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When Texas residents log on to STARS
The idea behind STARS was to provide needy residents with a single door into the world of public assistance. "It's hard enough to navigate the welfare system if you know it," explained Suzanne Biermann, the executive sponsor of TIERS, the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System, of which STARS is a part. "But if you don't know, here's a tool that allows you to find assistance at your leisure."
The one thing STARS doesn't do is tell the applicant whether they are actually eligible for aid or not. For that to happen, they must print out the results of their online self-screening and bring the information down to the local welfare intake office. "It's not meant to be an online eligibility application," said Biermann. "The idea is to improve access and have better-informed people, so when they come in, they will know what to expect from the process and what sort of paperwork they should bring in advance."
STARS reflects the intriguing potential of Web-based services for welfare and their current limitations. On one hand, STARS breaks down a multitude of bureaucratic barriers by offering residents a simple and effective way to gather information about their eligibility for more than 50 public assistance programs. The bilingual system, designed by American Management Systems, allows users to find out about their welfare options based on need, not by government program. Its relative simplicity makes the online service easy for just about anyone to use.
But the fact remains, the Web site can't simplify the actual application process. Government case workers must still sit down with applicants face-to-face and gather minute details about their financial situation, a process that can go on for hours and involve forms that are more than a dozen pages long. While some e-government proponents see human contact as a weak link in what could be a seamless chain of online services for the poor, others are not so ready to dismiss the role of the human caseworker who must gauge the needs and priorities of a family out of work, food and money.
What the Web can do, as Biermann pointed out, is give the applicant an idea of what their options are and what they should be prepared to have with them once they show up for their appointment. The result could be a less painful process that takes less time to complete.
That's good news because the nation's unemployment and welfare rolls, which have been low for some time, have begun to grow once again. More people out of work means more people wanting government help as quickly as possible. Long lines and delays in receiving benefits are likely if welfare offices become swamped with the needy. But with a Web-based service, such as STARS, more people will arrive at local intake offices with the right information in hand and can be processed much more quickly, according to Biermann and other government officials.
Welfare Rolls on the Increase
Since 1996, state welfare caseloads have dropped from 4.6 million to about 2.2 million today. But with the softening economy, that picture may soon change. Last August, Pennsylvania reported that the number of welfare caseloads rose slightly from June to July, the state's first increase since welfare reform was enacted in August 1996. By early September, the U.S. Department of Health and


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Lucille Gardner
August 17, 2011 Lucille V. "Cille" Gardner, 92, of Periwinkle Park, passed away on Aug. 10, 2011 at Shell Point Pavilion. She was born and raised in Wanatah in northwest Indiana with five siblings. more »»
Dorothy Jones Richardson
August 10, 2011 Dorothy (Dotty) Jones Richardson died at home in Lutherville, Md. on June 28. She was 86. She was born on Dec. 21, 1924, raised in Baltimore, graduating from the Bryn Mawr School in 1943. more »»
Starr Thomas
August 3, 2011 Starr D. Thomas, 68, passed away at Hope Hospice House on July 20, 2011 with her family at her side after a nearly four-month struggle with pancreatic cancer. more »»
Carleton Ryffel
July 21, 2011 Carleton John Ryffel, 66, of Fort Myers Beach, died on July 14, 2011 at his residence under the care of Hope Hospice. He was born to Henry and Fay (Giaquinto) Ryffel on Aug. more »»
Hulda Walters
July 13, 2011 Hulda Frost Walters passed away peacefully with her family around her on Thursday evening, July 7, 2011. She and her husband, Steve Walters, moved to Sanibel in 1973. more »»
Jean Hallstead
July 13, 2011 Jean L. Hallstead, a Sanibel resident for 25 years, passed away on July 8, 2011 following a long illness. A native of Clarks Summit, Pa., she was a graduate of Cathedral School of St. more »»
Regina Kreitzer
July 13, 2011 Regina C. Kreitzer, 79, of Hazlewood Apts, Hazle Twp., Pa., died Saturday morning at Mt. City Nursing & Rehab Center, where she had been a gues. more »»
Anne Konrad
July 13, 2011 Come celebrate Anne Konrad's birthday (July 17) and her life with Ed Konrad at S. more »»
Anita Boone
July 6, 2011 Carole Anita Boone passed away on June 20, 2011, surrounded by her loved ones in her dream home on Sanibel Island. She was born Sept. more »»
Olga Palmer
July 6, 2011 Longtime Sanibel resident Olga Palmer passed away on May 5, 2011 at the age of 100. Olga had been recently acknowledged for her contributions to Sanibel by the City Council. more »»
Winfield Wayne "Whit" White
June 29, 2011 Winfield Wayne "Whit" White of Fort Myers, formerly of Sanibel and Cincinnati, Ohio, died peacefully at Shell Point Hospice House on June 26, 2011. Born on Sept. more »»
Barbara Billheimer
June 29, 2011 Barbara Sears Billheimer, 93, of Sanibel Island, passed away on June 22, 2011. The daughter of Clinton and Harriet Sears, "Barb" was born Jan. more »»
Maureen McMahon
June 29, 2011 Maureen R. McMahon, 86, of Sanibel, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2011 following a brief illness. She was born on June 17, 1925 in Holyoke, Mass. more »»
Janice Spohn
June 22, 2011 Janice L. Spohn passed away on June 13, 2011 at the age of 78. Janice was born in Albuquerque, N.M. on May 24, 1933 to Emmett and Dorothy Kelly (Sutherland). more »»
Donald Buchta
June 15, 2011 Donald William Buchta of Neenah, Wis. more »»
Michael Weingart
June 15, 2011 Michael J. Weingart, 50, of Fort Myers, passed away on June 4, 2011. Left to cherish his memory is his father, Alfred C. more »»
Doris V. Anderson
May 25, 2011 Doris Anderson of Sanibel passed as she lived - privately, quietly and serenely - on April 15, 2011. more »»
Dorothy Vaughn
May 25, 2011 Dorothy Z. Vaughn, of Mill Hall, Pa., crossed-over quietly on May 17 at the Trinity Community of Beavercreek, Ohio. more »»
Gerard Louis Buhrman, Jr.
May 18, 2011 Gerard Louis Buhrman, Jr., formerly of Ann Arbor and Mullett Lake, Mich. and Sanibel, died Saturday, May 14 in Holland, Mich. He was born Oct. more »»
Warren E. Fayart
May 18, 2011 Warren E. Fayart asleep in Jesus on Tuesday May 10, 2011. Beloved husband of Anita E. more »»

subset: commoncrawl


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The first season of Heroes of Cosplay ended with a warm and fuzzy moment: Jinyo proposed to his girlfriend Victoria and Peter Mayhew was there to help and make it even more memorable. D'awww! Love is grand, and it's made grander by awesome engagement rings like the Princess Leia inspired one Jinyo proposed with. I love this trend of non-traditional rings! It adds just the right personalized touch.
Victoria mentioned the idea for the ring a while ago and Paul Michael Design (the genius behind the R2-D2 engagement ring and others) made it happen. Jinyo added the finishing touch by creating the Death Star ring box. It all came together perfectly. Cheers to the happy couple!
See a photo of the special moment after the break.
(via Scruffy Rebel)


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13 Cooking Tips to Save You Money (Page 2)
Tip 1: Cook and serve the right portions.
According to nutrition experts, a healthy serving of cooked meat is 3 ounces. That's about 4 ounces raw. If you're eating meat for dinner aim for it to take up no more than one-quarter of your plate. Fill half the plate with vegetables and the final quarter with a whole grain. Eating less meat is better for your health and your budget.
Related Links:
EatingWell Menu Planner »
EatingWell's 500-Calorie Dinners »


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Hello Michael,
I don't think this is Baccha elongata exactly and I rather think this is not a Syrphid (hoverfly) at all, but another type of fly altogether, perhaps a member of the Conopsidea (thick-headed flies), maybe a species of Conops itself???
Best wishes,
Agree that this is not Baccha elongata. Can't offer much more, unfortunately.
In the photo 2 and 3 it's a Conopidae, probably Physocephala, the first photo is another specimen, could be Ceriana sp.


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If you use Snapchat, your saucy selfies may have been leaked.
The latest leaked images and video of the iPhone 6 have given us our clearest look at Apple's new phone to date.
'Mad Men' star January Jones appears topless in her new movie 'Sweetwater' and the photos have leaked online. Have a look at what you're in store for here.
With the WWDC keynote set to start at 10am PST, an early look at the iOS 7 beta has surfaced online.
Photos leak of the first 8-inch tablet running Windows 8.
Is this what a low-cost iPhone looks like?
Images of the Huawei Ascend G700 have leaked.
Leaked videos confirm Galaxy S4 features.
Jeremy Maxwell isn't doing a very good job at being a secret messenger for Samsung's Galaxy S IV.
Check out what Samsung has to show before the launch.
Could this be the Samsung Galaxy S IV?
Huawei Ascend G710 has been spotted.
Two new budget phones from Nokia leaked before MWC.
See what Samsung has been up to.
Could this be the new HTC One?


