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Former Strikeforce women's featherweight champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (10-1 MMA, 4-0 SF) has made it clear she is not a Ronda Rousey (6-0 MMA, 4-0 SF) fan.
And while she would be more than happy to step into the cage with "Rowdy," especially after the current Strikeforce female bantamweight champion called her out, Santos has been medically advised against trying to make 135 pounds.
With that in mind, Santos said she's done talking about Rousey and any potential fight for the bantamweight title. If Rousey wants to prove her worth, Santos said, let her come back to 145 pounds to do it – the same place she started her Strikeforce career.
"I get many questions about Ronda Rousey, and I would like to set the record straight for the last time, as I do not consider her much personally, much less as a fighter," Santos told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) through an interpreter. "She claims she is the champion and openly challenges me to fight at 135 pounds, which I find laughable. She competed in the Beijing Olympics at 154 pounds and fought at 145 pounds in MMA until she learned she would have to fight me and then dropped to 135 pounds.
"I have never fought below 145 pounds, and I am considered the pound-for-pound top woman fighter in the world. I have yet to lose a fight while holding the Strikeforce 145-pound title. My last fight was considered a no contest, but that has not changed the fact that I am the women's 145-pound champion."
Santos, who made her Strikeforce debut in April 2009, was stripped of the Strikeforce women's featherweight title one month after a post-fight drug test at "Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal" turned up positive for stanozolol metabolites in late 2011.
The California State Athletic Commission, which oversaw the event, suspended Santos for one year and fined her $2,500. Additionally, her first-round TKO of Hiroko Yamanaka was also overturned to a no-contest.
Rousey, who was 2-0 in Strikeforce's 145-pound division, dropped to 135 pounds earlier this year and promptly earned the promotion's female bantamweight title by submitting then-champion Miesha Tate. This past Saturday night, the former Olympic judoka defended the title by submitting former champion Sarah Kaufman in just 54 seconds.
Following the win, Rousey called out Santos and challenged her to come down to 135 pounds.
"I need to send out a challenge to Ms. Cyborg, there," Rousey said after her victory. "People want to see you have the first fair fight of your life. I'm the champ now. The champ doesn't go to you. You go to the champ. Come down to 135 and let's settle this."
Santos said that's simply impossible for her to do, and doctors have told her as much. As far as the Brazilian slugger is concerned, if this potential superfight is going to happen, it needs to be in the same division Rousey started her Strikeforce career.
"There really is not a safe way for me to cut to 135 pounds – not without hurting myself physically," Santos said. "I am less than eight percent body fat at 145 pounds, and my cardiologist and physician have advised me that to make such a drastic reduction in weight could have permanent effects on my long-term health. I will not endanger my health to satisfy the rantings of a spoiled little girl who has yet to prove that she can truly compete at my level at a weight she has not only fought at before but has been awarded an Olympic medal."
Santos' CSAC suspension ends in December, and despite a since-deleted tweet that suggested she was looking to terminate her Strikeforce contract, the former champion said she's looking forward to fighting again and hopefully regain the belt she eagerly points out she never truly lost.
And if Rousey wants to move up to 145 pounds in an attempt to make history as a female dual-division champion, then she has an open invitation to step into the cage. Until then, "Cyborg" said she's done dealing with the outspoken Californian.
"To put this issue to rest, if Ronda is the future of women's MMA and is the champion that she envisions, you know where I am, and I am more than willing to give you an opportunity to test me," Santos said. "I will fight you at 145 pounds – you know, the weight that you started at – and then you can have two belts and prove to everyone that you are indeed a champion. If not, stay at 135 pounds and continue to delude yourself and your fans that you can beat me. You're really not worth my time otherwise.
"I will do all of my talking in the ring. Until then, you're really not worth my breath."


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Kikie's ClosetTools
Welcome to my closet and I hope you enjoy browsing my items for sale.
I only sell items that either new or gently used and always authentic. I take pride it the fact that all my items for sale are in mint condition and things you would be proud to own!
If you have any questions, would like additional pictures, or would like to make a deal on multiple items, please do let me know.
I aim to please!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Bali is a province in the country of Indonesia. The province covers a few small neighbouring islands as well as the isle of Bali.
Bali n : an island in Indonesia east of Java; striking volcanic scenery; culture is known for elaborate dances and rituals and for handicrafts
Java () is an island of Indonesia. With a population of 135 million (excluding the 3.6 million on the island of Madura which is administered as part of the provinces of Java), Java is the world's most populous island, and one of the most densely-populated places on the globe.
Java n 1: an island in Indonesia south of Borneo; one of the world's most densely populated regions
Java \Ja"va\ (j[aum]"v[.a]), n. 1. One of the islands of the Malay Archipelago belonging to the Netherlands. [1913 Webster] {Java sparrow} (Zo["o]l.), a species of finch ({Padda oryzivora}), native of Java, but very commonly kept as a cage bird; -- called also {ricebird}, and {paddy bird}. In the male the upper parts are glaucous gray, the head and tail black, the under parts delicate rose, and the cheeks white. The bill is large and red. A white variety is also kept as a cage bird. [1913 Webster]
Java, SD (city, FIPS 32460) Location: 45.50358 N, 99.88423 W Population (1990): 161 (125 housing units) Area: 1.2 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water) Zip code(s): 57452 Java, VA Zip code(s): 24565


