text:
|Click on Images to Enlarge
These Stock Images were a request from my friend Angie, who blogs over at The Country Chic Cottage! She needed some Vintage Iron Graphics for a project that she wants to make. She's super crafty so I'm excited to see what she makes! These Electric Irons are from an early 1900's Catalog from my collection. The original is the black and white one at the top, but I made a second version of white on black, to give you another option. Great for your Laundry Room DIY Projects!
In Other News: Check out the pretty Dry Erase Board Project that Andrea posted on my DIY Blog!
Hello! Are you new to The Graphics Fairy?
Welcome, I'm so glad you're here! Browse around to find thousands of Stock Images that you can use in your projects or designs! I post new Vintage images every day. You can subscribe via email so that you don't miss a single graphic, just click HERE to sign up! Need more info about my site? Try my FAQ page.


text:
Those expecting a straight-ahead action movie in Luc Besson's "Lucy" may find this sci-fi head-scratcher a little crazy — but I don't think it's crazy enough.
Scarlett Johansson stars as Lucy, an American student in Taiwan who becomes an unwilling drug mule for a nasty Asian crime boss, Mr. Jang (played by the Korean star Choi Min-Sik). A pouch of a mysterious drug is surgically implanted in her belly, but when the parcel bursts into her bloodstream, the drug takes effect, opening up her mental capacity to unworldly levels. Seeking help from a professor (Morgan Freeman, in plot exposition mode), Lucy figures out how to harness her powers and go after Jang's gang.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Rumors of an Apple ( AAPL) iPad Mini swirled this week, after both The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reported that the consumer tech giant is readying a smaller version of its popular iPad. Citing unnamed sources, the Journal reported that the tablet's screen will be smaller than 8 inches. The iPad's screen will measure between 7 and 8 inches diagonally, according to Bloomberg, significantly smaller than the current iPad's 9.7-inch screen. In a note released on Tuesday, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White noted that a smaller-sized iPad could expand Apple's reach into emerging markets such as China, while also appealing to price sensitive customers in the U.S. and Europe. A smaller iPad would also prove popular in the education market, he added. "A smaller, more portable device would prove more suitable for younger children, while schools would appreciate the lower price point given the growing budget constraints," noted White. The Cupertino, Calif.-based firm, however, has previously disparaged 7-inch tablets. Former CEO Steve Jobs, for example, famously dismissed the smaller form-factor tablet, calling it "dead on arrival." > > Bull or Bear? Vote in Our Poll Rivals Amazon ( AMZN) and Barnes & Noble ( BKS) both tout 7-inch tablets while Google's ( GOOG) new Nexus tablet is also 7 inches. Apple has not yet responded to TheStreet's request for comment on this story. Shares of Apple, which this week hit $600 for the first time since April, gained 4.09% to close at $605.88 on Friday.
On Monday Microsoft ( MSFT) confirmed that it will cost users $39.99 for Windows 8 Pro if they upgrade from a previous version of Windows. When Windows 8 becomes generally available, users running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 will be able to download a copy of Windows 8 for $39.99, according to a Microsoft blog post. Microsoft has not given a specific date for when Windows 8 will be generally available, but it is aiming to have the software on the market in time for the holidays. There have also have been rumors that it could become available in October. Shares of Microsoft ended the week down 1.68% at $30.18.