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- By hot pressing and delicate carving process of the duralium shell which makes the sound more pleasant and full.
- Sealed metal structure, to isolate noise and produce super bass sound performance, suitable for all kinds of music style like pop, rock, country, etc.
- Hi-Fi gold plated plug, ergonomic design in the end, easy to pull out and plug in.
- Medical-grade dual-color ear buds, block out external noise well, make you feel comfortable no matter how long you wear.
- With a microphone, support hands-free calls.
- Simply in-line control, suitable for cellphone, MP3, MP4, laptop, tablet, etc.
|Product Details
|Dimension and Weight
|Package Contents
Inquiry Question


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Premier Man offers men's shoes and trainers in a big range of sizes. We have casual, smart, sports and outdoor footwear in big sizes combining comfort, style and value.
317 Items Found for Shoes
Trustyle Lace Up Shoes Standard Fit
Save up to £24.50
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NFL — 03 August 2013
Warren Sapp just left the stage after giving a spirited Hall of Fame Speech. Sapp was a beast on the D-Line and his first ballot inductee status is much deserved.
These days, Sapp sports a clean-shaven head when he suits up for his NFL Network duties. But if you remember, Sapp used to rock the cornrow braids back during his early days with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Wouldn't you know it, Sapp's Hall of Fame bust has braids. Seriously. Did he sign off on this? For whatever this is worth, this is the first HOF bust to have braids. Not sure if that's something to be proud of or not.


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AIDS Issues Update Blog
Dispatches from the fight against homelessness and AIDS
Federal Deal Nothing More than a Delay: Sequestration Cuts Merely Postponed for Two Months
Posted by Sunny Bjerk , January 02, 2013
Image from cbsnews.com
On December 31st at the eleventh hour, the President, House of Representatives, and the US Senators managed to strike a deal on the federal budget and thus narrowly, narrowly avoided sending the whole country over the now-infamous Fiscal Cliff.
In a fashion much more akin to "Days of Our Lives" than a thoughtful and robust political compromise, after a lot of backstabbing, two-timing, gossip, and two-faced hand-shaking, the 112th Congress passed legislation that, among other things, will block most tax increases while also raising taxes on the "wealthiest 2% of Americans."*
And we should be happy that this deal was struck at the final hour, because it steers us far away from the automatic spending cuts that would slash over $538 million from domestic HIV/AIDS programs, right?
No. Not exactly.
While this last minute deal has been touted by many as a relief as we head into 2013, nestled within the legislation's fine print is that the deal does not address the Sequestration cuts. In fact, all this deal actually does is merely delay these cuts for two months before these same cuts either kick in or new spending cuts are found.
In many ways, then, this deal is nothing much more than a delay. Within two months time, people living with HIV/AIDS and AIDS advocates may still be facing over $500 million in domestic HIV/AIDS spending.
While these proposed Sequestration cuts may change in the next two months, many are predicting these cuts will take place as planned.
Until then, we will continue to watch as this deal and its deepest details are unpacked and explained.
Follow the Update blog on Twitter @housingworks.
*In particular, individuals who make $400,000 per year and married couples (which still will NOT include same-sex couples, thanks to the dismal and continued stupidity of DOMA) who make $450,000 per year will see an income tax rate increase from 35 percent to 39.6 percent. In addition, households with an income between $500K and $1 million will see an average tax increase of $14,812, and households making more than $1 million will see an average tax increase of $170,341.blog comments powered by Disqus
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The AIDS Issues Update blog is your insider source for AIDS social justice news. Sign up to receive posts in your inbox.
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Home / Financial Aid / Grants Articles
Grants Articles
Can You Get a Pell Grant Even If You Don't Qualify for the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program?
If a child does not qualify for the free or reduced-price school lunch program, can they still qualify for federal student aid? —Y.P. Yes. Students who don't qualify for the free ...
President Obama Proposes Cuts in Aid Programs to Preserve Pell Grant
President Obama is proposing to cut some student aid programs to maintain the maximum Pell Grant at $5,550 in 2011-12 as part of the FY2012 federal budget request. This comes after ...
Congress Proposes Big Cuts in Pell Grants
The Republican leadership of the US House of Representatives released a proposal to cut the maximum Pell Grant to $4,015 late on Friday, February 11, 2011. This proposal is part of ...
Illinois State Agency Proposes Bond to Fund Increases in the State's College Grant Program
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is proposing to issue 10-year taxable revenue notes or bonds to increase funding for the state's college grant program. The bonds would provide $100 million ...
Are You Really Paying More for College?
For years, the college cost inflation rate has been steadily rising by roughly 7% each year. The 2010-2011 academic year is no exception. According to College Board, who recently released their ...
Survey Says: Families Perceive College Costs as Increasing by 17% Compared with Last Year
Sallie Mae and Gallup just released the results of their third annual survey of how American families pay for college. The survey found that families perceived college costs as increasing by ...
How Will The Student Loan Bill Affect Students?
The US House of Representatives approved the student loan and health care reform legislation on Sunday night, March 21, 2010, by a vote of 220 to 211. No Republicans voted in ...
Congress Passes Legislation Ending the Federally-Guaranteed Student Loan Program
The US House of Representatives passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 (SAFRA) on September 17, 2009 by a party-line vote of 253 to 171. This legislation eliminates ...
Congress Proposes Overhaul of Federal Student Loan and Grant Programs
The US House of Representatives is considering legislation to overhaul the federal education loan and grant programs. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, nicknamed SAFRA, will increase funding ...
Managing Your Research Grant
Show you're using your research grant responsibly.
Parent Tips: Financial Aid
Peer to peer financial aid advice from parents.
Student Tips: Financial Aid
Make sure money is flowing into your savings and not out, with this advice.
Graduate Grants: Writing a Successful Proposal
Prove you're worth a grant or fellowship.
Financial Aid for Study Abroad
Don't let finances inhibit you from studying abroad.
Research Grants for Grad Students
Your research can go a long way with the help of research grants.
Scholarship and Grant Tips for Nontraditional Students
Returning students can qualify for plenty of scholarship and grant opportunities.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes a Big Boost in Student Aid Funding
The stimulus package increases federal student aid funding
Why Your Grandparents Could be Your Meal Ticket to College
There are many ways in which grandparents can help their grandchildren pay for a college education. These include legacy scholarships and tuition assistance programs, educational awards for volunteering and community service, ...
Figuring College Cost: The Package Deal
When you want to know what something costs you check the price tag, right? But sometimes it's not so simple. Compare going to a big-ticket school with attending a college with ...


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The PNY GeForce GTX 670 Video Card from PNY Technologies was designed to produce faster, more power-efficient performance and is 30% faster than the previous generation graphics card. PNY will offer consumers a value-added bundle: the GTX 670 desktop graphics card combined with an included PNY High Speed Thin HDMI Cable. The HDMI cable connects the GTX 670 directly to an HDTV or monitor for maximum high definition 1080p gaming.
Sporting the same innovative Kepler architecture that made the GTX 680 a hit, this GTX 670 card also utilizes the fast and efficient high performance computing structure (HPC). While popular among gamers, this technology is also useful to a broader range of scientific computing applications and more accessible for developers and researchers. Meaning, some of the same technologies you're using to play Diablo III at home may also be found in the hospital downtown.
Additionally, when you purchase a PNY GTX 670 you'll receive a bonus 3-month subscription to E-Sports Entertainment (ESEA) Premium Video Game Network, as well as a 6.0' HDMI cable. ESEA is a video game solution provider, specializing in community tools, proprietary anti-cheat technology, custom server modifications, and an extensive network of premium game servers. Users can learn, play, practice and compete all with an ESEA Premium subscription.
Note: Users have a standard 1-year out of box warranty, extended to the lifetime of the original purchaser upon completion of product registration at PNY.com within 90 days of purchase. PNY also offers free 24-hour technical support.
CUDA cores: 1344
Core clock: 915 MHz
Boost Clock: 980 MHz
Texture fill rate: 102.5 billion/s
Clock: 6.0 Gbps
Interface: 2048 MB DDR5
Interface Width: 256-bit
Bandwidth: 192.2 GB/s
|Supported Technologies
|NVIDIA GPU Boost, NVIDIA Adaptive Vertical Sync, NVIDIA Surround, NVIDIA PhysX, NVIDIA SLI-ready, NVIDIA CUDA technology, Microsoft DirectX 11 (with DirectCompute 5.0 support), 3D Vision-ready, OpenGL 4.2, OpenCL
|Bus Type
|PCI Express 3.0 (PCIe)
|Display Support
Digital: 2560 x 1600
VGA: 2048 x 1536
HDCP, HDMI (with audio)
|HDMI Audio Input
|3D Technology
|3d Blu-ray, 3D gaming, 3D photos, 3D Vision, 3D Vision Surround
|Multiple Display Configuration
(1) Dual-link DVI
(1) Dual-Link DVI-D
(1) DisplayPort 1.2
|Minimum System Requirements
PCI Express-compliant motherboard with one dual-width x16 graphics slot
Two 6-pin PCI Express supplementary power connectors
Minimum 550W or greater system power supply (with a minimum 12V current rating of 38A
300 MB of available hard-disk space
2GB system memory (4GB or higher recommended)
Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP Operating System (32 or 64-bit)
DVD-ROM drive or Internet connection for installation
DVI or HDMI or DisplayPort or VGA compatible monitor
|Power Requirements
Connectors: (2) 6-pin
Max Card Power: 170 W
Min System Power: 550 W
|Dual slot, 9.5 x 4.4" (24 x 11 cm)
|Packaging Infobcfdscwqew
|Package Weight
|2.2 lb
|Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
|12.6 x 6.2 x 2.7"