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By Robert L. Smith, Religion News Service
CLEVELAND Sightseers are something new to members of St. Casimir Catholic Church. In fact, it's been awhile since their landmark church drew any kind of attention at all.
They're doing what they can to accommodate the tourists who have descended since the bishop decreed St. Casimir will be shuttered in a bid to create a smaller, leaner local diocese.
Soon after a bus stopped in front of St. Casimir's twin steeples, the president of the parish council cued the organ music. Votive candles had been set ablaze. When the wide-eyed visitors walked into the sanctuary, their oohs and aahs rose above the strains of "America the Beautiful."
Yet it's what the visitors said afterward that was music to the ears of parishioners: "Oh, how can you not love this church?" one woman exclaimed. "How can we lose something like this?"
It's shaping up to be a fateful summer for St. Casimir, one of the many ethnic/nationality parishes doomed to go dark in the downsizing. Never more vulnerable, the largely forgotten church is suddenly basking in fresh attention.
Before anyone paves paradise to put up a parking lot, some people want a glimpse of what's to be lost. Since March, when Bishop Richard Lennon ordered the end to a parish founded in 1892, St. Casimir has attracted a growing circle of admirers.
At first, they came in pairs and small groups to the dark-brick colossus built in 1918 by Polish immigrants.
The visitors, lured by rumors of Old World craftsmanship, stepped through twin sets of oak doors into a sanctuary that seats 1,000. Massive stained-glass windows filtered sunlight like sacred rainbows. They gazed upon an altar, carved from ivory and wood, that rises more than 30 feet into a dome vibrant with paintings of a heavenly world.
More recently, the tour buses started arriving, first occasionally and now about twice a week. Group tours are booked into October.
The curious include former parishioners and people who grew up in the mostly Polish neighborhood. But the pilgrims also include newcomers and non-Catholics. A Jewish senior citizens group came through, followed by a class from a local community college and a troop of nature lovers.
Recently, 35 older men and women stepped off a bus on a tour arranged by John Latkovich, owner of JKL Tours of Willoughby, Ohio. Latkovich has been running "Historic Houses of Worship Tours" since 2002. He added St. Casimir and other ethnic parishes in May, after people began asking to see the churches scheduled to close. Ridership grew, and tours began selling out.
"Some people want to take pictures. Some people just want to see these beautiful churches before they're gone," Latkovich said.
At St. Casimir, the sudden attention heartens an anxious congregation of about 400 people, most of whom live in the suburbs. After the bishop declined to reverse his decision to close their church, the faithful appealed directly to the Vatican in Rome. That appeal is a long shot that probably only buys time before sacred artifacts are removed, church members know.
Perhaps the tourists offer salvation. That's the hope of Halina Feimer, 79, who can point to her childhood home from St. Casimir's front steps.
"Hopefully, maybe some of these people could write to the bishop and say, 'Why? Why?'" she said.
She and other members of the congregation are rallying to serve the tourist trade.
With a cellphone call reporting a bus en route, parishioners pulled open the oak doors and cleared a vista from the front steps to the altar.
The church's longtime organist died last year, but the tourists would hear the rich sounds of the pipe organ. Parish council president Ray Michalski held a remote control. With the push of a button, it would start the pre-recorded organ music.
"They say no one else does that," he said.
The visitors settled into front-row pews, and Tina Girod, a lifelong parishioner, pointed out prized flourishes, the shrine to World War I veterans and the monument to the Solidarity labor movement that crushed communism in Poland.
She recalled the tanks that rumbled past her family's home nearby during the riots of 1966, people with means moving out, a dwindling faithful maintaining the parish and its school, which closed in 1977.
After Girod's presentation, the pilgrims lingered, many looking skyward.
"Beautiful. Heartbreaking," said Peggy Milk of Twinsburg.
"Well, when you come right down to it, it's our own fault," said her husband, Chuck Milk. "We didn't raise children wedded to the church."
The bus growled and the visitors expressed their thanks for the hospitality. As the last of the tourists exited the front doors, Girod called out a request.
"Pray for us!" she said.
Robert L. Smith writes for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland.
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Sydni Fox
stylist - colorist
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Sydni Fox has been immersed in the salon industry her entire life with over 7 years of experience. Originally from Ohio; it wasn't until her move to NYC, that she truly found her passion. There she surrounded herself with the most talented stylists/colorists such as Tanya Patcht and Rita Hazan. She continually strives to be up to date in the most innovative techniques and styles. She delivers both cutting edge and easy-to-wear haircuts for men and women. Specializing in natural multi-dimensional color is her forte.
For Sydni, the profession is "not a craft…it's an art". Everyone is unique. It is important not to "change" who you are, but to enhance your inner natural beauty.
As a hair artist, Sydni will consult and work with you to achieve your optimal look. She will guide you into a look that will bring out your personality. After all, your hair is a big part of your calling card to others. Her passion and love of the craft will radiate through your look. The best complement is having someone notice.
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- Sydni is an amazing hairstylist. I was skeptical about going to a professional stylist at a Salon because I'm a guy and don't give much mind to my hair. A friend had recommended her and I was sick of paying places like super cuts for a mediocre cut. I can not tell you how happy I am with Sydni. She is great with suggesting styles since I don't know much about how to have it cut. She is always so nice, calm, and friendly. From going place to place and not knowing what I wanted with my hair, I am definitely staying with Sydni. Besides just her, everyone who is at the salon is friendly and sweet. It's a great atmosphere and very casual and relaxing. The location is also a plus: right off the 805 in North Park. -Matt M.
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" Address: Avenue de Chillon 21 / CH - 1820 Veytaux / Montreux "
When we were visiting Switzerland a few days before Christmas we were mainly based in Geneva but we knew that we wanted to see some other parts of the country and having read about the Montreux Christmas Market we decided to get the train from Montreux to Geneva and make an entire day out of it. The only thing about Montreux that really knew about was the Jazz festival but I had a look on the internet to see what other sights the city had to visit and was immediately drawn to the Chateau de Chillon. I am a huge fan of visiting castles and this one looked like it was really well preserved so it went on the list and we made plans to visit it before we went to the Christmas Markets in the evening.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Location ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chillon Castle has an amazing location on the banks of Lake Geneva right at the end of the lake. You can get a bus from Montreux to Castle Chillon but because it was such a nice day the day we visited we decided to walk the lake shore to the castle. We could see the castle the whole way and it really didn't look very far but it was deceptive and it took us about an hour to walk to the castle from Montreux. The walk is well worth it though as the views along the lake are gorgeous and there is so much to see that honestly take your breath away.
When you get closer to the castle you can really appreciate its location and it is situated on a rocky outcrop and looks as though it is actually floating on the lake. Behind it are the snow covered Alps and I can honestly say that it is one of the most dramatic and beautiful locations of any castle I have ever visited and I have visited quite a few.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A little bit of history ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The site of the castle has been occupied since the Bronze Age and although no one seems to know when exactly the castle was built there have been documents found which mention the castle already being in its current location in the 12th century.
The current castle is a collection of over 100 buildings which have been expanded and joined together over the years to create the castle how it stands today. It has never been taken by siege but has changed hands from one power family to another several times over the years.
Today it is Switzerland's most visited historic landmark and has fame outside of Switzerland thanks to the Lord Byron poem The Prisoner of Chillon and for being one of the settings in the Henry James novella Daisy Miller.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Visiting the Chateau ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The outside of the chateau gives a great first impression and I was really looking forward to getting inside and seeing what is on offer. The entry fee for going inside is 12CHF for adults and 6CHF for children. This is around about £8 and £4 which isn't bad for Switzerland. There is the option of renting an ipod with an audio tour but you need to leave your passports as security and as we didn't have them with us we couldn't do this but to be honest there is no need unless you are desperate to know all the history behind the castle as there is so much to see inside without the tour.
You enter through a medieval drawbridge which really sets the scene off and gives you a good impression of what the inside is going to be like.
You go through the main gates and come into a small cobbled courtyard. When you pay to go in you are given a small map and you can start the tour from the courtyard. The recommended tour is signposted in numbers and it is pretty easy to find your way about and go from one number to the next.
The castle is much more extensive than it looks from the outside and there is everything from underground dungeons to staterooms and bedchambers. The dungeons were fascinating as you could see where prisoners were chained up and the information inside told us of how when they were chained up the small windows would allow them to hear the water lapping outside but because of the positioning of the windows they would never be able to actually see the water or the outside while being imprisoned.
We were pretty much allowed to go everywhere within the castle and I didn't see too many parts of it that were shut off from tourists and something else I liked was that they didn't seem to have the health and safety fanaticism that we have in the UK so you could actually get up close and personal with a lot of the rooms and even lean out windows as they weren't screened off.
The architecture was of course stunning and although you could see that it was being well cared for it still felt and looked authentic and not like some Disney version of how a medieval castle should look.
One disappointing aspect of the castle was in the state rooms which were very sparsely decorated. Now for me I didn't have a major problem with this as I much prefer seeing the architecture and how the rooms were originally designed but I did hear some people complain that they had removed most of the ornamental decoration that must have been there in later years the castle was occupied.
I loved the courtyards of which there were three. They were quite small but it was easy to imagine how they must have been used in medieval times. The ramparts which twisted round the top of the castle which could be walked on gave a really good view of the courtyards and the atmosphere was excellent which probably had something to do with the castle not being very busy when we visited.
You could go right to the top of the castle to the very highest room which offered spectacular views over Lake Geneva and all the way to Montreux. On the way up here there was a room that had a weapons exhibit. While this was an interesting diversion I personally would have preferred more exhibits on what life in the castle must have been like for the people living there.
Once you have finished exploring the castle there is a small gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. We had a look round but a lot of what was on offer was the usual tourist tat. One thing which it did sell was the castle wine. The castle produces its own wine made on the grounds using traditional methods. We bought some red and some white and it really was delicious and something that would make a lovely present to take home.
We spent a good couple of hours visiting the castle and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the people in our party who were not history buffs declared it a fascinating place and well worth the detour of coming to. We visited in December so this might have had something to do with it not being as busy as anticipated but I think this really added to the trip and I can imagine in summer when the castle is thronging with tourists that it wouldn't have been as magical or as fascinating as the quietness really helped us get in the spirit of the place.
After coming out of the castle we spent another half hour just looking around the outside of it and appreciating both the location and the imposingness of the castle itself. It really is beautiful to look at and the location just makes it even more special and there are plenty of quiet spots where you can just sit and look at the castle and appreciate its splendour.
We decided as we had taken so long to get to the castle and had spent so long inside that we would get the bus back to Montreux and this was a little bit of a hike to find the bus stop. It is not very well signposted but we found it eventually and it was a quick 10 minutes back to the centre of Montreux with the bus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Recommendation ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I would highly recommend that you visit the Chateau de Chillion if you are anywhere near Montreux or even in Geneva as it was well worth it and to me personally it was the highlight of my trip. I am a huge fan of Medieval architecture and the Chateau de Chillion is one of the best preserved and most fascinating castles that I have visited. It isn't ostentatious but this really adds to the atmosphere and you get a really good feel of what life must have been like in the middle ages. Even for those people who aren't big fans of Medieval history the location and beauty of the castle can't fail to impress.
Chateau de Chillon is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day and News Years Day.
Opening times are: April to December: 09:00am to 19:00pm
October: 09:30am to 18:00pm
November to February: 10:00am to 17:00pm
March: 09:30am to 18:00pm
Every December the castle also has a Christmas fayre where there are stalls and people dress in traditional costume. It sounds a little tacky but I personally would love to go back and visit while this is happening an soak up the atmosphere.