text:
By Katie M. Scholz | 28 December 2012
(Thomson Reuters) Though the Patient Protection and Affordable Car Act (PPACA) was enacted three years ago, some provisions have only recently become controversial. One such provision, an excise tax on medical devices, is now an important fiscal cliff bargaining chip.
The medical device tax imposes a 2.3% tax on the sale of medical devices. Medical devices are defined broadly, including varied products such as heart implant products, general hospital equipment and tongue depressors. The tax was included in the PPACA as a funding source to make the bill deficit-neutral.
The administration advocates the increased cost to manufacturers will be offset by the influx of millions of new customers the PPACA promises. Critics, however, point to a similar, and never realized, promise made to include a device tax along with a universal healthcare bill in Massachusetts. The tax is expected to generate $29 billion in tax revenue over the next 10 years.
The impacts for manufacturers include not only an additional tax that cannot be transferred to consumers, but increased regulatory burdens as well. Device manufacturers and importers must file quarterly federal excise tax returns on Form 720 and make semi-monthly tax payments.
The medical device tax has its share of critics, including a group of senators pushing for its delay or repeal. Besides the general complaints about new corporate taxes, there are some specific issues with this medical device tax that raise concern. One of the biggest reasons given when advocating delay is industry confusion about the tax's implementation and coverage. Compounded with delayed IRS guidance, issued on December 5, 2012; requiring corporate compliance on January 1, 2013 is burdensome at best.
The largest complaint, however, is the application of the tax to gross sales rather than gross profits. The Medical Device Manufacturers Association estimates this tax could consume 65% of profits. For many companies, particularly start-ups, profits are crucial for reinvesting in job creation, research, and the clinical studies required to bring devices to market. Because the tax applies regardless of size, large manufacturers are better positioned to absorb the costs. The burden on small and start-up firms may end up harming patients if innovative manufacturers must either relocate or delay their U.S. product launches until they can afford the tax.
The United States is home to 40% of the global market for medical devices and instruments; one of the few industries enjoying a net trade surplus. In an attempt to protect this industry, momentum is growing to delay or repeal the medical device tax altogether. The fiscal cliff negotiations, still on-going, present an opportunity for bipartisan agreement on a tax both sides agree is not the best way to fund the PPACA.
While a tax on medical devices is not inherently bad, the breadth of this tax, and its application to gross sales instead of profit are troubling issues. Congress has an opportunity to cure these problems in the fiscal cliff negotiations – they should take care not waste it.


text:
The fifth annual Downtown Washington Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Sponsored by Downtown Washington Inc., volunteers will pull and spray weeds, mulch, plant flowers, pick up trash and do some light maintenance.
"We are looking for volunteers of all ages to help with projects all around the downtown area," said Danielle Grotewiel, event coordinator.
"This is a great project for students, Scouts, church groups, businesses, families — anyone who is interested in keeping Washington beautiful," she said.
Children are welcome, but need to be accompanied by an adult.
Downtown Washington Inc. board members and staff also will help in the cleanup.
Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last. Lunch also will be provided at noon by the Lions Club.
Grotewiel said the downtown organization is working with city officials to determine what projects need to be tackled.
The Washington Garden Club and the America in Bloom committee will be working that day as well at the downtown post office.
Volunteers can sign up by calling 636-239-1743, emailing firstname.lastname@example.com or through the website at www.downtownwashmo.org. Information also is available on the organization's Facebook page.
"Or people can just show up that morning, but to guarantee a T-shirt, it's best to sign up in advance," Grotewiel said.
Volunteers should dress appropriately, she said, wear sunscreen and bring extra water and work gloves.


text:
This wonderful property has everything you need to spend the most pleasant holiday with family or friends. Passed the electric gates we follow a path lined by palm trees that leads to the refurbished country house. Here we find an elegant living room which gives access to the guest rooms, kitchen, and master bedroom. Large sliding glass doors lead onto the outside area while flooding the interior with daylight. Outside we find a lovely and well-kept garden, a porch with an outside dining area and a pool with an inviting and cosy chill-out. The villa has a gate by which, after a short walk, the nearby beach can be reached.
Availability upon agreement.
Engel & Völkers does not accept responsibility as the information provided in this brochure is for information only and it is subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Taxes, notary and registry fees must be paid by purchaser, the commission to E&V paid by the seller as stipulated by Spanish regulations.