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STARmeterSEE RANK
Down 5,060 this week
Rex Thompson (I)
Rex Thompson was born on December 14, 1942 in New York City, New York, USA. He is an actor, known for The King and I (1956), The Eddy Duchin Story (1956) and All Mine to Give (1957). See full bio »
Born:in New York City, New York, USA


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Built area 173.66 m², 4 bedrooms (3 double, 1 single), 4 bathrooms, kitchen, terrace, garden, a. o. c., heating, furniture, double glazing, mountain views, golf views, air-conditioned, swimming pool, sea views, state certification:.
We can help you to get a mortgage on favourable terms. A residence permit can be obtained with the purchase of this property. Please ask our team for more information.


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- 10-12-13 11:33 AM #1Cadillac Owners Member
- Automobile(s): 1976 Eldorado Rag top
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Age
- 47
- Posts
- 1
Looking at a '76 Eldorado convertible....what should I look for?
Hi all,
Ive always liked the shape of the older Eldorados and have been looking for a convertible. A '76 is available but I'm completely new to these cars. What should I look out for when inspecting it? Are there any common problem areas to look at and where do you guys get all your parts? Any online guides to point me in the right direction?
Ive been in to Corvettes for many years but fancied a switch.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
- 10-12-13 02:04 PM #2Cadillac Owners Fanatic
- Automobile(s): 1970 Deville Convertible
- Join Date
- Oct 2012
- Location
- North Texas
- Posts
- 309
Re: Looking at a '76 Eldorado convertible....what should I look for?
I've been doing the same as you, except I was looking for a '70 convertible. Important things to me were originality. Find out what options were available that year, buy one with the most options. Make sure everything works - top, windows, cruise, lights, trunk pull down, etc. The stuff that doesn't work, determine a cost of repair. With all the floods going around, make sure it wasn't in a bunch of water. A clean title is nice. Rust, try to avoid it. Make sure the car is complete, it's been many years since it left the factory, a chance for many grubby hands to change things, usually not for the better. That car has a scissor top, some folks hate that design, I have a '75 Delta and it works fine. That design allows for a larger back seat. Get a Bi-Centennial edition, if you can find one. I don't mind if the engine needs work, it allows me to freshen as I want to. Don't know anything about the driveline, can't help you there. Buy an owners manual and get educated about the car's features. I did that w/ the '70, it was a tremendous help. Sorry for rambling, but hope you can take a few tidbits of knowledge from this! And good luck, I've spent the last year and a half looking for mine and I just bought one. I'm yet to take delivery, I hope it's all I thought it was, but is a 43 year old car (yours would be a 37 year old car). Enjoy the search! It can be frustrating missing out on what you think are good cars. I'm in Dallas, found mine in Ft. Lauderdale. Hard to find decent old cars nearby. So there ya go!
Here's a link to some general history on the '76 models........
hope the link works........
and another link...........
- 10-12-13 09:47 PM #3Cadillac Owners Member
- Automobile(s): 1975 Eldorado Convertible
- Join Date
- May 2013
- Posts
- 66
Re: Looking at a '76 Eldorado convertible....what should I look for?
HVAC. The vacuum programmer is difficult to work on and expensive to replace. Be sure the heat, defroster, and A/C all work as designed.
Front end. These FWD behemoths use heavy-duty (expensive!) GM motorhome parts in the front suspensions. The ball joints can run almost $100 each. Plan on spending almost three times what you might expect a front end freshening to run.
Top. The scissor top is as beautiful and elegant as it is complicated and quirky - not a good DIY project, and professional repairs are not cheap. A new top will run about $1,500 installed.
As previously mentioned, be sure all of the power items work. Check the switches on both doors, look for intact ashtray covers, listen to make sure all four speakers are working (common grounding rears are commonly bad), lift the carpeting (or put it on a lift) and check the floors and trunk for rot, and check the rain boot in the trunk.
The rest of the car is basic 70's GM. The drivetrain, frame, and body is stout. Expect gasoline to empty out of the tank at an alarming rate, but it's worth it.
- 10-15-13 09:41 PM #4Cadillac Owners Fanatic
- Automobile(s): 1970 Deville Convertible
- Join Date
- Oct 2012
- Location
- North Texas
- Posts
- 309
Re: Looking at a '76 Eldorado convertible....what should I look for?
Well? Did you pull the trigger?? Come on back and chime in!


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Dungeon Siege 3 - Preview @ CVG
View Single Post
February 19th, 2011, 12:19
I found the SP part of DS1 ultimatively boring.
Although I must admit that it had a few nice ideas …
What impressed me most of the whole game (and I fear this tells quite a lot about how I look at it) was the graphical representation of the "disassembling" of the last and end boss … I've never seen it in any other game this way … To me, this was the perfect graphical representation of the "banning" of a kind of demon or so … I'd wish more games would ue rather this way of a graphical representation of "disassembling" of a spirit-creature than anything else …
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. (E.F.Schumacher, Economist,
Alrik Fassbauer
Original Sin 1 & 2 Donor
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Old Europe
Posts: 17,202
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New Law Aims to Reduce Deportations of Legal Immigrants for Misdemeanors
Governor Jerry Brown has signed a measure into law that's aimed at reducing deportations of legal immigrants convicted of misdemeanors.
SB 1310 cuts the maximum possible misdemeanor sentence in California by one day, from one year to 364 days.
Under federal law, a felony crime is punishable by 365 days or more, and that can trigger deportation.
The change could affect thousands of residents each year.
Critics say not all of the crimes covered by the new law are minor.
Republicans who oppose the measure say cruelty to animals, child neglect or identity theft could be covered in some cases.