text:
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Receive all Cointelegraph news immediately in Telegram.
The Cointelegraph
Microsoft, CheapAir and other big retail names who have jumped on the Bitcoin bandwagon.
Tokyo-based Rakuten plans to acquire the intellectual property assets of Bitcoin payment processor, BitNet.
A curious user recently asked members of the Bitcoin subreddit how they spend their bitcoins on an everyday basis. Because Reddit is a global community, it's likely that their responses are reflective of overall patterns.
Leading Swiss bank UBS has announced that it will open up a lab to study blockchain technology in London; Bitcoin April Fools Day Joke roundup; and more top stories for April 2.
Japan's largest Internet company Rakuten Inc., announced today it has started to accept Bitcoin as a payment option on its American portal Rakuten.com. The company said this first integration should be followed closely by other global marketplaces integrations, including its German and Austrian e-commerce portals
Let's see some more businesses keen on entering the fascinating world of cryptocurrency.
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by Staff Writers
Edmonton, Canada (SPX) Mar 16, 2014
A University of Alberta diamond scientist has found the first terrestrial sample of a water-rich gem that yields new evidence about the existence of large volumes of water deep beneath the Earth.
An international team of scientists led by Graham Pearson, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Arctic Resources at the U of A, has discovered the first-ever sample of a mineral called ringwoodite. Analysis of the mineral shows it contains a significant amount of water-1.5 per cent of its weight-a finding that confirms scientific theories about vast volumes of water trapped 410 to 660 kilometres beneath the Earth, between the upper and lower mantle.
"This sample really provides extremely strong confirmation that there are local wet spots deep in the Earth in this area," said Pearson, a professor in the Faculty of Science, whose findings were published March 13 in Nature. "That particular zone in the Earth, the transition zone, might have as much water as all the world's oceans put together."
Ringwoodite is a form of the mineral peridot, believed to exist in large quantities under high pressures in the transition zone. Ringwoodite has been found in meteorites but, until now, no terrestrial sample has ever been unearthed because scientists haven't been able to conduct fieldwork at extreme depths.
Pearson's sample was found in 2008 in the Juina area of Mato Grosso, Brazil, where artisan miners unearthed the host diamond from shallow river gravels. The diamond had been brought to the Earth's surface by a volcanic rock known as kimberlite-the most deeply derived of all volcanic rocks.
The discovery that almost wasn't
Pearson said the discovery was almost accidental in that his team had been looking for another mineral when they purchased a three-millimetre-wide, dirty-looking, commercially worthless brown diamond. The ringwoodite itself is invisible to the naked eye, buried beneath the surface, so it was fortunate that it was found by Pearson's graduate student, John McNeill, in 2009.
"It's so small, this inclusion, it's extremely difficult to find, never mind work on," Pearson said, "so it was a bit of a piece of luck, this discovery, as are many scientific discoveries."
The sample underwent years of analysis using Raman and infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction before it was officially confirmed as ringwoodite. The critical water measurements were performed at Pearson's Arctic Resources Geochemistry Laboratory at the U of A. The laboratory forms part of the world-renowned Canadian Centre for Isotopic Microanalysis, also home to the world's largest academic diamond research group.
The study is a great example of a modern international collaboration with some of the top leaders from various fields, including the Geoscience Institute at Goethe University, University of Padova, Durham University, University of Vienna, Trigon GeoServices and Ghent University.
For Pearson, one of the world's leading authorities in the study of deep Earth diamond host rocks, the discovery ranks among the most significant of his career, confirming about 50 years of theoretical and experimental work by geophysicists, seismologists and other scientists trying to understand the makeup of the Earth's interior.
Scientists have been deeply divided about the composition of the transition zone and whether it is full of water or desert-dry. Knowing water exists beneath the crust has implications for the study of volcanism and plate tectonics, affecting how rock melts, cools and shifts below the crust.
"One of the reasons the Earth is such a dynamic planet is the presence of some water in its interior," Pearson said. "Water changes everything about the way a planet works."
Related Links
University of Alberta
Water News - Science, Technology and Politics
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Stella Vest
A lightweight layer for cool days, this vest can be made in many color combinations to complement a little girl's wardrobe. Looks great with jeans or skirts. It features bottom-up, seamless construction and a choice of 2 Fair Isle patterns to customize the look. Even in fingering-weight yarn and a small needle, the color patterns keep the work interesting and move this project along quickly. Patterns call for 4 contrasting colors. You will need a 24" size US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needle for the body, and a 16" circular needle in a smaller size for the neck and armhole ribbing. Inspiration for the colorwork came from 200 Fair Isle Motifs by Mary Jane Mucklestone MaryJane
Note: The blue on all three charts is meant to represent the Main Color, even though the shade of blue is slightly different from one chart to the next.


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Women's Golf
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Mon., Feb 25
All day
All day
New Orleans, LA
English Turn Country Club
English Turn Country Club
New Orleans, LA
Watch Info
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available on App
Not Available on App
Not Available on App
More: Allstate Sugar Bowl - Women's Golf
W-Golf Inks Three Preps
BOULDER - University of Colorado head women's golf coach Anne Kelly has penned Turlock, Calif. native Hannah Hoch, Monarch High School product Lindsay Senger and Gina Rodriquez of Fort Morgan to National Letters of Intent to attend CU in the fall of 2003.
Buffs Move Up to Ninth After Two Rounds at Columbus Regional
Freshman Kirsty Hodgkins and Senior Esther Lee rebounded from tough Monday performances to help the University of Colorado women's golf team move up one spot to ninth after two rounds of the Columbus Regional here Tuesday afternoon at the Scarlet Golf Course.
Brooks: Kelly Has Women's Golf On The Upswing
BOULDER - Anne Kelly's instincts told her that the 2010-11 season could be a special one for her University of Colorado women's golf team. And as she approached her 14th year as CU's coach, Kelly was savvy enough to listen. When the fall season began, her instincts were right on target.
Buffs Earn Best Finish in School History at Pac-12 Championships
The University of Colorado women's golf team earned the best conference finish in school history here Wednesday at the Pac-12 Championships at the Sewailo Golf Club. Colorado, ranked No. 21, posted a team score of 13-over par 301 for a final score of 19-over par 883 to place second, ahead of four top 20 schools.
CU's Anne Kelly 'proud' of Buffs' T-2nd performance after 1st day at Pac-12 Championships
Hear from Colorado women's golf head coach Anne Kelly after the Buffs finished the first day of Pac-12 Women's Golf Championships tied for second (296).


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5mm Tuscan Amber Click Resilient Flooring- 600mm L x 300mm W
This flooring combines the look and feel of real marble with the ease
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- Combine beauty with easy click installation!- Backed with a Residential 50 year Warranty and Commercial 5 Year Warranty!- Float Installation
Place your order now through our web site, call 1-800-HARDWOOD to talk to one of our flooring experts, or click here to find the closest store to you.
Lumber Liquidator$... No one else has hardwood flooring for less!
We caught up with real Lumber Liquidators' customers who volunteered to discuss their floor shopping, buying and installation experiences. In no way did these customers receive compensation for their kind words. (They're speaking straight from the heart.)
(based on 30 reviews)
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(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
I love it!
By gg1019
from Gaithersburg, MD
I just had Tuscan Amber installed in my kitchen over my old flooring. I live in a condo and didn't want to be bothered by possible sub-floor issues. It's beautiful. It looks lovely with my oak cabinets and black galaxy counters. I had it professionally installed so it only took a 3 hours for installation.
Service and delivery comments:
I ordered the tiles on-line to be delivered to the store. They had to be special ordered so it took about 1 week to be received. Customer service sent several email messages and follow up calls to give me the status of the delivery. Pick up from the store was a breeze. Everyone was courteous, friendly and very helpful.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Loved the flooring!
By SC fan !
from Anaheim
This is a inexpensive way to change your floor on a tight budget. Great idea, that this can be installed over the old vinyl flooring.
By Bobbie
from Knoxville TN
All you need to clean the floors is water. Nothing else. Also when you walk on them it is quite.
Needs a little finesse
By Mel
from Brooks, KY
It takes a little bit of work to make the seams disappear.
Easy to install and looks great.
By Foy the do it yourselfer
from Weaverville, NC
We bought this after installing laminate flooring in our den and down hallway which we also purchased from Lumber Liquidators. This was much easier to install than the flooring we installed in den.It was a little darker than picture showed but only had one other and it was a way to dark. It turned out to be ok. We changed the color of the bathroom to help match the flooring.They have a cream colored one now which we plan to purchase and do the other bathroom.I would recommend this product. It cleanes easy and looks great.
Images shared by Foy the do it yourselfer
A keeper for sure!
By Bo
from Indiana
Used in kitchen and goes well with my oak cabinets.
By Deanna
from Byron, GA
Gorgeous floor! Definitely much nicer looking than the online pictures! So excited to get it installed.
Lumber Liquidators in Simpsonville SC
By Kirksey's
from SC
Easy to lay, 50 year warranty, Looks GREAT!!
I received one whole box with broken corners, I was very disappointed as we had been told that all boxes had been checked for damage
using in houseboat
By mike west
from lake cumberland ky.
great product for houseboat
Images shared by mike west
Tags: Picture of Product
By lindal
from DENHAM SPRINGS, LA
We are using this in the bathrooms. it is so beautiful and I love the fact that if there is an overflow of anything it won't ruin the floor. comfortable to walk on and my husband said easy to install. we are now going to do the family room and kitchen. Tuscany is so elegant looking and everyone thinks it marble. love love lovedon't think about it, just get it.
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AnswerBox - Get answers from Staff Experts and real customers by clicking "Ask a question" or click here to ask our Customer Service Team
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This flooring is constructed and tested to meetor exceed industry standards for emissions.


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NCSU > OIA > NC Japan Center > News & Events Blog
News & Events Blog
The NC Japan Center regularly sponsors a variety of events that are announced on our blog. In addition, you will find updates on Japan-related activities of other organizations as well as announcements of conferences, guest lectures, and the arrival of delegations and other visitors from Japan.
(click here)
|NC Japan Center · 705 Barbour Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603 · (919) 515-3450


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Blast-from-the-past alert! The world has undoubtedly been waiting to hear the sage words of former Monica Lewinsky confidante Linda Tripp concerning the historic election of America's first black president, and luckily, she has delivered, complete with a literary allusion to Alice Walker.
wowOwow via Gawker
Interested in hearing what Tripp had to say of the recent election (yes, she's a week late in returning our e-mail), Tripp relayed the following thoughts: "I am so very proud that as a nation we might finally be getting it right. I believe Sen. McCain is an American hero and a deeply honorable public servant, something one seldom sees in Washington. I also believe he could have been a strong president. That said, I believe President-elect Obama possesses an instantly recognizable purity of soul that, coupled with his brilliance, and, of course, his eloquence, brought quite unimaginable and long-awaited magic to the country, transforming red and blue states, quite literally, into 'The Color Purple.' I believe the entire country will stand behind him."
Channeling his muse: Actor John Goodman (pictured) suited up as Linda Tripp on "Saturday Night Live" at the height of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.