text:
Find Your Adventure
Travel Stories
by Risa Weinreb Wyatt & Andy Alpine
Chalk up another lifetime experience: bicycling across a moat. We pedaled through the massive entrance gate and over the stone bridge to enter the grounds of the Ch�teau de Santenay. The distinctive yellow, red, and green tile roof of the castle had served as our beacon as we cycled past vineyards up the hill from the town of Santenay. Dominating the countryside, this grand citadel dating to the 11th century had belonged to Philippe II le Hardi (Philip the Bold), the first duke of Burgundy and son of the king of France.
Along with our friends Andy and Daya, my partner Steen and I stood on the terrace of the ch�teau, looking down toward the stone structures of the town and the patchwork rows of vineyards cloaking the hillsides. But our most remarkable perspective came from how we were exploring Burgundy�s wine country: by canal barge.
Once major commercial thoroughfares, France�s canals and rivers now predominantly go with the flow of pleasure boating. In Burgundy, over a half-dozen cruising routes are available. Most follow in part the Sa�ne River that flows for 300 miles south through the heart of Burgundy to the Rh�ne River. For exploring, visitors can choose either hotel barges � vessels that carry from 6 to 20 guests and provide meals as well as staterooms and services � or self-drive boats, which was our choice.
The captain-it-yourself barges resemble the houseboats at U.S. locales such as Lake Shasta and Lake Mead, only sleeker and more yacht-like. Easy to drive, the newer, top-of-the-line barges offer features such as flying bridges, so the skipper can take the helm from inside or outside the vessel; as well as bow thrusters for better maneuvering in the locks and marinas. Handling the boats is easy since they motor along at a very stately 5 to 6 knots.
Combining a relaxed pace with the freedom of being able to do what you want, when you want, canal barging makes a perfect choice for friends seeking to vacation together. Buddies for nearly 20 years, Andy, Daya, Steen and I had shared adventures ranging from scuba diving in Roatan to caving in Dorgogne, so we knew we traveled well together. Even more importantly: we knew we cruised well together, having previously shared a canal-barging trip through France�s Languedoc region.
Our boat chartered from Crown Blue Line was a Calypso Elite, one of the newest and most luxurious additions to the fleet. Thanks to the wide (13-foot, 6-inch) beam, the boat featured big, open living spaces with a large salon fore and outdoor decks at the bow and on top. The galley was huge, accommodating a full-size refrigerator, stove, and tons of counter space. Although the barge had three cabins, we needed only the two aft ones (each with an en-suite bathroom with plentiful hot water) for sleeping; the third became a very comfortable walk-in closet for overflow clothes and luggage.
Once the realm of powerful dukes who vied against the kings of France for supremacy, Burgundy today reigns as the capital for Grands Crus wines and gastronomically lavish cuisine (think foie gras and escargot). On the corner of every byway, signposts announce legendary names: Chablis, Vosne-Roman�e, Puligny-Montrachet, Gevrey-Chambertin. �Burgundy features a remarkable ampelographic unity,� one of the Michelin guides proclaims solemnly, since just two grape varietals dominate the vineyards here: Pinot noir for red wines and Chardonnay for white wines. Landscapes mingle vistas of vineyards with pastures for pale-beige charolais cattle ... simple half-timbered cottages with mighty ch�teaux crowned by the region�s characteristic tile roofs.
We cast off on a sunny afternoon from St. Jean de Losne, setting for the largest inland marina in France. The friendly English-speaking Crown Blue Lines base manager had given us a detailed briefing on the layout and workings of the barge. A bit overwhelming at first, handling the barge soon became tr�s simple. We went for a test cruise around the marina and practiced maneuvering into a slip. Helping matters: we knew that the boat had large bumpers that forgave any navigational faux pas that we committed.
The major challenge of canal barging lurks in the locks that raise or lower boats on the waterways. Fortunately, our first lock on the Sa�ne opened wide and empty, so we didn�t have to worry about hitting another boat � a good thing, since our vessel swung nearly 180 degrees because we were unfamiliar with the rods and cleats. But after a lock or two, we figured out how to tie on, and we voyaged along as competent bargistes. (Advantage #1 of traveling with friends: More hands on deck make for easier maneuvering.)
In Burgundy, most nights are spent in marinas, which might accommodate anywhere from ten to hundreds of boats. Every port had its capitain (harbor master � invariably efficient and cheerfully multilingual), who directs boaters into the slips that run about $10 per night. For Daya and me, the huge advantage of tying up in a marina was the AC hookup, which allowed us to run our hairdryers. (We needed to match the chic Frenchwomen.)
Each village where we stopped taught a mini-history of France. Located at the confluence of the broad Sa�ne and narrow, windy Doubs, Verdun once marked the frontier between France and the Hapsburg Empire. The name itself comes from the Roman word verdunum, meaning a fortification.
A port dating to Roman times, Chalon-sur-Sa�ne combines medieval architecture with cosmopolitan energy. Attractions include the Cathedral of St. Vincent, which dates to the 11th century; and the Mus�e Nic�phore Niepce, where exhibits honor the inventor of photography. Cobbled with pearlescent limestone, several of the streets radiating from the river have been turned into pedestrian thoroughfares lined with galleries, jewelry stores, and boutiques. (Advantage #2 of traveling with friends: Daya and I could head off on our own for shopping, without toting along guy-partners feigning patient interest in whether we should buy the red sweater or the blue one.)
After cruising on the Sa�ne with its wide banks and large locks, we turned into the quaint Canal du Centre from Chalon-sur-Sa�ne. Over the next few days we gracefully negotiated the 12 locks � we were a seasoned crew by then � to our turn-around point near Santenay. With large trees overhanging the canal and vineyards in the background, the scenery unfolded like a pastoral painting. Bicyclists, joggers and couples strolling arm-in-arm frequented the pathway bordering the canal.
In tribute to Burgundy�s renown as an epicurean epicenter, our most important question each day became: �Where should we have dinner?� We pored over Michelin guides and roamed cobbled alleys to decide which restaurant seemed the most sympathique (appealing). In each district, we ordered wine from one of the local vineyards. This way, we kept discovering small but delicious appellations, such as the fruity, smooth Pinot noir from Rully, part of the C�te Chalonnaise.
In Seurre, we followed a recommendation listed on the Crown Blue Line website and sought out a restaurant called Le Castel. As the twilight darkened, we walked down the townlet�s zagging streets lined with medieval half-timbered and brick buildings, following directional signs to the restaurant that appeared � sporadically and haphazardly � on lamp posts and street corners. Our treasure hunt paid off when we found the charming restaurant hidden beneath a row of chestnut trees. Here we tried a local specialty: sandre, a river fish served saut�ed and topped with crayfish sauce, followed by a chocolate marquise cake layered with mousse.
We enjoyed our favorite meal in Chalon � at Chez Jules, cozy and chic with its wood-beamed ceiling and pale-salmon walls and tablecloths. The meal excelled at all the touchstones of French cuisine: rosy foie gras served atop buttered toast, plump escargot enthroned on mushroom caps, crackle-crisp duckling so tender you could cut it with a fork. Here we also had a chance to taste wine made with Aligot�, one of the lesser-known Burgundian white-wine varietals. The finale came with a bounty of desserts: a chocolate pav� studded with pistachios, profiteroles a-swim in chocolate sauce, the millefeuille layered with pears and peaches, a raspberry-scented tiramisu. (Advantage #3 of traveling with friends: you get to share more desserts.)
After lavish dinners, we�d pledge that we�d eat light the next day. But our good intentions evaporated like the river mists. We established the morning ritual of heading for one of the local boulangeries (bakeries) for fresh breads and treats. In addition to carrying favorites such as the long, thin baguette bread, each local store also had its specialties. One day we�d be surprised by a chocolate croissant, another time we�d discover a flaky round pastry filled with a cr�me and chocolate chips. We�d then breakfast on deck while graceful swans gathered around our bow to beg for leftover crumbs.
While it�s possible to visit wineries along the canals, as we did during our sojourn along the Canal du Centre in Chagny, Remigny and Santenay, most of the celebrated ch�teaux lie a distance from the waterways. Consequently, we planned a special wine-tasting day, renting a car in Chalon to journey through Burgundy�s most esteemed appellations.
The most distinctive aspect of Burgundy is the concept of climat � each stone-walled vineyard (however miniscule) has its own name and acknowledged characteristics of soil and weather. Parcels are measured by the ouvr�e (about one-tenth of an acre) � barely the size of a suburban backyard. Some lands have belonged to the same family for generations.
For our explorations, we followed the designated wine-tasting road called the Route des Grands Crus, which crosses many celebrated wine-making villages. Dating to the 11th century, the Ch�teau de Meursault has been lavishly restored and now offers tours and tastings. Smelling of damp wood and earth, the vast caves hold more than 800,000 bottles of wine.
Burgundy�s wine-making traditions also encompass many small, family winemakers. In Volnay, we stopped at Domaine Louis Boillot. When we arrived, proprietor Louis Boillot and his wife were in the 17th-century cellar putting labels on their 2002 vintage. Showing how the Burgundian wine map presents a mosaic of small producers, the Boillots have a monopole (sole ownership) of the Volnay ler Cru Clos de la Chapelle appellation � a smidgen of land near the church.
We also visited Beaune, le coeur et l��me (heart and soul) of Burgundy wine country. A bastion first of the Gauls, then of the Romans, it became seat for the dukes of Burgundy during medieval times. Surrounded by ramparts, the town is best known for its H�tel-Dieu, founded in 1443. Although it served as a hospital for the poor, the building is lavishly decorated, topped by a roof of multicolored glazed tiles.
After our day exploring wine country, it felt good to come home � home to our barge. A sign at the entrance to the marina docks read �R�serv� aux Plaisanciers� � �Reserved for Pleasure Boaters.� We were glad to belong to this elite but egalitarian fraternity able to enjoy � liberally � both the wines and waterways of Burgundy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Crown Blue Line offers several different self-drive barge itineraries in France: Tel. 888-355-9491; E-mail: email@example.com; Website: www.crownblueline.com.
For information about additional tour operators and programs, see "Find Your Adventure" and put in �France � Barging."
BARGING IN BURGUNDY � Waterways & Wine: Travel Tips
� Although Burgundy offers several different cruising itineraries, the route Saint Jean de Losne to Chagny (Santenay) and back tends to be the most scenic, with the fewest locks.
� Barge charterers should specify that they want the top-quality mountain bikes offered by Crown Blue Lines for their voyage. Regular small-tire bikes are also available.
� Having a cell phone is a good idea, especially to call the supervisor at the automatic locks if they do not function properly. The lock supervisor is constantly driving back and forth along the route in his small car and provides a reassuring presence.
� Before and after their canal barging trip, most travelers will want to explore Burgundy further, as well as other regions of France. The Ch�teaux & H�tels de France association highlights hotels of character, with accommodations ranging from former abbeys to mansions built around windmills to one-time lodgings for the Knights of Malta: 888-924-2832; www.chateauxhotels.com.