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Three 27-in. displays prove bigger is better
If you want to use a single display for both work and entertainment, one of these might suit.
Admittedly, while "bigger is better" may be the general rule, context has a lot to do with it. (Have you ever shopped in one of those big-box discount stores with their 50-gallon drums of peanut butter?)
However, most of us will agree that, when talking about monitors, one big display is better than several small ones.
I'm not talking about monsters like the 46-inch, 86-lb. NEC M46-AV I reviewed last year. I'm talking about displays like the three 27-inch models in this roundup. They're a reasonable size to use with a computer, but they're also large enough to give you the space you need to keep a variety of applications on your desktop -- or to enjoy a streaming movie full-screen.
For this roundup, I looked at the Dell UltraSharp U2711, the Samsung P2770HD and the Sceptre X270W-1080P. They range in price from $269 (for the Sceptre) to just over $1,000 (for the Dell).
How we tested
I connected each display to a MaxForce Javelin P55 computer with ATI Radeon HD 5870 and HD 5850 graphics cards using an ATI CrossFire connector to produce fast frame rates.
The PC was also equipped with a Blu-ray optical drive to let me observe HD video. I also tried out the Far Cry 2 video game (with its plentiful explosions and action scenes) to check for motion blur and streaking.
One of the drawbacks to bigger monitors is that you need to sit farther away from the screen than you would with a smaller display. As a result, bigger monitors must be able to present a quality image in terms of brightness, contrast and refresh rate at that enhanced distance. As I worked with these monitors, I kept these factors in mind.
Three 27-in. displays
Dell UltraSharp U2711
Samsung P2770HD
Sceptre X270W-1080P
Display size
27 in.
27 in.
27 in.
Aspect ratio
Max. Resolution
(at 60 Hz)
2560 x 1440
2560 x 1440
1920 x 1080
Contrast ratio (typical)
Dynamic contrast ratio (maximum)
350 cd/m2
350 cd/m2
400 cd/m2
Response time
Viewing angle (degrees)
178 vertical /
178 horizontal
160 vertical /
170 horizontal
160 vertical /
170 horizontal
1.07 billion
16.7 million
16.7 million
Dimensions (with stand)
25.5 x 7.9 x 16.8
26.3 x 19.3 x 9.4
25.5 x 17.9 x 9.4
With black becoming the new beige, the UltraSharp's black-on-black motif doesn't distinguish it from the crowd. No larger and with the same basic display specs as the other two monitors reviewed here, Dell's UltraSharp U2711 at first stands out for a simple reason: It costs $1,099, considerably more than the other two.
There is justification for this, however -- starting with a maximum resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels. Dell's host of input options is also impressive: The back of the display is well equipped with an RCA composite video jack, component display connections, two DVI connectors, a VGA port, a DisplayPort port and an HDMI connector. The monitor can auto-sense what's connected where; you can also switch among them using the on-screen display (OSD).
As if that weren't enough, the monitor also doubles as a USB 2.0 hub, offering four additional USB ports along the left side, along with an eight-in-one card reader. It does not, however, come with any speakers.
The UltraSharp's creature comforts include tilt, swivel, rotate, and height adjustment. On the surprising side, the panel enclosing the LCD has a depth of about three inches, which is thicker than usual for an LCD display.
Out of the box, the UltraSharp was much too cool for my tastes. I don't mean that in a lifestyle sense -- I mean that the on-screen image had too much blue to it, making everything look a bit frosty. (In other words, it looks like there's a very light frost starting to overlay the image.) I headed for the on-screen menu buttons located at the lower, right side of the display.
Dell has done something interesting there. As your hand approaches the general area of the capacitive-touch buttons -- which are inlaid black-on-black in the bezel -- the menu button begins to blink blue. Once you press that button, all of the buttons light up similarly and a small on-screen display appears, indicating which functions are attributed to which of those buttons at any particular menu level. It's an elegant approach to OSD operation.
The UltraSharp U2711 has preset viewing modes plus an additional mode that allows you to customize the view. I found that switching to the "Warm" preset was an easy general fix. Then I backed out one level of menus, went into the brightness and contrast option, and fiddled a bit until the picture looked perfect. All told, I spent about three minutes on the adjustments.
All in all, the UltraSharp's response to graphics was excellent, with great color differentiation. There was absolutely no blur or streaking. Watching a Blu-ray DVD was equally as uneventful, with no problems to report.
In fact, at about 89 degrees of deflection from center (which is just about looking at the side of the panel), there was no color shift and no loss of detail. It was a perfect picture at that extreme angle -- and that's not routine for your average LCD monitor.
Bottom line
While the UltraSharp costs a bit more than I'd like to spend, its outstanding color quality and plethora of ports means it can be used for anything from a professional graphics or video monitor to a replacement television anchored to a set-top box.
More and more, the Internet is becoming a source for entertainment, to the point that some of us are wondering whether we need both a computer display and a TV set. If you want both in one package, you may want to consider the Samsung P2770HD, which works well as a monitor but includes analog/digital tuners as well.
The last Samsung display I looked at, the 23-inch Samsung P2370, garners accolades not only for its overall performance but also for its slimness. The 27-inch Samsung P2770HD may be larger, but at 2.6 inches, it's only about an inch thicker than its smaller counterpart.
To set up the Samsung, I had to assemble the base and the stand, and then snap the display panel onto that assembly. It took about a minute. The arrangement allows for only front-to-back tilt, with no swivel.
But all of that was forgiven and forgotten once I got a gander at the back of the Samsung. It wasn't just the gaggle of external connections (VGA, DVI, HDMI, AV, component, PC audio in, digital audio out, headphone out and antenna) -- it was that some smart technician at Samsung decided that the connectors should be at a 90-degree angle from the back panel. That means you don't have to twist yourself into odd and unnatural positions to plug anything into it.
It's not easy to find the black-on-black menu buttons on the right side of the bezel -- but don't worry, you'll never have to go near them. Samsung has included a remote control that can be used to access those functions, and can also be used to handle the built-in analog/ digital tuners for HD television.
The Samsung comes out of the box in video mode and will prompt you to scan for channels -- it took about 15 minutes to scan my cable signal and log all of the available analog and digital channels it could find. If you're not using it as a TV, you can switch over to computer input with the remote control.
The display comes with built-in speakers that have better fidelity than the Sceptre's. Even so, you still might want to buy a good speaker setup for your PC to better match the capability of the P2770HD.
I didn't need to do any video adjustments the first time I powered it up. Color, brightness and contrast were spot-on. The Samsung can be adjusted via presets or manually via the remote control.
Image quality with graphics and video was excellent. The colors were vivid, with no streaking or motion blur, but the picture did start to look frosty at about 70 degrees from dead center, more pronounced than with Dell's UltraSharp or Sceptre's X27.
The quality of the image using a Blu-ray disc was quite good.
Bottom line
If you shop around a bit, you can get this monitor for about $400, which isn't bad. Having a monitor and TV in one package -- plus the variety of inputs and a remote control -- makes the P2770HD a great media center candidate.
These days, finding a 27-inch monitor for $360 -- less if you do some shopping -- isn't such a big deal. The question is how much value do you get for that $360 in the Sceptre X270W-1080P monitor.
Some assembly is required out of the box, but it's only a matter of snapping the base over the post that extends down from the back of the display. There's not a great deal of movement capability: The Sceptre does tilt forward or back slightly, but there's no swivel (unless you move the base from side to side) and no height control. That may leave the monitor a little short if you've placed it on a standard desk (depending on your own height).
The image quality (the monitor has a maximum resolution of 1920 by 1080) was acceptable using the Sceptre's default setting. If you need to change it, you can use the display's on-screen menus, which are accessed using black buttons at the center of the lower black bezel -- with black raised legends telling you what the buttons do. Because it's so difficult to read, you'll need to keep a flashlight and a magnifying glass at the ready for those few times that you do need to access the options.
Display quality can be switched among four options beyond the default standard: Game, Cinema, Scenery and Text. Each varies the color-mix temperature just slightly -- Cinema is hottest and Text is the coolest mode. You can manually adjust the brightness and contrast.
Inputs on the back of the Sceptre are limited to DVI, VGA, HDMI and audio in, which should cover most basic situations. Once you've connected a device to it, you can either manually select which port you're attached to (via the OSD) if you're using multiple PCs or leave it on "auto select" to let the monitor make the choice of the port it should use for a single PC scenario.
There are also speakers embedded in the back of the monitor. As a result, depending on where you mount the display, the speakers could be almost flush against the wall. You can adjust the volume from the OSD controls.
Image quality was excellent when looking head-on at the Sceptre. Colors were bright and vivid with no ghosting, streaking or blur. That carried through to both graphics and video out to about 45 degrees from center. Just before you hit 90 degrees, the colors begin to frost just a bit. There's no glazing or smearing that obscures the on-screen images, just lackluster color.
Bottom line
Would I buy this Sceptre monitor? In a New York minute, especially if I had a smaller display and wanted a larger replacement at a low cost. Sceptre's X270W-1080P is an excellent mainstream LCD that will handle gaming and video without breaking the bank.
Of the three 27-inch monitors reviewed here, my personal choice would be Dell's UltraSharp U2711 -- largely because of the built-in HDTV tuner, which would work nicely for an office display that could also be used for occasional entertainment.
On the other hand, if I wanted a monitor that would be used predominantly for watching DVDs and other video -- and if I couldn't quite stretch my budget to handle the Dell -- the Samsung P2770HD's excellent video quality would be a tie-breaker.
And finally, if I had any kids going off to college, they'd be packing Sceptre's X270W-1080P in the back of the eco-friendly car. It's more than adequate for the typical dorm room gaming and work scenario while being inexpensive enough to easily replace should an errant beer can contact the screen.
Bill O'Brien has written a half-dozen books on computers and technology. He has also written articles on topics ranging from Apple computers to PCs to Linux to commentary on IT hardware decisions.
Bill O'Brien has written a half-dozen books on computers and technology. He has also written articles on topics ranging from Apple computers to PCs to Linux to commentary on IT hardware decisions.
This story, "Three 27-in. displays prove bigger is better" was originally published by Computerworld.


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Hello everyone,
I am coming to Mississippi on January 7th through the 16th of February for some training at Keesler AFB, and would like to get in on a goose or duck hunt or possibly both. I was wondering if any of you knew a guide or place to hunt anywhere is MS or LA. I am bringing my gear minus the decoys. Money is of no real object, I am looking for a good hunt. Any suggestions would be extremely appreciated.


text: That's what makes guys like Witten and Gonzalez special and HOF worthy. Throw Gates in there as well. They have been consistently productive for a long time. Let's see where Gronk and Graham are in 5 years before we seriously give them any consideration. If they manage to make it to 7000-7500 yds and are still producing at a high level, then we'll see. Vernon Davis has no shot at this point. He'll be lucky to make it to 7000 before he retires. When all is said and done Gonzalez will be somewhere around 15,000 yds and Witten maybe at 11,000, easily #1 and #2 on the all-time list.


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OK, forget about my Terminator rants for a moment. In this video, we meet a Telexistence Robot, which mimics the actions of a human being connected via virtual reality gear. This allows the robots to move around in environments that humans normally wouldn't go, such as space or their 3 p.m. planning meeting.
Sort of reminds me of Avatar, maybe they should make the robot all blue.
Read more of Keith Shaw's ITworld.TV blog and follow the latest IT news at ITworld. Follow Keith on Twitter at @shawkeith. For the latest IT news, analysis and how-tos, follow ITworld on Twitter and Facebook.