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Miguel Torres found a rhetorical line that should not be crossed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and paid the price with his job.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship confirmed that it cut the bantamweight ex-titleholder from tis roster Thursday for a Twitter post from the previous day that he intended as a joke: "If a rape van was called a surprise van more women wouldn't mind going for rides in them. Everyone likes surprises."
But Dana White, president of UFC parent Zuffa, didn't like that one and did not find it funny. He broke the news of Torres' release to SI.com; UFC later confirmed it to USA TODAY and other outlets.
Fighters with UFC parent Zuffa have been strongly encouraged by the company to use Twitter. Zuffa even doles out quarterly bonuses of $5,000 to fighters for creativity.
Zuffa generally has taken the position that it can't be expected to police its fighters' rhetoric. But the company has occasionally spoken to its athletes or other personnel, such as TV commentator Joe Rogan, about their language. White himself once apologized for his use of a term often associated with anti-homosexual sentiments.
But Zuffa never fired someone for their words before. White has often said that he understands people will say foolish things in the heat of the moment.
In the most recent instance, White told light-heavyweight contender Rashad Evans that a remark on Wednesday referring to allegations of sex abuse by a former Penn State coach was ill-advised. But White also viewed it as the product of a trash-talking session in which Evans was trying to needle upcoming opponent Phil Davis, a Penn State alumnus.
White even has been understanding about other fighters' attempts at Twitter humor involving rape. Other than mild criticism, he did not penalize light-heavyweight Forrest Griffin last month found himself in hot water after a post in which he joked that "rape is the new missionary." After initially lambasting others who criticized him, Griffin soon after apologized and said he was trying to use humor to make a point about the increasing frequency of rape stories in the news.
But there was no context for the remarks of Torres beyond a poor attempt to generate laughs, White told SI.com:
There's absolutely nothing I could say to make any sense of that. And the fact that he even thinks that's funny or that's a joke, it disturbs me. It bothers me.
A former champion with World Extreme Cagefighting before Zuffa merged the brand's roster with UFC, Torres' has often taken to Twitter to post comments that he views as wry or humorous, sometimes on sensitive matters. Although MMA fans and Twitter readers have criticized him for his attempts at jokes, the post that resulted in his firing was first time he has drawn Zuffa's ire.


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The birds of prey have settled on a University of Westminster building south of Regent's Park.
Peregrine falcons are now rare enough to enjoy the same international level of protection as the giant panda.
The public is being invited to view the birds from telescopes in the park on Marylebone Green this week.
The bird's numbers were severely reduced in the past by the use of the pesticide DDT.
Other pairs have been spotted in London, but have not been recorded as breeding.
Only one other breeding pair has been seen - in Battersea, south London, in the past few years.
Pete Massini, of English Nature, said London provided plenty of food for the birds in the form of a good supply of pigeons.
He said the city's tall buildings mimicked their natural habitat of cliff tops.
But he warned peregrine falcons were easily disturbed when nesting.
People in nearby buildings should minimise disruption to breeding birds, he said.
"We expect there to be at least 10 breeding pairs in London in the future," he added.
"So look out and look up - towers of steel and glass are not the only new things on the London skyline."


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Movie Review: Sam
A while back Jack mentioned that there was a new movie released in the vein of the 1964 classic "Goodbye Charlie" and the 1991 movie "Switch," called Sam. I saw the Trailer and have been DYING to see this movie ever since. Sadly at the...Author: Lost247365 Forum: Crossdreaming Around the Web
Oct 13, 2016 20:48:41


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Bandstand Socks by O/C Knitiot Designs - Deby Lake
Welcome! You are browsing as a guestWould you like to see 4 projects made from this pattern and much more? create a free account What am I missing?
Bandstand Socks
This is the June Limited Edition pattern and yarn. This pattern features the band knit straight and then joined and stitches picked up along one edge. What a fun colorway!
You can purchase the yarn and free pattern at your local yarn shop or SWTC at soysilk.com. While they last.


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Audio Asylum Thread Printer
Get a view of an entire thread on one page
|For Sale Ads
Is it worthwhile to upgrade the 50+50uF/500V LCR caps to
blackgate WKZ? I would need three.
So it's a lot of money.
how about elna cerafin?
Follow Ups:
Whats the equipment?
Elna Cerafine would be a good upgrade over standard LCR, although they are becoming very hard to find =(
Try Audiograde at
they had them on their site last time I looked.
Replacing three is to great a cost. I would bypass the existing caps with high quality film caps. One for each section. Then spend the money on components in the signal path. Replace those caps with Jensen P.O. caps.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:


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Andy Taylor from the Visitor's Center was our gracious host.
The doors in the building have been restored with wood cuttings retrieved from long, lost storage.
The Conference Room is gorgeous!
With the beautiful building as a backdrop. ISA members continue discussion after leaving the meeting. Debi Gentis may be walking away, but ISA officers Priscilla Crawford (President), Gordon Carrie (President-elect), and Elaine Bradshaw (Secretary) are still making plans.


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In our society in America and throughout the globe certain words dictate how we all think and even act.
Consumer is one of them.
Somehow to consume has become a good thing. Why is that?
To find out follow the money. We can trace wasteful and unnecessary consumption to our now official BIG BROTHER the corporations aka the stewards of capitalism.
WE all work for capitalism and capitalism is NOT working for us. Over time capital has been positioned against communism as if to say there is no other choice. The concept of free markets has the world convinced that supply and demand economics is a good thing - yet the results prove otherwise.
The reason why capitalism appears to work in both rich countries and poor countries is perception. As long as you can keep human beings thinking the problem is them and wanting what they don't have they associate the path to obtaining more with the systems that are working.
Capitalism works, but why?
Here is the answer.
Say you have two families each with a child and one is well fed, and goes to a private school, while the other child is often hungry and sent to public school.Now increase that scenario a billion times and separate the children into countries.
The result is an elite class of young capitalists and an inferior class of ordinary workers. This is on average of course with a lot of cross-over.
Those with the disadvantages are applauded but not necessarily rewarded since other social barriers remain such as sex, racism, nationality, favoritism and bias.
Minority businesses hire minorities but are IN the minority as well.
Okay back to consumers and conservers. All humans must consume up to a base level necessary to live. Sadly this has not been achieved yet in 2012 in many areas of the globe. Surprisingly even in the richest nation on earth their are many neglected humans struggling to obtain simply what they need.
OUR Government steps in to help but when they do they are competing with the private sector for profit. GOOD public schools for example would hurt private schools. GOOD Public Universities offering affordable or no tuition programs would hurt the more lucrative private universities. The arguments are that private schools and universities produce a better product. Like Penn State perhaps? The truth is that the cards are stacked .. there are few alternatives to compare. College sports is one huge advertisement for what amount to very lucrative businesses. Egg heads need not apply -and we can import the eggheads from overseas.
What we promote instead is a jock mentality on steroids (pun intended).
These social customs are also falsely defended in the name of freedom and democracy - ironically by a political party that claims America is not a democracy but a republic. We are in fact a democracy with a republican form of Government. So few Americans understand the constitution or even how OUR Government works.
We often forget it is OUR Government and we need to connect the dots between those who tell us to shrink OUR BIG BAD Government and those in the corpocracy who benefit by manipulating OUR elected representatives.
OUR Government is the only barrier to corporate totalitarianism. They have penetrated as high as the SCOTUS and over the decades have occupied the White house and controlled congress as well.
Even as a minority using the filibuster the republican party has managed to kill any chance of a robust recovery, lest it reduce their chances to take power once again.
As an aside we should understand that a republic without democracy is a plutocracy. Right now in America based on the way elections are manipulated and the lack of voter turn-out we have a plutocracy. A small number of individuals running the show in deference to themselves. people like Mitt Romney.
I say that if we eliminate waste and treat everyone fairly we will smooth out the economic bumps and treat everyone much more fairly.
Some who are in good shape don;t want to see this - many out of fear that what they have will be taken away.
The solution is not robbing peter to pay paul - but an emphasis on conservation, reducing waste and a fair chance for all.
The last thing humans should be worried about is taxing a handful of other wealthy humans who don't need 90% of the wealth they've accumulated to begin with.
The only thing that excessive wealth can produce is abuse of the masses.
That is what has happened in America and across the globe in rich nations. Even poor nations where corrupt leaders have been bankrolled by countries like the USA, UK and France.
What can be done about this?
The media is under the control of capitalism and owned by the perpetrators.
How do we communicate with one another? The Internet is the last chance for all humans to compare notes. Citizen journalism. The dispersal of the truth for all to digest.
Sharing ideas that can be tested for logic and correctness. Calling attention to the tyranny of media propaganda; and then finally ending it!
One way to get the ball rolling is to become conservers and stop consuming.
You will be healthier, happier AND less poor as a result.