text:
Mental Health
Have Mental Health Questions? Ask a Psychiatrist Online
I am sorry you are having such difficulty with your thoughts. It is very hard for any of us to get rid of a disturbing thought like this, even if anxiety is not strongly present.
When these types of thoughts occur they are technically called obsessions. This particular one is a thought that brings you great anxiety and probably makes you feel terrible about yourself. Know that although you have these thoughts it is not a reflection of who you are. In fact, it is a very biochemical process.
A part of your brain, called the anterior cingulate gyrus starts most of our thoughts. It is then sent to the prefontal cortex to be processed further. With those who have anxiety, the prefrontal cortex fails to resolve the thought and it then sends it back to the originating part of the brain causing a loop, a cycle. It then repeats causing anxiety. This is not your fault, at all, and it is creating a pattern pathway that can be stopped.
An increase of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, can often stop this pattern. 1000mg of Omega 3, 100mg magnesium glycinate and 10 mg zinc and 100 mg calcium can often assist in this process, naturally. You should ask your doctor if you can take these supplements as they can interfere with some prescription drugs effectiveness.
Also the resource, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne is valuable for all those who suffer from anxiety. It is excellent and very inexpensive on amazon.com It gives very practical and detailed information on how to deal with these types of thoughts, far more than can be detailed here on Just Answer.
You can feel better from this and these methods do work.
Please try them. I think you will be surprised at the effectiveness of these methods. Steven