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The Met faced growing questions today over the role of Prince Harry's protection officers as the row deepened over pictures taken at a Las Vegas pool party.
Two royal bodyguards are set to be quizzed over claims they failed to prevent guests taking pictures of the naked prince.
Scotland Yard officially refused to comment but Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe is understood to have asked to be personally briefed on the issue.
The US website that first published the photographs reported that the protection officers failed to ask partygoers to hand over their phones on entering the prince's hotel suite and made only cursory attempts to stop them taking pictures.
One is quoted as "lackadaisically" telling women who started taking images on their mobile phones: "Aww, come on .... no photos."
Today Princess Diana's former royalty protection officer Ken Wharfe said: "The moment you invite unknown people into your hotel room there is a question of invasion of privacy and as far as security is concerned it is potentially dangerous.
"If one of these girls had planted drugs or had a knife rather than taken pictures then the officers would be in serious trouble. There should have been better security.
"I always questioned the practice of sending the less experienced protection officers with the younger royals. I think it should be the other way round."
One reveller at the party was quoted as saying that the officers "acted like a bunch of amateurs" who were "enjoying the party more than protecting the prince from himself."
The website said: "TMZ spoke to several people in the Las Vegas VIP scene who tell us they see situations like this every day and it could have been easily contained, but as one source put it, 'Harry's team acted like a bunch of amateurs'. "
The Met said no officers had been disciplined.
- More about:
- Hotels
- Internet
- Mobile Phones
- Security
- The Royal Family


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Avoiding bankruptcy through debt consolidation ... It's often just a scam
Many people are so anxious to avoid bankruptcy that they are vulnerable to scams. There are huge numbers of disreputable companies out there who will promise you they can reduce your debt by an enormous percentage and put you on an affordable payment plan. Don't be taken in by a scam. You are better off consulting a licensed and insured attorney first to get the real answers.
It is an unfortunate fact, Debt Consolidation plans fail. Why?
Many people enter into debt negotiation with the best intentions. They want to avoid the perceived stigma of bankruptcy and they honestly want to repay their debts. Other people have been led to believe that debt negotiation will leave them with good credit. This is not correct.
Often times, despite the false promises made by debt consolidation companies, you get sued along the way. If you don't have a lump sum to pay the debt in full or to hire a lawyer to defend against the law suit, you will not be able to avoid the inevitable judgment.
What happens if you lose your job or encounter unexpected financial difficulties along the way and are unable to keep up with the negotiated payments? Your creditors will file suit. Now you are worse off than before because you have paid a substantial amount of money to a debt consolidation service for nothing.
Bankruptcy Credit Debt Debt negotiation Bankruptcy and debt Fraud
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About Data Center
Institutional Data Systems and Research Center
Since 1978, AACN's Institutional Data Systems and Research Center (IDS) has been the center of the Association's authoritative national databank. AACN's Research Center is the primary resource for data on baccalaureate and graduate nursing education programs for federal and state agencies, foundations, media, and individual nursing programs. Annually, IDS collects and reports the most current data to the nursing education community on student enrollment and graduations as well as faculty demographics, salaries, and vacancy rates in baccalaureate and graduate programs of nursing. AACN continues to receive high response rates (90.0% for the 2013 Annual Survey) and has a data collection to report publication time that remains unmatched by other organizations.
Major Surveys
- Annual Survey of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Programs
- Doctoral Student Survey
- Annual Faculty Vacancy Survey
Published Data Reports
Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing
- Number of programs, by type, that currently exist, are being planned, and are phasing out
- Student enrollment and graduations by type of program
- Five-year trend analyses for baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral programs
Salaries of Instructional and Administrative Nursing Faculty in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing
- Faculty salaries according to rank, degree-level, and type of institution by numerous characteristics, including tenure status and region
- Selected faculty characteristics, including age profiles
Salaries of Deans in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing
- Deans' salaries and characteristics
Custom Data Reports
In addition to making the most current data on students and faculty available in our annual publications, AACN also offers customized reports to meet the individual needs and preferences of member institutions. Customized reports - tailor-made to a school's individual specifications from AACN's respected, authoritative data - help deans compare their institutions with other similar institutions. Reports can be provided for your school and a group of comparison institutions of your choice on variables such as enrollment and graduations by type of program or faculty salaries according to rank and degree level.


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William P. Kinter, 85, of St. Andrew's Village, Indiana, passed away quietly in his sleep, Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Indiana Regional Medical Center.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Greenwood Cemetery with Pastor Kathy Mihoerck officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Indiana Unit, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-4620; American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852; or the American Heart Association, 4727 Rt. 30, Suite 204, Greensburg, PA 15601.


text: Detonation is a big deal on turbo cars, don't let it keep happening or you will be shopping for another motor in short order. Detonation is a primary reason why pistons blow (they melt), and your car has already done that once. Just replacing the block does not treat the cause.


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Social Security
Ask Social Security Questions and Get Answers ASAP
I realize you have a question about social security. My goal is to help you better understand your options.
Your benefit would be reduced, since you drew your social security benefit early
They would calculate your benefit by taking 1/2 of your husband's benefit, and subtract out what your benefit would have been had you retired at full retirement age
and take that amount, and add it to what you are currently drawing.
So, if half your husband's benefit is $1,200 and your full retirement age benefit is $1,000 and you are drawing $750 because you drew early,
you will take $1,200 - $1,000 = $200 and add $200 to $750. Your benefit would be $950, not $1,200


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Haarlemmerstraat | Haarlemmerdijk
Haarlemmerbuurt consists of Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk. Haarlemmerstraat starts near Central Station, after the bridge it is called Haarlemmerdijk, and at the end of the street you will find a square called Haarlemmerplein. It is a busy street with a laid back atmosphere and a big variety of shops - think about interior, concept stores, kitchenware, books, clothing, and specialised coffee, tea and oil shops.
Parallel to Haarlemmerstraat, 'Tussen de Bogen' street is dominated by the railway. There are a few tunnels under the railtrack that bring you to Bickerseiland, Prinseneiland and Realeneiland: islands that have retained a somewhat rustic character. The area has an history of commerce, shipping and industry and this history can be seen in the eclectic mix of impressive warehouses, picturesque houses and bridges, and modern architecture.
Read a summery of my favourite shops and locations and scroll down for more detailed info, links to blogposts, pictures and opening hours of the specific locations...
Please note.... you'll find the complete guide with over 300 places and full description on every location in our AMS NXT app!
|Vivian Hahn - Papabubble - Dot shop - & Klevering
&Klevering centraal Haarlemmerstraat 8 | Accessories & gifts
Zenza Haarlemmerstraat | Moroccan Lifestyle, lamps and accessories
Tenue de Nimes Haarlemmerstraat 92 | Fashion & Extraordinary denim labelsSukha Amsterdam Haarlemmerstraat 110 | Eco friendly warehouse
Hebbes Haarlemmerdijk 18 | Old fashion toy shop
Store without a home Haarlemmerdijk 26 | Independent design boutique
Six and Sons Haarlemmerdijk 31 | Mini department store with lots of vintage
Six and Sons Haarlemmerdijk 31 | Mini department store with lots of vintage
Restored Haarlemerdijk 39 | Handmade design and workshops
This is Happening Haarlemmerdijk 40-42 | barberm hair fashion & accessories
This is Happening Haarlemmerdijk 40-42 | barberm hair fashion & accessories
Dot shop Haarlemmerdijk 46 | Curtains furniture and gifts
A piece of Finland Haarlemmerdijk 66 | Finish design & food
Vivian Hahn Haarlemmerdijk 102 | Exclusief tablewareOntFront Haarlemmerdijk 121 | contemporary designer brand for men
Concrete Matter Haarlemmerdijk 127 | The Men's Gift company
Dille & Kamille (korte ) Nieuwendijk 16-18 | Essential basics for your home
(korte Nieuwendijk is between Nieuwendijk and Haarlemmerstraat, close to Central Station)
(korte Nieuwendijk is between Nieuwendijk and Haarlemmerstraat, close to Central Station)
Eat & DrinkAt Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk there are plenty of little places where you can have a drink or enjoy lunch, breakfast or a dinner.
Vinnies Haarlemmerstraat 46 | Breakfast, lunch, smoothies & cakes
Vlaamsch broodhuys Haarlemmerstraat 108 | Delicious bread & Parisian breakfast
Coffee Company Haarlemmerdijk 62 |Coffee and wifi Pizzabakkers Haarlemmerdijk 128 | Pizza & prosecco
Two for Joy Haarlemmerdijk 182 | Coffee Roasters
In the Binnen oranje straat 14, just off the Haarlemmerdijk is a tiny cafe called Small World that serves delicious sandwiches.
Marqt Haarlemmerstraat 165 | Biological supermarket
Stach Haarlemmerstraat 150 | Delicious take away
Meeuwig & Zn. Haarlemmerstraat 70| Oil vinegar & mustards Papabubble Haarlemmerdijk 70 | Artistic candy
A piece of Finland
A dialogue with nature is reflected in many Finnish design pieces Legendary international brands such as Iittala, Marimekko, Nokia and Artek have paved way for new successes like Ivana Helsinki, Secto, Tonfisk, Rovio and Jolla.
Find Tonfisk, rubber footwear by Nokian, bags by Lumi, Globehope, Reima childrens clothing, FLow cosmetics and delicious Finnish foods and more.
A piece of Finland
Haarlemmerdijk 66
1013 JE Amsterdam
Website | A piece of Finland
Read my Blogpost | A piece of Finland | New Finnish design & coffee
Read my Blogpost | A piece of Finland | New Finnish design & coffee
Where to go after you have seen Haarlemmerstraat & Haarlemmerdijk ? Pop over to Noordermarkt - Jordaan area to continue your walk...