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Here's a look back at the most-clicked stories of the past week on MySuncoast.com.
Controversy over free admission to pumpkin festival
Crotinger was looking forward to attending Pumpkin Festival with his family and friends on Sunday using free tickets, but event organizers told him the tickets were only good for children.
Pinecraft Park shooting found to be self-inflicted
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, a landscaping crew discovered a man with a gunshot wound just before 9am and had a woman call 911 to report it.
Sperm whale beached near St. Petersburg is euthanized
The animal became stuck in the shallow water just dozens of feet from shore. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tells 10 News that the animal was emaciated and extremely thin.
Police: Band volunteer arrested for inappropriate activity with minor
According to Venice Police, a school resource officer received a complaint from school administration reporting that the student had been sexually victimized.
Father kills 2 children, self in north Fla. home
Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis says the father picked up 7-year-old Sebastian and 8-year-old Susana from school on Friday afternoon. He took them to visit their mother, Luz Jimenez, at her job.
North Dakota woman to substitute candy with letter for 'obese' kids
According to Valley News Live, the woman, identified only as "Cheryl", called the Y-94 radio station on Tuesday during a discussion about obesity. "I'm contributing to their health problems and really, their kids are everybody's kids. It's a whole village," she said in the interview.
Festival organizer dodges questions about foundation
"This is a fund raiser so I can't just let them in," said Fernandez.
Firefighter arrested for stealing over $220k from benevolent funds
The organization raises money to assist firefighters and their families during times of crisis and in many cases they also help citizens.
SUV crashes into Sarasota apartment building
It happened just before 4:30pm Tuesday in the Vintage Grand on Palmer Ranch complex located on Crocker's Lake Boulevard near Sarasota Square Mall.
Child abuse charges for man accused of smoking synthetic marijuana
Deputies were called to Sarasota Memorial Hospital Sunday morning after the infant was brought in with facial and head trauma.


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i bought a new pc with windows vista in austria and wireless worked
perfectly....now i am in spain and suddenly wireless doesn't work any
more...my laptop can find some different wireless connections with are around
but can't connect with any...the error is undefined...it can't repair
it...nothing works
firewall is off, DNA & IP adress are applied automatically; and in the
internet options i don't choose a connection. (sorry, but i don't know the
proper names in english - i hope you know what i mean)
today i bought an wireless adapter (i thought that it maybe will work) but
it doesnt work either:
the problem is that i don't have access to any modem. i just have the
wireless connection!
i hope i made myself clear and somebody could help me.
thx a lot, Magda


text:
Freepages-Help-L ArchivesArchiver > Freepages-Help > 2010-09 > 1285167860
From: Ian Singer <>
Subject: Re: [FreeHelp] Getting Started With Freepges
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:04:20 -0400
References: <firstname.lastname@example.com> <email@example.com><email@example.com>
In-Reply-To: <firstname.lastname@example.com>
On 9/22/2010 10:09 AM, Billie Walsh wrote:
> Later I split everything out into it's own directory. One for pictures,
> one for the data files, one for the name indexes, etc. In some cases
> sub-sub-directories for individual family information. Made my life much
> simpler.
Very true.
> I don't know how many others do this, but I keep complete copies of all
> my websites on my computer. That way I can edit off line and then
> upload. I can also make sure that all internal and external links work
> like they should
And how do you verify a link on your computer as either it is direct
such as http://www.iansinger.com/pictures/1.jpg or is relative where the
path is specified with .. from where you are. Neither method will work
on your local computer as you will not have the same pathing, unless
maybe you set it up as a server.
Ian Singer
See my homepage at http://www.iansinger.com
hosted on http://www.1and1.com/?k_id=10623894
All genealogy is stored in TMG from http://www.whollygenes.com
Charts and searching using TNG from http://www.tngsitebuilding.com
I am near Toronto Canada, can I tell where you are from your reply?
This thread:
|Re: [FreeHelp] Getting Started With Freepges by Ian Singer <>


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He-Man is sexy and he knows it. Plus he's ripped and can dance, meaning that during his fame in the early 1980s he was a magnet for anything with spandex, shoulder pads and a feathered hairstyle—and by "feathered" I mean a sorceress with a bird on her head.
Check out the video after the break.
(via Devour)


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Get an overview of this hotelSki-in/ski-out condo with an outdoor pool
Popular property highlights
These condos are located throughout the area in Copper Mountain.
Property Features
With direct access to the slopes, Rocky Mountain Resort Management Copper Mountain makes guests feel at home with amenities like an outdoor pool, ski storage, and ski passes.
Room Amenities
All 23 condos boast fireplaces and offer free WiFi and living rooms. Dining areas and microwaves are standard, as are TVs with cable channels.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Rocky Mountain Resort Management Copper Mountain
Condo Amenities
Condo Amenities
After a day on the snow, enjoy a relaxing soak in the spa tub and an invigorating swim in the outdoor swimming pool. Conveniences like ski storage and ski passes allow you to spend less time with logistics and more time on the slopes.
Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access. Onsite self parking is complimentary.
- Total number of rooms - 23
- Barbecue grill(s)
- Concierge services
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Laundry facilities
- Picnic area
- Free self parking
- Free area shuttle
- Ski storage
- Ski passes available
- Ski-in/ski-out access
- Spa services on site
- Spa tub
- Outdoor pool
Family Friendly Amenities
- Outdoor pool
- Separate living room
- Free Wi-Fi
- Area shuttle (complimentary)
- Laundry facilities
- Separate dining area
- Microwave
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Fireplace
- Separate sitting area
- Microwave
- Coffee/tea maker
- Private bathroom
- Bathtub or shower
- Television
- Separate dining area
- Cable TV service
- Free WiFi
- Separate living room
Nearby Things to Do
An outdoor pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include ski-in/ski-out access.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Downhill skiing nearby
- Cross-country skiing nearby
- Snowboarding nearby
- Snowmobiling nearby
- Snowshoeing nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
- Rafting nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Mountain biking nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Parasailing nearby
- Ski lessons available nearby
- Ski equipment rental shops nearby
- Golf lessons available nearby
- Personal motorized watercraft on site
Condo Policies
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
Check-in time ends at 8 AM
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is 10 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
No rollaway/extra beds available
No cribs (infant beds) available
Condo Name
- Rocky Mountain Management Copper Mountain
- Rocky Mountain Resort Management Copper Mountain
- Rocky Resort Management
We should mention
Accommodations are situated at multiple addresses.


text:
Sea Juice Center Fin - FCS Compatible
$ 35.00
( Center Fin ) FCS Compatible: From North Narrabeen Beach Australia, where new designs are born and tested, comes the Sea Juice. Increased tip area with a swallowtail that creates forward thrust similar to the fastest fish in the ocean. Maintains speed through turns and quick directional changes. By using larger side fins you can use the Sea Juice fin in big surf with fantastic results.
HEIGHT: 4.87" / 123 mm
BASE: 4.62" / 119 mm
AREA: 13.45"² / 86.81 cm²
check out the website for more info: seajuice.com
We use a real time shipping calculator to give you the best rates from the following carriers: USPS, UPS, Fed Ex
You will automatically receive a tracking number once your order is shipped.
Orders placed Monday thru Thursday should be shipped by following business day. Orders placed on holidays or weekends will begin processing the next business day. Customer is responsible for all shipping and freight charges. Customer must notify True Ames Fins at time of purchase if a signature is required for residential deliveries. True Ames Fins is not liable for any lost or stolen goods that are delivered to a residence without requiring a signature.
Items being returned must be postmarked within 10 days of date received. Items that have been altered in any way cannot be accepted. True Ames Fins is not responsible for return shipping. Returned packages must be shipped to:True Ames Fins74 Aero Camino #AGoleta, CA 93117


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Coach sees great things ahead for baseball team
MADISON When Bob Chandler looks over his roster and talks about his Madison High School baseball team, he can't help but smile.
The team has what Chandler calls "the best young talent we've had in a long time."
That's saying something since this is Chandler's 13th season as the Dodgers' head coach.
Chandler sees an up and coming team that could accomplish a lot over the next three seasons.
"I look for us to be at least .500 or better this season," Chandler said in a telephone interview on Sunday afternoon. "But after this year, I believe we'll make strong runs at the county, conference and even state levels.
"Our approach is different this year. Before it was the conference games we concentrated on to win. This year we want to win every game and qualify for the state tournament."
Chandler sees an opening day lineup that will include four sophomores, a junior and freshman shortstop Sean Anthony.
"Sean takes the sport very seriously," Chandler said. "He's outstanding in the field and loves to compete."
One of the sophomores, Tom Kelleher, will form the other half of the double play combo at second base. Kelleher played freshman ball last year as a third baseman.
"He can hit, has good instincts and he'll just get better as the season goes," Chandler said.
Another sophomore starter will be catcher Steffan Bozik, who played second and shortstop last year as a freshman on the varsity.
"His best position is catcher," Chandler said, "but last year he was behind Joel Phillips (now a senior) and Eric Miranda, who graduated last June. Steffan played great the last half of the season."
Leading the Dodgers will be senior captains centerfielder Sean Dolan, first baseman Dan Fargnoli and pitcher/outfielder Joel Phillips.
Dampening the optimism in the early going this spring has been the injury bug that has hit three players.
Phillips is still recovering from a torn knee ligament suffered during the football season last fall. Phillips was a second team all-area pitcher last season. He was 3-6 with a 6.04 earned run average.
"That isn't bad on a team that was only 6-14 overall."
Phillips hit .333 last year and had nine runs batted in.
"He could DH some and play the outfield, we'll just have to see how the leg holds up," Chandler said.
Phillips was to throw off a mound for the first time this spring on Monday, but inclement weather again may have delayed that.
"He's just been able to bat and throw, but he's been cleared to do anything now," Chandler said. "There's no rush to get him ready."
Also injured is outfielder Andrew Coleman, who suffered a partially torn knee ligament in physical education class a couple of weeks ago. Coleman figured to be a factor in the outfield for the Dodgers.
"Getting Coleman back will be a big plus. He's a great defensive player," Chandler said.
Chandler is also awaiting the return of sophomore outfielder Jordan Preston, who chipped a pelvic bone while swinging the bat. He's out four to five weeks.
Preston figured to be in the mix as a leftfielder, according to Chandler.
"We've had to do some shifting," Chandler said.
Slugger At First
Fargnoli will be back for his third season at first base.
He too was injured part of last season, but came on strong the last half, batting .417 with a homer, two doubles, two triples and 13 runs batted in in only 13 games.
"He runs the bases well, too, for a big kid," Chandler said. "He can hit and is a good fielder."
Junior Zach Ellis is back for his third season at third base.
Ellis batted .355 last year with two triples and eight runs batted in.
"He's a great hitter, hits the ball real hard and he'll be our cleanup hitter," Chandler said.
Ellis will also see some action on the mound this season.
Chandler has switch senior captain Dolan from second base to center field this year.
A three-year varsity player, Dolan is being counted on to fill the void left in center by Peter Corea, who graduated last June.
"He hit great as a sophomore and tailed off a little last year, but he's been hitting the ball well in scrimmages," Chandler said. "He had three doubles and a triple last year so there is some power there."
Besides Preston, left field will be manned by sophomores Ben Shoaf and Steve Bunkewicz and senior Clinton DeGroat, who can also pitch.
Sophomore Geoff Mat, who played varsity last season, figures to play some right field when not pitching. Mat, a lefthander, figures to be one of the Dodgers' main starters on the mound. He was 1-0 as a freshman.
Chandler also had high praise for senior Colin Rafter.
"Colin plays everywhere. He can play third, short, rightfield, second base, first base and will be one of our top four pitchers. He's an invaluable player who we can really count on."
Other players who figure to see action this season include first time varsity players senior Ed Meyer, a pitcher, outfielder and infielder; George Pignataro, a senior pitcher, infielder and outfielder; junior Jason Merrick, and junior Matt Biedka.
"We have a lot of kids who can pitch and we have a lot of versatility," Chandler said. "We have 10-11 kids who we're counting on to be versatile. Hopefully the hitting will come around.
"This is a team that will be fun to watch over the next three years. We have some great young talent."
The Dodgers open their 21-game regular season at home next Monday against Millburn. The Dodgers will also be home on Wednesday against Pequannock.