text:
Bambino Square 7x7 by Donna Mason-Svara
Welcome! You are browsing as a guestWould you like to see 23 projects made from this pattern and much more? create a free account What am I missing?
© Cindy Piper
© Katybug
© SmoothFox
Bambino Square 7x7
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download
This is a free pattern on my blog. If you enjy testing patterns go to my blog, become a follower and an email subscriber through the Google link in the top right corner of the blog.
Happy Crocheting!
For more information, see: http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/2010/10/smoothfox...


text:
Manufacturer: Sun
Trade name: Nezalast
Strength: Azelastine hydrochloride 140 mcg, fluticasone propionate 50 mcg.
Type: Nasal spray
Active ingredient: Azelastine hydrochloride, fluticasone propionate
Category: Azelastine is an antihistamine. Fluticasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid.
Pregnancy category: Azelastine belongs to US FDA pregnancy category C (Risk cannot be ruled out). Fluticasone belongs to US FDA pregnancy category C (Risk cannot be ruled out).
Uses: Nezalast nasal spray is used to relieve symptoms of nasal allergy such as such as stuffy or runny nose, itching and sneezing.
How to use: Nezalast nasal spray is for nose only. Use as directed by your doctor. Before you spray blow your nose to clear the mucus. Gently insert the tip of spray into the one nostril and close other nostril. Breathe in deeply as you squeeze the spray bottle and repeat the same in other nostril. Wash hands thoroughly with soap water. Make sure that medicine does not go in to the eyes.
Side Effects: Bitter taste in the mouth, drowsiness, headache, weakness, fever, nausea and vomiting, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, muscle aches, nasal dryness, nasal irritation
Sponsored Links
Dosage: Usual adult dose for allergic rhinitis: 0.1% spray: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily.
Written by: : healthplus24.com team
Date last updated: September 15th, 2017
Sponsored Links
Subscribe to our email newsletter.


