes we have heard of.
Secret Wars begins with the final two universes left, Marvel 1610 and Marvel 616 (also known as, the very popular, ultimate universe) and the clash between the defending forces of both. So from jump street, Secret Wars starts off in a very big way.
Along with this opening salvo of force meeting force, you follow two factions of characters hoping to survive the end of all things in specially made arks. One faction is made up of Richards, Black Panther, Spider-Man from both universes, Captain Marvel, Starlord, the Jane Foster/Thor and one other character—Cyclops. Though this isn't your normal Scott Summers. If you have followed his exploits in the last few years, you know he has become a bit of a schemer. And boy does he have a fun little plan at the intro of this one. But I will let you find that out for yourself.
The other outfit, a.k.a. The Cabal, looking to see the other side of this war includes Thanos, Black Swann, Terrax, Corvus, Proxima, Maximus (Black Bolt's insane-genius brother), Namor and The Maker. If some of these names aren't familiar it's okay. Just know they are all bad. Especially The Maker, who is the ultimate universe version of Reed Richards. He is Reed Richards with far more bad days. This has turned him into a man with nefarious ideas of what makes the world a better place. So suffice to say, they are a real motley crew of crazies.
Like all existence ending moments, everything goes white (or black) and we enter into something different. These shipwrecked survivors end up in a realm where Dr. Doom is—wait for it—god. If that is not enough reason to get you intrigued, then I don't know what will.
The basic outline of Secret Wars was clearly influenced by the HBO series Game of Thrones (GOT). In this new world, dubbed Battleworld, Doom has set up several kingdoms with figureheads who control them (similar to GOT and its realms). People can often be removed from those roles for all sorts of reasons, everyone answers back to the capital city of Doomstadt (sort of like Kings Landing in GOT), and there's even a wall dividing the kingdom from a lower-class of beings. They call their wall the shield. Instead of wildlings, they have Annihilus and Ultron leading their followers. And they don't have white zombies, but we do have anybody Doom didn't care to work with being a regular ole' zombie.
What's also fun about this stories set-up, since it doesn't fall under current continuity, is that you can make use of more obscure characters from all over the map of Marvel history. Characters like Apocalypse, Madeline Pryor, Beta Ray Bill, Molecule Man, Mr. Sinister and Galactus all make appearances. Some much more worthwhile than others. And some very different forms than what you've seen before.
A good example of this is a character like The Maestro. For the uninitiated, The Maestro is similar to The Maker, in that he is what would happen if a character we love went bad. In this case an alternate future version of the Hulk. Because, in something so massive with so many major fights you need a little Hulk action in your life. The Maestro isn't influential in the tale, but he has some fun moments.
While we may get to see rare faces, we of course get the usual big names of the Marvel U. Just in a totally different light. And that's part of the brilliance of the story-telling. Doom is a god but still has his mangled face and his inherent desire to be Reed Richards. Mr. Sinister is as unpredictable as ever, but in a much more flamboyant and "naughty" way. And might I add, Thor Corps! Yes, you read that right.
The book takes the usual archetypes of these legends and presents them in a refreshing way. It blends original story-telling while showing love to the mythology of this universe. Yggdrasil is still the world tree, but also god-Doom's throne. Also, since we are mentioning trees, "I am Groot" gets said once, and you may never forget it.
While it showcases a varied range of characters from the major to the obscure, it is the rare event series that doesn't have Captain America, Iron Man or Wolverine at the forefront. And I don't mean in the same way that Spider-Man is there, but just in a minimized role. No, these three staples of significant Marvel happenings aren't even in this story. They are fodder for companion books to the greater tale. A departure from the last decade or so.
Each chapter builds upon itself quite well, and it leads to a nicely executed linking of all the side stories. Which then pays of in one of the most legendary final battles I have ever read. It is the kind of battle that can only be done in the pages of a comic, and would be a financial non-starter at every movie studio. We get unexpected face-offs and well set-up showdowns between Doom and his challengers Thanos, Black Panther and Richards.
Secret Wars lives up to the hope and hype, a rarity in the world of hyperbole laden advertising. The story is a completely new spin on what you have seen before in Marvel, while sticking to the familiar nature of its icons. The execution is spot on and it is a joy to read.
If you are a serious comic reader, casual, semi-casual, or just don't even read them anymore. If there is any part of you that loves huge and fantastical story-telling that includes familiar faces, then this series/graphic novel is worth your purchase. Secret may be in the title, but the greatness of this story should not be a secret to any fan of amazing tales.


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The Hero
I was the first. At least that's what they say. It all happened back in the late summer of 1961. Yes, I know, this is the same year that that artist and writer from that comic company brought back the superhero comics in what is now known as the Silver Age. Was it coincidence? I thought so at the time. Now I'm not so sure.
As I was saying, the year was 1961 and I was a nuclear scientest working for the American goverment. We were testing a new bomb. I was in the hanger making sure everything was working properly when the thing exploded! Everyone in the room was vaperized but me. For some reason I was unharmed. Even my close were intact. I spent the next two months in chamber 160 feet underground being poked (sort of) by my pers.
The blast gave me incredible powers. I was super strong. I could fly and my body projected a field around me. Nothing could get through it! This field is what saved my life.
After a few months of seeing doctors come and go and the military wanting to use me as some sort of weapon, I left. I just flew strieght up until I was huvering above the Earth. Man, it was some view! I don't know how lone I was up there but it gave me time to think. What will I do with these powers? I couldn't just go back to being me. I was so much more than I use to be. I had great powers! But how to use them. I remember reading comics as a kid. Superhero ones were hard to come by since war and westerns were the craze at the time but I do remember reading about some guy in a blue and red suit with a cape. He used his powers to help people to make the world a better place.
That was what I'd do! I went home and started to design my costume. It was form fitting with a cape and mask. I thought it was a good idea to conseal my true identity. Not like the military and a few dozen scientest cou;dn't figure who this masked hero was but nobody else would. I was ready to protect the world. Okay, I started small.
I then bought a police scanner and set it up. It wasn't long until I heard that a local bank was being robbed. I flew out of the house making a mental note to open the door first next time and made it to the scene in minutes. It took me even less time to stop the robbery. Once the thugs started shotting me they were so confused that the bullets bounced off of me that thating them out was no trouble.
The next day the papers called me the Hero. Yes, just the Hero. Nothing fansyer then that. You'd think a schooled jurnalest would be able to think of something fantastic to call the first super powered being but no. They did get better with the others however.
After a few weeking of stopping crooks and saving people from burning buildings and getting a cat out of a tree. I meet my first supervillian. He was to become my life long nemises. And yes the papers were just as create of with his name as they were with mine. He was dubbed the Villian. Like I said they did get better with this in time.
Unlike me he didn't start so small. In his first apperance he stormed into city hall and started to kill everyone he saw. By the time I got there he had murdered seven city workes. Our fight was both epic and devestating. After fourty minutes of tarring up two city blocks he vanished.
To this day I have never been able to defeat him. He seems to be my equil in every way. It's the same every time. Once enough damage has been done he ups and vanishes. Gone without a trace until the next time.
Over the years I have batteled a lot of other supervillians that have crawled out of the woodwork, but the Villian wil always be my formost nemises.
Well that's what I use to think. That was until I found out that the accedent that gave me my powers was not really an accedent at all.