text: LONDON, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Shionogi-ViiV Healthcare LLC today announced that initial results have been received from the Phase III SINGLE (ING114467) study of the investigational integrase inhibitor dolutegravir in treatment-naive adults with HIV-1. The study demonstrated superiority of the dolutegravir-based regimen compared to the single tablet regimen Atripla ® . At 48 weeks, 88% of study participants on the dolutegravir regimen were virologically suppressed (<50 copies/mL) vs. 81% of participants on the single tablet regimen Atripla [difference and 95% CI; 7.4% (+2.5% to +12.3%); difference in the primary endpoint was statistically significant, p=0.003]. Differences in efficacy were primarily driven by a higher rate of discontinuation due to adverse events on the Atripla arm. The SINGLE study was designed to demonstrate non-inferiority of the dolutegravir-based regimen versus Atripla, and the primary analysis met this criterion. Statistical superiority was concluded as part of a subsequent, pre-specified testing procedure. SINGLE is an ongoing double blind, double dummy study designed to compare the efficacy and safety of two antiretroviral regimens: dolutegravir 50mg plus abacavir/lamivudine (Kivexa®/Epzicom®) versus Atripla® (tenofovir/emtricitabine/efavirenz). The primary endpoint was the proportion of study participants with undetectable HIV-1 RNA (<50c/mL) at 48 weeks; 414 treatment-naive study participants were randomised and exposed to the dolutegravir-based regimen and 419 to the Atripla arm. Overall, 2% of subjects on the dolutegravir-based regimen discontinued due to adverse events vs. 10% of those receiving the Atripla regimen. The most common drug related adverse events on Atripla were in the nervous system System Organ Class (reported by 41% of Atripla recipients, vs. 15% of participants receiving the dolutegravir-based regimen), while the most common drug related adverse events on the dolutegravir-based regimen were in the gastrointestinal system organ class (reported by 22% of subjects receiving the dolutegravir-based regimen and 22% of subjects receiving Atripla).


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To hear Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. tell it, his proposed 2007 budget is "a lot more Santa than Scrooge." Indeed. The governor has proposed record spending increases for education and transportation, along with a $60 million tax cut. He also wants cost-of-living pay raises for public employees and more money to stimulate Utah's economic development efforts.
But as the state budget process goes, the governor doesn't have to deliver a dime. Rather, his job is to whet expectations against what the Utah Legislature ultimately delivers. Setting the bar high portends some lively budget debates in the upcoming legislative session.
According to the governor, several areas of state government need to catch up from the lean years. His $9.6 billion budget proposal envisions a record $271 million increase for Utah's public schools system, which includes a voluntary full-day kindergarten program at at-risk elementary schools, a math initiative for grades 4-6 and ongoing funds for the K-3 reading initiative. Each is a worthwhile investment in Utah schoolchildren.
Huntsman has also proposed $223 million in new money for road and transportation projects -- $120 million of which would go into the state's Transportation Investment Fund, and $83 million would be in general obligation bonds for other construction projects.
Even as Huntsman announced his budget recommendations Friday, legislative leaders posed critical questions about the governor's proposals.
For one, they question bonding for transportation projects when the state is projected to have a $344 million revenue surplus.
Likewise, lawmakers, who in recent years have had to cut budgets to balance the state's financial plan, are understandably wary of sizable budget increases. It's hard to argue against a healthy budget infusion in a public education system with the lowest per pupil funding in the nation. Yet, lawmakers must guard about overextending budgets that have to be sustained on an ongoing basis.
Another point of contention is tax cuts. Huntsman's budget proposes $60 million in tax cuts as part of a tax code overhaul that would include a flatter income tax rate and moving toward the elimination of the food tax. Lawmakers have publicly discussed tax cuts of at least $100 million.
Huntsman says he is not wedded to a particular approach on the sales tax on food, but his budget suggests a phaseout, considering it would take $160 million to remove it completely. While public opinion polls say most Utahns favor removing sales tax on food, altering the sales tax formula is a political minefield because it is a primary revenue source for cities. In some very small towns in Utah, sales tax revenue from grocery store sales is by far the largest source of income for city budgets.
While the governor and state lawmakers are somewhat limited in budget flexibility since public education and health consume the largest slices of the budget pie, Huntsman has set down an ambitious agenda that articulates his priorities for the state of Utah. He wants, we presume, what most Utahns want -- world-class public and higher education systems, a prosperous economy, an effective and efficient government and a transportation system that keeps pace with Utah's needs.
The challenge, lawmakers will attest, is working toward those goals but balancing the budget
Source: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/635167893/Huntsmans-budget-ambitious.html


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Memoir '44 Cards Compendium > Terrain Cards > Ravines >
Comments -
player1138086 says
2012-09-08 20:49:47
Why no defensive bonuses? (Comment / Question)
Why don't Ravines work similar to Wadis/Gullies? Why can you fire down to a ravine from afar?
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
Can you find the mistake?
The past couple of days, several of my friends have been posting the puzzle above on Facebook, and asking if others could find the mistake. I think I know what it is, but no one has posted the known answer yet, so I'm not sure if I've got it right.
There are a lot of puzzles like this that people pass around. Some people are good at spotting the mistake, they see it right away. Others become frustrated when multiple reads and examinations fail to solve the puzzle.
Some people are just better at spotting problems.
We need to be thankful for those people!
Platitude lovers would tell you likewise. They would tell you that only positive things should flow from your mouth. They believe that hearing only positive things are good for life.
That really isn't true!
In fact, each of us need people in our lives who are good at spotting mistakes.
I'm not talking about a pessimist who never sees the good that exists. I am talking about someone who can acknowledge the good, but isn't willing to pass by the fact that a mistake is in our midst.
The people who only see the glass as half full often are the ones who will lead the rest of us over the cliff. That's because they dismiss signs of danger and detour. The fact is the glass is both half full and half empty! When you start with the reality that comes from truth, you can see opportunity as well as potential pitfalls. That greater understanding helps us make wise decisions.
So consider yourself blessed if you have someone in your life who is good at spotting mistakes, they're one of the people who can best help you grow.
Labels: Miscellaneous
3 comments:
"The fact is the glass is both half full and half empty!"ReplyDelete
Good point. So grateful for friends and other loving ones who'll speak the truth in love. They show love by caring more about my life than my temporary feelings.
- AnonymousOctober 14, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Speak it slowly out loud and you will see the mistake.ReplyDelete
Angie, you are indeed blessed to have such friends!ReplyDelete
Yes, I read it too fast and missed it ... until someone came along and helped me by pointing out my mistake. Hey, that's sort of what the post was about! ;)
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Construction Forms - North East ISD
The following forms may be used during the construction administration phase of a North East ISD project. The forms are in PDF-fillable format. Download the forms, fill-in the required spaces, save a digital copy for your records, and submit either a printed or digital copy to the District. If you have problems with these electronic forms, please call Elliott Gurwitz at (210) 407-0438 for assistance.
PDF-Fillable Forms
- Agreement Between Architect of Record and Contractor for Transfer of Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Files on Electronic Media
- Appendix B: Contractor's Asbestos-Free Affidavit
- Appendix C: Certification of Criminal History Record Information - Review by General Contractor
- Appendix D: Certification of Criminal History Record Information - Review by Subcontractor
- Conflict of Interest Questionnaire
- Exhibit A: North East ISD Trench Excavation Notification Form
- Exhibit B: Request for Proposal or Scope Change Authorization Form
- Felony Conviction Notification
- Hold Harmless Agreement
- NEISD Substitution Request Form
- NEISD Mock-Up Wall Inspection Checklist
- Outage Request