text:
Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images
Paul Pierce carried the Celtics at times after Rajon Rondo went down this season.After the Boston Celtics' 2012-13 campaign met an untimely end, we've busted out our red pens and assigned grades to each player based on their individual performances this season. This is the second in a series of end-of-the-season report cards:
Player: Paul Pierce
2012-13 averages: 18.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4.8 apg, 33.4 mpg, 43.6 FG%, 38.0 3PT%
2012-13 salary: $16.8 million
Season in a paragraph: A lackluster playoff performance left many with a sour taste in their mouths about Pierce's 2012-13 season, but it shouldn't mask the way he put this team on his shoulders in the aftermath of Rajon Rondo's injury. Yes, Pierce struggled offensively, shooting 43.6 percent from the floor (his worst number in a decade), but he often flirted -- and registered -- triple-doubles after Rondo tore his ACL, doing his typical "giving the game what it needs" routine to keep Boston afloat without its only pure point guard. Even at age 35, Pierce had a fantastic defensive season and posted the best rebounding numbers of his career. He was the regular-season MVP of the Celtics yet again.
Season highlight: On the day the Celtics learned that Rondo had torn his ACL, Pierce went out and posted a triple-double (17 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists) in a double-overtime win over the East-leading Miami Heat. Pierce went on to spend the entire month of February flirting with triple-doubles, and a triple-overtime win over the Denver Nuggets saw him finish with an eye-popping stat line of 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists.
Season lowlight: Pierce's offensive game abandoned him for much of the postseason, most notably in Game 6 of an Eastern Conference first-round series with the New York Knicks. With Boston looking to rally all the way back from a 3-0 deficit, Pierce misfired on 14 of 18 shots (missing eight of nine 3-pointers) and turned the ball over five times while scoring just 14 points as Boston's season ended last week at TD Garden. Pierce shot 26.8 percent beyond the 3-point arc in the playoffs and didn't get to the free throw line with nearly as much consistency as he did in the regular season.
Final grade: B
Teacher's notes: Pierce had an atrocious postseason by his standards, shooting a mere 36.8 percent and owning an unsightly turnover rate of 21.2 percent (he was completely frazzled by New York's trapping at times). Going by Synergy Sports numbers, Pierce averaged 0.767 points per play in the postseason, ranking him in just the 21st percentile among all playoff competitors (for the regular season, Pierce averaged 0.947 points per play, ranking in the 69th percentile). On the positive side, during the regular season, Pierce posted the best defensive rebound percentage (19.7) and total rebound percentage (11.2) of his 15-year career. He also matched his career mark in assist percentage (25.1, also done in 2003-04). None of this makes what lies ahead any easier for Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.
What's next? Pierce is scheduled to make $15.3 million in the final year of a four-year extension inked after the 2009-10 season. The deal is only $5 million guaranteed and Boston has its amnesty clause available, which should make the team think hard about its direction moving forward. During an appearance on WEEI on Thursday, Ainge noted about Pierce, "There's a lot that will go into [deciding to bring back Pierce], but it hasn't even started yet. We have until June 30 to make any decision. Listen, Paul's been one of the greatest Celtics of all time and that will play a part in it. We love what he's done for us, but ultimately we have to do what we think is the best for us from this point forward and I think that Paul still has a lot of basketball left in him." The question is whether that basketball will be played in Boston. Those in a rush to run Pierce out of town after a lackluster postseason will be yearning for his all-around efforts once he's gone. To hammer that home: Boston was plus-123 overall in plus/minus this season with him on the floor and minus-141 when he was on the bench. Despite his personal struggles, Boston's offense was six points better per 100 possessions with him on the floor (offensive rating of 103.1) than when he was not (97.2). An extended offseason should be good for Pierce, who said he battled a pinched nerve in his neck for much of the 2012-13 season.
Honor roll: Click HERE to read past report cards.
Don't agree with teacher? Just want to sound off on Pierce's 2012-13 season? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.


text:
Vocabulary refers to the words children must know to communicate effectively. In school terms, it can be described as oral vocabulary or reading vocabulary. Find out more about effective vocabulary instruction, the relationship between vocabulary and comprehension, and practical ways that parents can introduce new, exciting words to their kids.
Teachers: if you are looking to enhance your vocabulary instruction skills, try our self-paced online course, Reading 101: Vocabulary.