text:
Kittanning argues over next police chief
KITTANNING — An attempt by council to hire a new borough police chief on Monday seemed more like an April Fools' Day joke since it is still unclear who is filling the position vacated by retiring Chief Ed Cassesse.
Councilwoman Kim Fox made the motion to nominate Kittanning police officer Bruce Matthews for the position of chief of police.
The vote passed with a 5-3 majority with council President Chris Schiano, councilman Mike Rosenberger, councilwomen Betsy Wilt and Joie Pryde voting yes and councilmen Richard Reedy, Ange Turco and Andrew Peters voting no.
Reedy argued that he thought the purpose of Monday's vote was to nominate people for the position and said he had someone, other than Matthews, whom he wanted to nominate for chief.
He said it was unclear to him that the issue put to vote was to appoint a new chief that night and said he had not attended the interviews for candidates in the last couple of weeks because of poor health.
Fox said she could reword the motion to appoint Matthews for the position of chief.
However, Turco moved to table the decision until the solicitor was present.
Borough solicitor Chase McClister was absent from the meeting.
Peters agreed with Turco and also moved to table the decision.
"I knew this would happen," said Schiano, adding that council would call a special meeting as soon as McClister was able to attend.
Mayor Kirk Atwood said in the interim, he would appoint Kittanning police officer Pete Harmon to the position of officer in charge.
Schiano told Atwood that the appointed position would only be until the vote at the special meeting determined who the new chief would be.
"The motion Kim made is off the books," Schiano said to Betty Thompson, the borough secretary.
Even so, Reedy and Schiano continued to argue over the issue.
"We voted for a chief tonight,"said Schiano. "We can have our solicitor say what we did or did not do."
Schiano said after the meeting that council had interviewed about 14 candidates for the chief position.


text:
[Date Index]
[Thread Index]
[Author Index]
RE: RealOnly
Ted Ersek has written a package, SwitchableRealOnly, that does
what you wish. You can read about it at
Harvey P. Dale
University Professor of Philanthropy and the Law
Director, National Center on Philanthropy and the Law
New York University School of Law
Room 206A
110 West 3rd Street
New York, N.Y. 10012-1074
-----Original Message-----
From: Ray [mailto:rayfg at optonline.net]
To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
Subject: [mg39189] [mg39180] RealOnly
If I activate <<Miscellaneous`RealOnly` to do a calculation where I only
want real values, how can I get rid of it so I can do a different
calculation involving complex values. In other words, how do I close the
RealOnly function. Is there another way of doing a calculation that will
work only in the reals without opening RealOnly. Thanks.


text:
Shrimp Calzones
READY IN: 38mins
Recipe by Derf2440
Kids love these, (so do I), or forget the kids, they make great appitizers if you make them small. From Cooking Light
Top Review by Kittencalrecipezazz
This was good but I think I would mix some pasta sauce in with the tomato paste next time it was just a bit too thick for our liking, thanks for sharing Derf!...Kitten:)
See Discussion:1 Review
Ingredients Nutrition
- 1 (10 ounce) package prepared pizza crust
- 1⁄3 cup Italian-style tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1⁄4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 (8 ounce) packagefrozen cooked baby shrimp, thawed and drained
- butter-flavored cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
Directions See How It's Made
- roll pizza crust into 18 x 10 inch rectangle.
- cut into 6 (6x5 inch) retangles.
- Combine tomato paste, water,and Italian seasoning.
- Spread evenly over retangles, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
- Arrange shrimp evenly over half of eaach rectangle.
- Brush edges of rectangles with water.
- Fold rectangles in half crosswise over shrimp, press edges together with a fork.
- Place calzones on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
- Coat tops with cooking spray, and sprinkle evenly with parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes or until lightly browned.


text:
101-19 Cardigan with V-neck and textured border by DROPS design
Welcome! You are browsing as a guestWould you like to see 20 projects made from this pattern and much more? create a free account What am I missing?
© Drops Design
101-19 Cardigan with V-neck and textured border
This pattern is available for free.
Ocean blue cardigan and a cloud free sky. The light part of the year demands a couple of favorite garments and this one can be used at ANY occasion! Get started!"
Materials: DROPS Safran from Garnstudio
200-200-250-250-300 g colour no. 06, jeans blue.
and use: DROPS Cotton Viscose from Garnstudio
300-300-350-400-450 g colour no. 22, jeans blue
DROPS pointed needles size 5 mm / US 8 or the size needed to obtain the correct knitting tension.
DROPS buffalo horn buttons, no. 537: 5 pcs.
Knitting gauge: 17 sts x 22 rows on needles size 5 mm / US 8 knitted in stockinette sts using 1 strand of each quality = 10 x 10 cm / 4" x 4".
Because of the texture of the pattern the garment will contract a little, but it is very elastic.
For more information, see: http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/us/pattern.php?id=324...


text:
Home :: USE YOUR OWN PHONE :: NET10 4G LTE SIM Card kit
BYOP - Bring your own phone! Use your own unlocked compatible GSM phone Nationwide with NET10! If you purchase a new phone online, it will include a SIM card Free but if you would like to use an existing phone, purchase this SIM card activation Kit.
* Works with any unlocked compatible GSM phone including smart phones
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* Get up to 4G LTE speeds on AT&T or T-Mobile Nationwide.
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NET10 SIM Card will only work with an AT&T or T-mobile compatible or unlocked GSM phone. To activate your service, you will need a NET10 30-Day Monthly Plan for activation. Some data services may not be available with all wireless devices. Blackberrys and branded TracFone, SafeLink, NET10 or Straight Talk phones will not work with this program. In order for your phone's data services to work, you must update your APN data settings, also called the Access Point Name. SIM Cards and Service Plans are not refundable. Please read our FAQ page for common questions and programming instructions.
SIM Card kits are only compatible with NET10 MONTHLY & FAMILY Plans.


text:
- Clearance Sale
www.Grit.com | Subscribe Questions? Call 1-866-803-7096 or Contact Us
Do you have questions about woodworking? Spike Carlsen has the answers! Woodworking FAQ has everything you want to know, whether you're a beginner planning your first project or an experienced crafter putting in cabinets or making furniture. This book is like a master carpenter standing at your elbow to answer questions as they arise, including: How do I make base molding fit tightly on the inside corners? How do I prevent splintering on the end of a board when I rout it? How do I taper cut a table leg? Is there any way to take the wobble out of a chair without taking the whole thing apart? With its comprehensive information, friendly question-and-answer format, and convenient lay-flat binding, Woodworking FAQ will be the most important tool in your workshop.
Category: Building, Miscellaneous Homesteading
Author: Spike Carlsen
Pages: 304
Format: PBK
Weight: 1.34
Item Number: 6100
We stand by our products. If you are not fully satisfied at any time with your purchase, simply return the item and we will issue you a full refund. No questions asked. Shipping and handling is nonrefundable.
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1503 SW 42nd St.
Topeka, Kansas 66609-1265