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Garden Design Blogs Raising the Bar
I have another trip planned for the end of September to another place I've never been–Atlanta. I want to see some private gardens as well as the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the High Museum of Art and eat at some local … Read more
LABELS: blogging, blogs, Gardens Leave a comment
Garden Designers Roundtable: Hort Idols the Live Show!
Today I want to take a different approach (are you suprised?) to the idea of who my horticulture idols are and share how much I've learned from visiting the gardens I've seen with the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program. Some … Read more
Blogfest 2011
For the next three days I will be participating in Blogfest 2011 in New York. It's a behind the scenes event for design and lifestyle bloggers hosted by Kravet and Lee Joffa. Each day we will be treated to highly … Read more
In my Reader…Perspectives from an Italian Garden
Just when spring was warming up–it snowed this week on gardens in the NY/NJ metropolitan area…twice. I started dreaming about being someplace else…anywhere really. I let Gervais de Bedee take me to his corner of Italy and on his travels … Read more
LABELS: blogs, garden visits, Gardens, Landscape Design, Travel 4 Comments
In my Reader…Design Seeds
Just about now, in the middle of a very snowy and grey January I need a jolt of color. For color trends and inspiration, Design Seeds is like no other. Fast, furious and beautifully curated, Jessica Colaluca creates ranges of … Read more
LABELS: blogs, color, inspiration 6 Comments
2010 Top 5 Posts–Yours!
I've never done a "top" list before. I was interested in what everyone was here was reading so I took a look at the numbers. As a landscape designer I'm interested in trends–self generated as well as user generated. The … Read more
In my Reader…Slow Love Life
So many magazines that have disappeared in the past few years. One of the ones I miss the most is House and Garden. Dominique Browning was its editor from 2002 until 2007 when it was shuttered. Her wonderful blog Slow … Read more
LABELS: blogs, Design, Garden Styles, inspiration 1 Comment
Garden Designers Roundtable – Underused Plant(s)
Underused plants is a totally subjective topic based only on one person's experience. So bear in mind that I'm the non-plant obsessed designer of the group! I have visited many, many gardens and I've only seen this plant in three … Read more
In my Reader…The Good Garden
There's a new garden lifestyle blog in town and it's worth a look. The Good Garden is Sarah Kinbar's brand new blog. In case you don't know, Sarah was also the Editor in Chief of Garden Design magazine for the … Read more
LABELS: blogs, Gardens 3 Comments
On the Road Again…
Today I'm driving 6.5 hours northwest to Buffa10 to meet up with a group of people–garden bloggers in fact–who are largely unknown to me outside of their blogs or Twitter or Facebook. I'm wondering why, in the past three … Read more
LABELS: blogging, blogs, Garden Styles 1 Comment
A feast of design at the Roundtable!
There's a new band of garden and landscape designers who are blogging together on a single subject once each month. I am really proud to be among this group of talented designers who write so passionately about gardens and their … Read more
Inspiration and Influence: What I Like Now
As a designer, I am constantly exploring in search of new ideas and inspiration. It's part of my job life. I spend a chunk of time each day on what I call 'input'. Without it, my output gets stale. In … Read more
LABELS: blogs, Creative Process, inspiration, Landscape Design 7 Comments
MeMe–Isn't that the truth!?!
Sarah and/or Helen at Toronto Gardens have graciously nominated me for a MeMe award. More a reveal–those 7 tidbits and 7 links below–than an award, it none the less indicates that someone is interested in what I have to say … Read more
LABELS: blogging, blogs 6 Comments
A rose by any other name…
I've started to wonder about my blog name. Few, mostly those with kids, know the wonderful book by Barbara Cooney, Miss Rumphius, and the story behind it. Read it if you can. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney About ten years … Read more
LABELS: blogging, blogs, books, inspiration, Landscape Design, Miss Rumphius 11 Comments
Yak, Yak, Yak–My Big Mouth!
Here's a podcast I recorded about my experience as a landscape designer who blogs. The others on the podcast are Rochelle Greayer of Studio G and Chris Heiler of Landscape Leadership. Click here. Listen and enjoy. Old School Recording Device … Read more
A Bouquet of Garden Blogs
There are so many garden blogs that it boggles the mind. In my little town, there are three garden blog writers that I know about + Miss R which isn't really about gardening. Sometimes it seems as if there's as … Read more
LABELS: blogs, Garden Design, Garden Styles Leave a comment
Why I Write This.
Yesterday I recorded a podcast about blogging with landscape designers and bloggers Chris Heiler and Rochelle Greayer who writes the wonderful landscape design blog StudioG. Image via stock.xchng That discussion made me think again about why I write this blog. … Read more
LABELS: blogging, Creative Process, landscape designer 2 Comments
Web 2.0 Update-6 Months In
I thought it was time for a quick update on the progress of my Web 2.0 adventures–it's the 6 month mark of my expedition. I've been a member of one social/professional network for longer than 6 months and some others … Read more
LABELS: Web 2.0 communication 1 Comment


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Free and Reduced Cost Textbooks and Learning Content
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BookBoon: offers over 1,500 ebooks in seven languages, directly available for download from the website. This company's collection is strongest in the fields of business, engineering and math.
An open educational resource aggregator. It brings together free resources on the web to match the content of your existing textbook. Its offerings are limited but are entirely free and the interface is very easy to use.
College Open Textbooks by Subject
Directory of Open Access Books: A collection of over 700 open access, peer-reviewed books in a variety of disciplines.
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MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Teaching and Learning) Peer reviewed online teaching and learning materials.
OpenStax College: Funded by several non-profit organizations including the Hewlett and Gates Foundation and provides free, digital textbooks for Physics and Sociology.
Open Academics:
Created by the University of Minnesota, Open Academics is a catalog of open textbooks reviewed by faculty members. All textbooks include a print option, generally for $40 or less.
Open Courseware Consortium: A collaboration of higher education institutions and associated organizations from around the world. It provides a collection of open educational content using a shared model.
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Open Library
: The Open Library provides access to over one million fiction and non-fiction titles, all online and available for free.
The Orange Grove: An online library of openly available instructional resources created for Florida's colleges and universities.
PLoS (The Public Library of Science) open-access articles and journals in the areas of science and medicine.
Textbook Revolution: A student-run site dedicated to increasing the use of free educational materials by teachers and professors.


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Silver Faces Primary Competition
New York, NY —
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been in office since 1976 and speaker of the Assembly since 1994. He's considered one of Albany's powerful "three men in a room" that determine the fate of legislation, member items, and how the state is run. Some have argued that with his staying power that he's taken the mantle as the most powerful man in the state. But for the first time in 22 years, Silver, who's up for reelection this year, is being challenged by not one, but two Democratic opponents for his Lower East Side 64th District seat. Here with a brief preview of the Sept. 9 primary is WNYC's Elaine Rivera.


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Bouncy Castle Hire | Mobile Discos | Kids Parties in Fife, Edinburgh & Dundee
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Dalian, China, has a diverse and prosperous economy. Job opportunities are available in various fields such as petrochemicals, distribution, high technologies and financial services.
Our participative guide will help you find out more on the work market and the legal framework in China.Write an article
Dalian, China, has a diverse and prosperous economy. Job opportunities are available in various fields such as petrochemicals, distribution, high technologies and financial services.
Tianjin, China, offers numerous professional opportunities for foreigners. Different fields, such as high technologies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries need foreign expertise.
Suzhou is one of the largest industrial zones in China. Many professional opportunities for foreigners are available in this economically prosperous city.
Jinan, in China, has a developed economy due to the presence of numerous companies which are active in different fields. Technology, industry, food and electronics require manpower.
There are many job opportunities for expatriates in Guangzhou, China. You can be hired in many fields, for instance, industry, high technology, biotechnology, and trade, etc.
The Hubei province, in China, has a quite dynamic economy. Different sectors including industry, technology, research, biotechnology, usually offer professional opportunities to foreigners.
There are various job opportunities for expatriates in Shenzhen, China. The most important recruiting fields are those of high technology, biotechnology, financial services, tourism, etc.
There are various job opportunities for expatriates in Xiamen, China. The most recruiting fields in this city are ICT, financial services and research among others.
Shanghai, China's most important city has a dynamic and prosperous economy. There are many job opportunities for expatriates in different fields, namely in ICT, finance, etc.
Chongqing's economy focuses primarily on high technology, financial services and industry. There are various job opportunities for expatriates in this big Chinese city.
Beijing's economy is based on various sectors: technology, finance, real estate, automotive, etc. The Chinese capital city offers many jobs perspectives to expatriates.
Expatriates in China are allowed to set up different types of businesses in the country. They are entitled to various benefits such as obtaining appropriate visa.
To be hired in China, you must have a good command of English and knowledge of Mandarin. You also need expertise which is not available locally.
You can start your job search on the internet if you wish to work in China. Many job opportunities in different fields are available to expatriates.
For an expat job hunter in China, seeking to attract the attention of a recruiter, HR Manager or line manager, LinkedIn is an excellent resource. What are the best LinkedIn strategies to be headhunted for jobs in China? Here are 9 tips to increase your chances of being headhunted for your target