text:
North Carolina Department of Justice
Sign Up for Alerts
Contact Us
I am a:
Business Owner
Job Seeker
Law Enforcer
Military Person
Top Issues
News Alerts
Protect Yourself
Help for Victims
About DOJ
Top Issues
News & Events
News Releases & Advisories
Consumer Columns
Protect Yourself
Public Protection
About DOJ
News & Events
Consumer Columns
Wait—Don't pay that invoice!
Wait—Don't pay that invoice!
It's important to pay legitimate bills promptly when they arrive. But there are some bills you shouldn't pay at all. Across North Carolina, small businesses and even government agencies have been hit recently by scams that use phony invoices to try to get them to pay money they don't really owe. The scammers are hoping that you'll simply pay the bogus bills without checking them out.
My office just got a California company to return $90,000 in checks it had collected from small businesses in North Carolina in response to illegitimate invoices. The company had misled hundreds of businesses into thinking they had failed to comply with state laws on taking and filing corporate minutes and convinced them to pay $125 each. We also got a court order banning the company,
Corporate Services, Inc.,
from operating in our state.
Unfortunately, that isn't the only invoice scam out there. For example, businesses across the country are reporting getting phony invoices demanding $425 in payment for telecom maintenance from a company called UST or US Telecom. State government agencies in North Carolina have recently received 25 of the trick invoices. When contacted, the company claims the invoices are designed to bring in new business—something they're supposed to disclose on the mailing under federal law.
Other invoice scams start with a call to the business, supposedly to conduct a survey.
But the survey is just a ruse to get information so they can send you a fake invoice.
One of these recent scams calls employees under the guise of a survey and gets them to disclose their date of birth and agree to receive a free newsletter. Once the newsletter arrives, so does an invoice for $399. If the business balks at paying, the scammers use the employee's date of birth to try to prove that the company approved the order and say that the company has missed the 30-day cancellation period.
Another similar scam starts with a survey call that records the employee saying "yes" to various questions. A few days or weeks later, the business gets a sham invoice in the mail. If the business fights the charges, the scammers produce a recording where they've spliced the employee's "yes" answers to follow questions asking if the employee agrees to the charges.
To combat invoice scams, make sure your company has proper procedures in place for paying invoices and that invoices aren't just being paid by the first person who happens to open the mail.
And if you get a questionable invoice, do a little detective work before you pay it:
Contact my
Consumer Protection
Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM and ask if we've received any complaints about the company.
Search the company's name online, and add the word "scam" to the search to see what pops up.
Contact the company that issued the invoice and ask for a purchase order or other supporting documents.
Ask around within your company or agency. If you can't find anyone who knows about the company or the services it allegedly provided, put away that checkbook.
If you get survey calls, ask questions about the purpose of the survey, how your responses will used, and avoid giving out personal information, such as your date of birth.
If you spot a phony invoice scam or believe you may have paid one by mistake, let us know. We may be able to help get your money back. Call us toll-free within North Carolina at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or
file a complaint online
North Carolina Department of Justice / Josh Stein, Attorney General (919) 716-6400
Site Map
Site Feedback
Legal Information/Privacy
Employee Portal


text:
Options for This Page
Member Since:
Sep 11, 2008
Following 1
Followers 6
Private [?]
From: missmindy
Someone has a birthday coming up! Add some products to your Wish List. Then, you can email it to your friends to give them a little help on what to get you. :) AIM me at missmindyTN if you have any questions.
Posted 9 Years Ago
Private [?]
From: Eliana Penzner
Hiya. I'm Eliana your newest ThisNext fan! Did you know that you can also group your recommendations together into lists? You can also befriend me at my personal profile "Elianahava" to check out my lists or AIM me at "Eliana214". Let me know if you need any help! Don't forget to tag your rec's "TN Gas" to automatically enter a contest to win a free gas card!
Posted 9 Years Ago