text:
My dog suffers from a contact allergy from something that he encounters on walks in summer. It makes him itchy which he scratches insistently which can then cause bleeding. I took him to the vets and she said it must be a plant or something that he is rubbing against and other than just not taking him walks there wasn't a lot she could do other than recommend some creams.
She recommend a particular cream which helped but I wanted to try this too because I really believe that tea tree can work wonders for skin conditions in the right quantities. I didn't want to try and mix anything with pure tea tree myself for him as I didn't want to get the quatities wrong and end up irritating his skin even more.
As this was designed for small animals I was confident that it would be in the right quanitities not to irritate his skin any further.
I paid £4 for the pot of cream and I thought this was quite reasonable as the one that the vet had originally recommended had cost me considerably more.
It has a nice smell that isn't too strong for sensitive pet's noses. It is a mild medicated smell with tea tree and smells perfectly pleasant and just like a lot of human creams.
I was really impressed with how well this cream worked. The first time that I used it my dog's skin was red and sore looking where he had been scratching and chewing it and this took a lot of the redness out of it really quickly and I could definitely see an improvement straight away in my dog as straight away he didn't feel the need to continue biting and liking the sore area.
I now use this all the time when he has any sore bits of skin and it takes away the sensitivity from it and really helps to heal the skin. I have to use it quite a lot in the summer to be sure that whatever is causing his irritation doesn't flare up but in winter I only have to use it occasionally but it really works so is worth every penny.
I have a young Stafforshire Bull Terrior , due to their short haired fur, they are prone to skin conditions.
The one that affects mine specifically is a form of quite sever ezema, accross the back of her neck, her head and upper back.
After several very costly trips to the vet the condition, was getting no better.
So I decided to take matters in to my own hands, and try to soothe my poor puppys, sore and itch skin.
In my local Pets at Home store, I spoke to a sales advisor, and she recomended this specific product, although it is generally recommended for rabbits, guinea-pigs and other small animals, to deal with her ezema, it cost around £4, for a 50ml tub, which lasted us around a month.
It is a herbal remedy, which contains no toxins, and is suitable for use upon sensitive skin. It comes in a thick white cream formula, and is easy to apply. It has a nice tea-tree fragrance, but is not too over-powering. It is recommended to be applied twice per day.
Within a week, I could clearly notice the result, my puppy's ezema, was begining to heal severly. She has stopped her constant scratching at it, and the redness was definitely beginning to fade.
I lowered the dose to once per day and continued to use it daily, my puppy is a just over a year old now (and touch wood) it hasn't returned.
I now use this product daily, and it has become the morning routine, after breakfast.
The only small downside to it is, it leaves a greasy coating to your own skin after application, which is quite stubborn to wash off (but if it's helping your beloved pet, who cares about this).
I also use this on any minor scrapes, either of my dogs get when running around the park. So its also a must have for any doggy first-aid kit.
So this product saved me a fortune on costly vet trips, that weren't making a diffrence. I would definetly recommend it to others, with pets who have problem skin conditions, major or minor, although I would still advise you seek vetenary assistance.
I was at my local Pets at Home store the other day and noticed this on the shelf, at the time I was having a bit of a guinea pig splurge and had already treated them to some blackcurrant and oregano pellets; marigold timothy hay and some spot on flea treatment, seeing as a tub of this was priced at under £3 I decided to buy some - you never know when you'll need a product like this.
Johnson's Tea Tree Skin Cream comes in a little white tub, each tub has 50gm of white cream in it. The cream is quite thick with a lovely tea tree fragrance to it that's instantly noticeable as soon as you take off the lid.
My boys have been suffering with dry itchy skin and I've tried literally every product, from special shampoos to treatments for mites. I decided that this was worth trying. This cream is a soothing antiseptic and I found that it didn't need a lot of rubbing in, I've used it a couple of times now and their skin does seem to be getting better and they're certainly not scratching as much as they used to.
This cream is priced cheaply and the most you can expect to pay for it is around £2.99, though it is available in some places online for quite a bit cheaper. It's suitable for all small furries from rabbits to hamsters and is also fine for your dog or cat.
Looking around online I've seen that a lot of people view this product as a godsend, so far it's working for me and my pigs. The cream can be used on any scapes, cuts etc that your pet has - it's really worth having some to hand. It's easy to apply and doesn't sit on the skin, very soothing and with a smell that I personally love. For all you pet owners out there, go out and grab yourself a tub!
Johnsons Tea Tree skin cream is for use on Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Hamsters etc to soothe and calm itchy skin.
We bought this when my Guinea Pig had just been treated for mites and had lots of itchy scabs on his body, he kept biting them to stop the itching which meant the scabs weren't healing, but there was not really anything the vet could do, like with a human when a scab starts to heal it gets very very itchy, and there's not really much you can do to stop it!
So, when we went to a pet shop called Jolleys in Runcorn just down the road from where we live, we saw this for £2.50 for a small 50g tub, we thought we'd give it a go.
When we opened it up, we got a strong smell of tea tree, which I personally don't think smells too good, but it's not terrible. The cream is the thickness of moituriser and is a thick white colour, it's very easy to apply to the animal, simply put it on your finger, or on a piece of cotton wool/tissue paper, and put it on the affected area of the animal.
I found my piggies weren't too fond of the stuff, and would try and eat it when you first put it on, but after a minute or so it soaks into the skin and does it's magic.
When we used this, the scabs on my piggy went after just a few days of him not itching them, and he was all better for his fur to grow back, without this I don't think he would have stopped biting the scabs, and they'd have taken a long time to heal, and then he would have been left with scars and possibly tufts of fur missing which would have been a shame as he has gorgeous thick ginger, brown and white long hair!
The product contains Tea Tree Oil, Lavender oil and aloe vera oil, all of which help to soothe minor abrasions and scrapes-obviously it shouldn't be used as a cure to an illness and if scbas are appearing all over the animal without any reason, you should really take them to the vet if its not getting better with this kind of treatment, but this worked for us on the scabs, and its great to use if they have a bite or another small cut it does help it heal :)
*What is Johnson's Tea Tree Skin Cream?*
This tea tree cream is part of the Johnson's range of veterinary standard products available 'over the counter' for the treatment of minor injuries/conditions in animals. They can be used to help heal and relieve symptoms of discomfort but shouldn't be used as a substitute for proper veterinary attention when needed.
*The product itself & how to use*
Johnson's tea tree cream is a useful product for pet owners as it can be used for many different complaints on a wide range of pets including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. The soft white cream, as the name suggests, contains tea tree oil which is known for its antiseptic soothing properties and assists in keeping infection at bay whilst speeding up healing at the same time.
It can used on dry itchy skin, sore patches, minor cuts and grazes, sunburn and bites/stings from other animals- you should clean and check the area thoroughly for any foreign bodies before applying sparingly three times a day and if needed, apply a loose dressing afterwards to prevent the animal from licking the cream off and irritating the wound further. Under no circumstances should this product be used on major skin conditions, and if symptoms persist for more than seven days you should consult your veterinary surgery.
The cream comes in a small white screw-top tub, which is poorly designed and hard to unscrew and handle whilst trying to hold a wriggling pet in the other hand! On the tub you will find basic instructions on how to use the product and all the other usual contact information for the company that you would expect to find.
*Price & Availability*
A 50g tub of this product will cost you £2.45 from most of the larger pet stores or online shops such as Pet Planet. Some veterinary surgeries that have shops often stock it too.
*My opinion*
Three weeks ago a group of seven neglected Guinea Pigs were brought into the veterinary surgery in which I work. All of them were malnourished, covered in sores and generally in very poor condition and naturally, it's rather hard to find homes for seven neglected guinea pigs - the only rescue centre nearby that takes small animals was full to the brim, and the other option was putting them to sleep. You can probably guess where I'm going with this by now- yep, all seven guinea pigs came home with me (although I DO plan to rehome them when they are well enough!). Before they were rescued they had all been living in one small hutch with 2 inches of their own waste on the floor- the acidity of their soiled bedding they had been forced to live on had actually caused the skin to peel off the soles of their feet, leaving them a cracked, red-raw mess.
This is where this cream came in, I have been applying a small covering to all of their feet three times a day for the past three weeks and already they have all already nearly cleared up- the cracked skin is now a lot smoother, the redness soothed and new healthy skin has grown. I'm very pleased with the quick results and I reckon I shall only have to use it for another week at most before they are back to how they should be. It was also very useful for applying to the tip of one of my rabbits ears when it got snagged on a bramble, and for treating a minor scratch on another one of my rabbits.
*Pro's & Con's*
+ Quick working, and it actually does work
+ Contains tea tree oil
+ Cheap
+ Easily available
+ Quick and easy to apply
- Could be misused if used as a substitute for proper vet care on major or long lasting skin conditions
- Slightly messy to apply
- Hard to prevent animals from licking the cream off
- Bedding sticks to the cream on the animal
- Can spoil the animals fur
A soft, soothing cream known for its antiseptic and germicidal properties


text:
Jaguar, Land Rover Looking to Share Platforms
Jaguar and Land Rover are looking towards the success of Volkswagen's MQB platform in order to produce a shared platform that could underpin 70 to 80 percent of the automakers' main, high-volume models.
Current Land Rover models are produced across four different platforms, while Jaguar has separate platforms for its XF, XJ, and XK models. The two automakers already share infotainment systems, seats, and drivetrains, but finding a scalable platform that will work for both British automakers will cut costs significantly.
Jaguar's global brand director, Adrian Hallmark, did acknowledge that it's a work-in-progress and is certainly nothing that will happen overnight. But the goal is to have two to three platforms across both brands.
[Source: Autocar UK]