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Serves: 4
This dish successfully combines elements from opposite sides of the Mediterranean. Souvlaki is the Greek dish of skewered, grilled marinated lamb, while couscous is a North African classic that's traditionally served with grilled or roasted lamb.
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1-1/2 pounds boneless shoulder of lamb,
or lamb loin, diced into 1-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper
1 small eggplant (about 8 ounces), sliced in half lengthwise
2 small zucchini (about 8 ounces), sliced in half lengthwise
1 small red onion, sliced
Salt to taste
3-1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup couscous
1/2 cup black olives (such as kalamata), pitted and chopped
4 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 to 2 medium lemons)
1/2 teaspoon minced lemon zest
Place the oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a nonreactive baking dish. Add the lamb and marinate, refrigerated, overnight.
To prepare the couscous, roast the bell pepper on the grill and let steam. When cool, peel, seed, dice, and set aside. Meanwhile, lay the eggplant, zucchini, and onion on a work surface, sprinkle with salt, and brush both sides with 3 tablespoons of the oil. Grill the vegetables over direct medium-high heat for 3 or 4 minutes per side. When cool, chop the vegetables and set aside with the peppers. Place the water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of oil and the couscous; stir once, and remove from the heat. Cover the pan and let sit for 10 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
Remove the lamb from the marinade and thread onto 2 parallel skewers. (If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Grill over direct medium-high heat for 7 or 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to serving plates. Add the diced vegetables, olives, 3 tablespoons of the parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the couscous, and fluff with a fork. Serve with the lamb skewers, and garnish with the remaining tablespoon of parsley.
Omaha Steaks: Let's Grill
By John Harrisson with Frederick J. Simon
Clarkson Potter/Publishers, April 2001
Hardcover, $13.95
128 pages, color photographs throughout
Recipe reprinted by permission.
This page created May 2001
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You are presented with a wide range of activities in each area which when successfully completed, will allow you to collect one of these fine creatures.
When you go to the Lorax's Forest, you help some Babaloots by putting the correct number of furballs in their wheelbarrows. When you have the right number in the first two wheelbarrows, you then pick the right number to answer the addition question. (see middle right). And for your efforts you get to collect some fine Barballots for the zoo.
At the "Shapes-On Machine (see bottom right) you are called upon to help Sylvester McMonkey McBean complete a pattern involving shapes and colours to create a proper sequence. For your efforts, you can take to your zoo some excellent Star Bellied Sneeches. (This is a lot more fun than collecting stars). Of course, when you have collected all the animals, you are rewarded with seeing the grand opening of young Gerald Mcgrew's new zoo.
The program has lots of hidden clickables and a variety of play activities such as the Musical Band where you can click on individual band members to hear a tune or play with the Clock Sculpture to learn about time.
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Thursday, October 11, 2012
Where: Technological Institute, Cohen Commons, L482, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208 map it
Audience: Faculty/Staff - Student - Public
Cost: Free
Matthew Grayson
Group: ETOPiA Productions
Category: Fine Arts
"It's naive to think science could be a neutral topic."
Northwestern University's Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science proudly presents an ETOPiA production
THE HOW and THE WHY
A play by Sarah Treem
Directed by Maureen-Payne Hahner
With Peggy Roeder and Brenda Barrie
If her theory is correct, a graduate student might single-handedly undo the career of a respected professor. Whose side will the scientific community take?
Each performance includes a post-show discussion led by Northwestern faculty and students.
Performance Dates: September 27 – October 14, 2012, Thursdays – Saturdays at 8 p.m. / Sundays at 2 p.m.
Performance Location: Technological Institute, Room L482 (Cohen Commons), 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL
Ticket Price: Admission is free / Reservations are highly recommended. (Note: This play contains occasional language and themes for mature audiences.)
Reservations: www.etopia.northwestern.edu
GET **VIP SEATS** THE FIRST WEEKEND BY TYPING THE WORD "PlanIt Purple" IN ANSWER TO THE REGISTRATION QUESTION, "How did you find out about this play?"


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i'm definitely a champagne kind of girl so as soon as i laid eyes these gorgeous invites by katespade i fell in love…the color, font, and stripes on them are to die for!!
it got me dreaming about the perfect champagne gift set to give a champagne lover like me. first it would begin with the adorable invitations, second has to be the sparkling wine from onehope (it tastes amazing plus half of all the proceeds goes toward fighting childhood hunger!!!), and last but not least are these chic gold speckled champagne flutes from indigo. these babies come in a set of four and are a stylish alternative to traditional stemmed flutes. this would make such a fabulous hostess gift for the holidays!!


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Comment - Wine - Reduced ABV: Something for Everyone
By Chris Losh | 3 July 2012
The reduction of abv in the wine category in the UK has been peddled by some in the industry as an innovation. While that may be open to debate, Chris Losh believes there can be no argument that the move, if done right, could benefit everyone. But, there's still a long way to go.
The sudden arrival of a Tesco stand amongst the myriad producers at this year's London International Wine Fair was like watching a herd of wildebeest who've had their party gatecrashed by a pride of lions.
But, to me, the supermarket's decision suggests that they simply don't feel they're getting what they want from the wine world, and are prepared to force the issue a bit. Their impatience is understandable: Wine volumes in the UK are in steady decline, and show no signs of picking up.
Something, everyone is agreed, needs to happen.
The buzz word is, as always, innovation, although in wine (as opposed to spirits or beer) it's a much-diluted concept, with 'new' usually meaning 'new label', 'new blend' or 'different use of oak' – none of which, frankly, sets the pulse racing.
Yet, genuinely different ideas are often incredibly hard to sell – mainly because humans don't like change. Since it took the public decades (and a good bit of legal nudging) to accept something as logically beneficial as the seatbelt, it's perhaps no surprise that they remain sceptical of the benefits of 50cl bottles or PET.
Plus, there are plenty of ostensibly successful ideas that have been scuppered by unintended side effects. Boisset's French Rabbit, for instance, came in a brightly-coloured tetrapak, which scored well for shelf-standout and non-stuffiness – but was dismissed by the public as 'picnic wine'.
The same thing, I suspect, will happen with the new paper bottle, being demoed at the moment. It's an interesting idea, and pushes plenty of feel-good eco buttons, but I just have a feeling that the public could be too conservative to go for it.
The problem, of course, is that, with such a fragmented industry, any changes in the way wine is presented inevitably lack critical mass. The only packaging innovation of the last 20 years that has really caught on is the screwcap – and that's primarily because the New Zealand wine industry backed it en masse.
I wonder what would happen if the Australians or Chileans suddenly decided to bottle everything in lightweight, 50cl bottles. Or paper.
If packaging innovation remains minimal, contents is another story, with some in the industry convinced they have hit on something that really might make a difference.
Lower in alcohol, and usually medium sweet, supporters of 'lighter wine' claim it is an example of the industry asking the public what it wants to see, then giving it to them. Moreover, it's a move that sends all the right messages to a booze-phobic government.
"Low alcohol wines is one of those rare instances where the consumer is being led rather than being followed," says Tesco's head of BWS, Dan Jago. "It's something I've felt strongly about for years – it's about trying to make wine simpler and more approachable."
It's hard to argue with such logic. There are strong signs that wine simply isn't appealing to 20-somethings in the way that it once did, so anything that helps to remedy that – whether wine coolers in a can, low abv fizz or pink Moscato at 8% - is probably a good thing.
Likewise, the number of casual wine consumers who have migrated out of the category to long, lower-abv drinks over the last three or four years is alarming.
What isn't yet clear, however, is whether these lower alcohol wines are actually addressing either of these problems. The trade can't agree on whether they're aimed at new or existing wine consumers, and nobody (not even Tesco) has reliable data yet as to who is actually buying them.
One thing's for sure, though, it's unlikely to be drinks writers or the wine trade. While most have a grudging acceptance of Moscato or white Zinfandel, there is real antipathy towards the de-alcoholised wines.
With, it must be said, some justification.
At a recent Tesco tasting, in an otherwise reliably good range of wines, the flight of sub-5.5% abv offerings stood out for all the wrong reasons. The best were drinkable, some were strange, most were foul.
Flavour-wise they might be questionable, but the business rationale behind them is more compelling. 'Made wine' under 5.5% abv attracts duty (ex VAT) of just GBP0.75 (US$1.18) a bottle, compared to GBP1.78 (ex VAT) for normal strength wine.
True, the public might want lower alcohol wine, but the plethora of activity sub-5.5% abv is at least as much about profit margins as it is about punter power.
Still, if it allows retailers to hit the sub-GBP5.00 price point again, permits suppliers to drive more profit into a transaction and helps the public to get what they claim to want, then everyone's happy, right?
Well, not necessarily. Plenty of commentators worry about the effect of these products on the overall image of the category.
"At those alcohol levels, the product is so fundamentally changed it no longer looks like wine," says Richard Cochrane of importer Bibendum. "If you're expecting something with a bit of body you're going to be disappointed."
Even Stephen Loftus, global innovation manager at Accolade Wines, which has produced a number of innovations (including Banrock Light) over the last few years admits that it's a sensitive area and that lighter wines are "about managing expectations".
Everyone agrees that something needs to be done. Lighter wines, undoubtedly, are 'something'. So, to complete the syllogism, do they need to be done?
To my mind, lighter wines could be a powerful addition to a category that finds innovation difficult; one that talks to new or uncommitted wine drinkers, and actually allows producers to make a reasonable profit for once.
But, if the rush to create a new genre means a sudden raft of poor-quality bottles, there's a good chance that the industry could kill it before it's even properly got started.
Sectors: Wine
Companies: Accolade Wines
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