text:
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
This paper presents an outdoors laser-based pedestrian tracking system using a group of mobile robots located near each other. Each robot detects pedestrians from its own laser scan image using an occupancy-grid-based method, and the robot tracks the detected pedestrians via Kalman filtering and global-nearest-neighbor (GNN)-based data association. The tracking data is broadcast to multiple robots through intercommunication and is combined using the covariance intersection (CI) method. For pedestrian tracking, each robot identifies its own posture using real-time-kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS) and laser scan matching. Using our cooperative tracking method, all the robots share the tracking data with each other; hence, individual robots can always recognize pedestrians that are invisible to any other robot. The simulation and experimental results show that cooperating tracking provides the tracking performance better than conventional individual tracking does. Our tracking system functions in a decentralized manner without any central server, and therefore, this provides a degree of scalability and robustness that cannot be achieved by conventional centralized architectures.
Tracking (
Recently, many studies related to multi-robot coordination and cooperation have been conducted [
In an intelligent transport system (ITS), if the tracking data is shared with neighboring vehicles through vehicle-to-vehicle communication, each vehicle can detect pedestrians efficiently. This facilitates the construction of an advanced driver-assistance-system. Even if pedestrians suddenly run into roads, the vehicles can detect them, and hence drivers can stop their vehicles to prevent an accident.
This paper presents a pedestrian tracking method employing multiple mobile robots and vehicles. Most studies of cooperative tracking by multiple mobile robots focus on motion planning and controlling issues [
There has been considerable research in cooperative pedestrian tracking using multiple static sensors located in the environment [
In this paper, we extend our previous method to pedestrian tracking with multiple mobile robots in the proximity to each other. As illustrated in
Recent studies [
The robot is equipped with a single-layered LRS (Sick LMS100). The LRS captures laser scan images that are represented by a sequence of distance samples in a horizontal plane of 270 deg. The angular resolution of the LRS is 0.5 deg, and the number of distance samples is 541 in one scan image. The onboard computer is a Lenovo ThinkPad R500 with a 2.4 GHz Intel core 2 duo processor, and the operating system used is Microsoft Windows Vista. The sampling frequency of the sensors is 10 Hz.
Broadcast communication via a wireless LAN is used to exchange information among the robots. It takes approximately 40 ms to exchange information between robots. We employ a ring-type network structure in which the robots transmit information in the sequence: robot #1, #2, and #3.
We define two coordinate frames: the world coordinate frame,
The detected pedestrians are tracked using the following two tracking modes (
A pedestrian position in
The measurement model related to the pedestrian is then:
To track multiple pedestrians, as shown in
In our simulation and experiment described in Section 5, the radius of the validation region is set at 1.0 m. The covariances of the plant and measurement noises in
In crowded environments, as shown in
We consider that, in a validation region,
We then define the following cost matrix
We assume that the
Pedestrians always appear in and disappear from the LRS sensing area. They also face interaction and occlusion issues. In order to handle such conditions, we implement a tracking management system based on the following rules:
For simplicity, in this paper, pedestrians are assumed to move at an almost constant velocity, and they are tracked using the usual Kalman filter. If the pedestrians move randomly, such as walking, running, going or stopping suddenly, and turning suddenly, using multi-model-based tracking can improve the tracking performance [
When the robots are located near to each other, the tracking mode is switched to cooperative tracking. They communicate with each other and exchange their own tracking data, which consist of estimated positions and velocities of tracked pedestrians and their associated error covariances. Because tracking data are shared, each individual robot constantly tracks pedestrians both inside and outside its own LRS sensing area.
To elucidate cooperative tracking in detail, we consider two robots #1 and #2, as shown in
First, we set a validation region with a constant radius around the position estimate
As shown in
As shown in When a pedestrian appears inside the sensing area of robot #1 but outside that of robot #2, as shown in When a pedestrian appears inside the sensing area of robot #2 but outside that of robot #1 as shown in
When a pedestrian appears inside the sensing area of robot #1 but outside that of robot #2, as shown in
When a pedestrian appears inside the sensing area of robot #2 but outside that of robot #1 as shown in
Cooperative tracking with three or more robots can be achieved in a similar manner. Decentralized data fusion provides better system scalability and reliability than centralized data fusion [
Data association is important in pedestrian tracking. In this paper, we apply GNN-based data association to match the current measurement scan to the existing tracks. An alternative effective data association algorithm is multiple hypothesis tracking (MHT) [
To achieve cooperative tracking, each robot must always identify its own posture (position and orientation) with a high degree of accuracy in a world coordinate frame
The robot estimates its own velocity (linear/turning velocity) based on dead reckoning using the wheel encoders and gyro. The robot is assumed to move at nearly constant velocity. Motion and measurement models of the
The measurement model related to the RTK-GPS is given by:
If the robot obtains posture information from the RTK-GPS, the robot can update its own posture and its associated covariance using Kalman filter as follows:
When multiple robots are located near each other, they have an overlapping sensing area. They improve their own posture accuracy by exchanging their laser-scan images and matching them in their overlapping sensing area.
To elucidate scan matching based localization in detail, we consider two robots #1 and #2, as shown in
Measurement model related to the relative-scan matching is given by:
In the experiment described in Section 5.2, it is very difficult to recognize the true positions of the tracked pedestrians. Therefore, we evaluate the performance of the proposed method by simulating four-pedestrian tracking by two robots. As shown in
First of all, we compare the result of cooperative tracking by GNN data association with that of individual tracking by GNN data association. Both tracking modes have the similar tracking error before 200 scan (20 s); however, individual tracking mode causes large tracking error after 200 scan. Because pedestrian #2 is shadowed by pedestrian #1 around 183 scan, robot #1 loses pedestrian #2 and large tracking error occurs in individual tracking mode after 200scan. However, pedestrian #2 is visible by robot #2 even around 183 scan, and thus cooperative tracking can maintain the accurate tracking after 200scan.
Both tracking modes temporarily cause large tracking error around 160 scan (around (
NN-based data association very often causes incorrect matching of tracked pedestrians and LRS measurements, and this results in the track being lost. On the other side, GNN data association reduces the track lost. Therefore, the tracking error by GNN data association becomes smaller than that by NN data association. As the result, it is clear from
Next, we simulate the effect of the data fusion methods for the cooperative tracking to the tracking error. For comparison purpose, we consider three data fusion methods: CI method, Kalman filter, and averaging method. In the Kalman filter, data fusion is achieved by considering the tracking data sent from other robots to be measurements. Based on the averaging method, each robot tracks pedestrians by simply averaging its own tracking data with the tracking data sent from other robots; the averaging method equals CI method by setting the weight
To evaluate the tracking method, we conducted an experiment in an outdoor environment shown in
This paper presents a laser-based pedestrian tracking method using multiple mobile robots. Pedestrians were tracked by each robot using Kalman filter and GNN based data association. The tracking data obtained by each robot was broadcast to others robots and was combined by the CI method. Our method shares the pedestrian tracking data with all robots, and thus, collectively they can always recognize pedestrians that may be invisible to individual robots. The method was validated by simulation and experiment. Our tracking system worked effectively in a decentralized manner without any central server.
In the experiment, three pedestrians were tracked in a sparse environment. We will next conduct pedestrian tracking experiments in crowded environments. To achieve cooperative tracking, the robots must always identify their own postures with a high degree of accuracy in a common coordinate frame, for which, in this paper, we applied two localization methods: RTK-GPS-based and relative-scan matching-based. However, in outdoor environments such as areas surrounded by high buildings and roadside trees, it is difficult for robots to obtain posture information accurately by GPS due to GPS multipath and diffraction problems and so on. To cope with this problem, we will embed a simultaneously localization and mapping (SLAM) method into our tracking system; SLAM-GPS fusion based localization will always maintain a high degree of positioning accuracy, and therefore, it will enhance the robustness of our cooperative pedestrian tracking system in GPS-denied environments such as urban cities.
This study was partially supported by Scientific Grant #23560305, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
We determine the posture of robot #2 2
From the laser scan images taken by robots #1 and #2, we compute the relative posture 2
Each sample
To reduce the effects of correspondence errors in the distance samples in the two laser images, we define weight
The convergent value of
Pedestrian tracking system using multiple vehicles such as mobile robots, cars, and EPAMD.
Overview of the mobile robot system.
Tracking mode; robots #1 and #2 track a pedestrian in cooperative tracking mode, and robot #3 tracks a pedestrian in individual tracking mode. The red arc indicates the LRS sensing area.
Tracking condition; the red circle and black diamond indicate the tracked pedestrian and the measurement, respectively. The dashed circle indicates the validation region. (
Conditions in cooperative tracking. (
Robot localization by relative-scan matching; the solid and open circles indicate images scanned by robots #1 and #2, respectively.
Simulation condition. Red, blue, green and black lines indicate moving path of pedestrians #1, #2, #3 and #4, respectively.
Tracking error. (
View of experimental environments.
Movement path of robots and pedestrians. (
Pedestrian tracks estimated by individual tracking. (
Pedestrian tracks estimated by individual and cooperative tracking. Red, blue and green lines indicate paths of pedestrians #1, #2 and #3, respectively.
Duration of individual tracking. (
Duration of individual and cooperative tracking. The thin line indicates the time during which the pedestrian exits the sensing area of each robot. The bold line indicates the time during which the robot tracks pedestrians using the individual and cooperative tracking.
Relative-scan matching. Solid and open circles indicate scan images taken by robots #1 and #2, respectively.
Occupancy grid algorithm.
Intialize all cells in
Make an observation with laser range scanner.
Determine which cells in
If 0 <
Repeat from step 3.