text:
Written on: 17/09/2013 by Jen76 (1 review written)
Have just returned from a 2 week stay at the Marianthi Apartments in Lindos. This was our 4th time in Lindos and 1st at the Marianthi. This will also be last time at the Marianthi. The studios were extremely basic as expected and clean enough however on arrival we were ushered in by our rep and he dissappeared pretty quickly only for us to find that our door did not even lock. My partner is a Joiner and after fighting with the door for 45 mins (after a 6 hr flight delay) he eventually got it to lock. We also had a window less bathroom in which the light unit blew on day 2 of our stay. We mentioned this to our rep who said he was on the case however 1 week later we were still showering in the dark underneath a boiling hot water tank. I then called Olympic directly on 3 occassions as nothing was getting done about this and by this time our shower had completely broken so we had no way of washing (plug did not even fit the basin) I was told my comments had been passed on but surely the reps job as well as that of Olympic customer services is to make sure these things are fixed? The problems were eventually fixed the day before we were due to fly home. Not good enough Olympic. This is the second time we have travelled with Olympic and will probably be our last as the last Olympic accommodation was on a par with this one. The standard of accommodation is not even average and the rep was not interested in resolving problems. What should have been a relaxing fortnight in a beautiful location turned out to be a bit of a nightmare. I spoke with another couple travelling with Olympic and they were having similar problems in their accommodation, ironically the same accommodation we stayed in 4 years ago and in which we experienced similar issues. You would think after 4 years these issues would have been fixed. we paid our well earned money for the holiday and deserved better service.Visit Mark Warner Holidays for Summer Sun 2017
As rated by our community of reviewers
" POOR SERVICE AND RUDE STAFF " Read More
Written by MASimon123
" Easy booking " Read More
" Great holiday people " Read More
" Amendment to Accommodation " Read More
" Detroit to Manchester minimum stops. " Read More
Written by MitchellMr


text:
By Cindy Clark, USA TODAY
Denise Richards is a showbiz mom tired of being trashed in tabloids, and she's out to set the record straight — using a reality show on E! to do so. USA TODAY caught up with her ahead of her new show.
It's Complicated premieres Monday (10 p.m. ET/PT); the remaining eight episodes move to regular time slot: Sundays, 10 p.m. ET/PT
Premise: Single mom Richards puts a bitter divorce with ex-husband Charlie Sheen behind her and takes an honest look at her tabloid-tarnished image.
'LIVING LOHAN': Lindsay's mom has a show, too
Other players: Daughters Sam, 4, and Lola, who turns 3 on June 1, and Richards' father, Irv, 58, who moved in shortly after her mother, Joni, died from cancer in November. The family pets include three potbellied pigs, three cats and "too many dogs to count."
Location: Mostly at her Los Angeles home. Richards also takes a trip to Hawaii with her girlfriends.
Subjects to discuss: Dating and relationship troubles, past and present; being a single mother; revitalizing her career.
Richards on dealing with the tabloids: "I've had every negative thing possible written about me, most of it not true. I'm just going to be myself and let people see me, and they can make a decision. I've learned to have a thick skin, and, to be truthful, eventually the truth comes out."
Richards on juggling it all: "I just do it. I got a lot of strength from my mom. I was with her when she died. Never once did my mother ever say, 'Why me?' Never. That's how I feel. I'm not saying, 'Why me?' I just have to get through this time with my kids, my family, my friends. Life is so short."
Richards on her kids and showbiz: "I would support anything that they would want to do, because I did it, so I can't say no. But I would hope that they would wait until they're older. I wouldn't want them to do it as kids."
Richards on her father: "Every time he says he's going (to move back) home, I'm like, 'You're not going home!' I'm so lucky I have my dad, who can help me with the girls. He's getting used to it, I think he enjoys it. He's very involved in their lives; he takes them to gymnastics and even went to Dad's Day at the school because my (expletive) ex-husband wouldn't."
Richards' response to critics who say she's exploiting her kids: "I've gotten a lot of flak about having them on the show. Every other reality TV show about a family has their kids on it, but I was singled out for exploiting them. The fact is, my kids loved it. If they didn't, I wouldn't have had them it in it. They loved that I was working at home. They're in it very little, and I had the final say on what was shown."
Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more.


text:
Death by methanol: Should we let teens do schoolie in Bali?
The news of Liam Davies tragic death by methanol poisoning in Indonesia has parents asking if teens should be allowed to travel oversees for holidays such as schoolies week. Letitia Rowlands reports.
It is every parent's worst nightmare. Waving goodbye to a teenage son or daughter as they head off on their first overseas trip with friends, and it becoming the last time you see them alive. But this is the tragic reality faced by the family of 19-year-old Perth teenager Liam Davies.
Liam's tragic story
What started as a New Year's Day celebration with friends on an island off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia, ended with Liam's death after he consumed a drink laced with deadly methanol. The Perth teenager thought he was drinking vodka, but unbeknown to him it is believed the vodka had been substituted with locally produced liquor known as arak which can contain methanol. The talented sportsman and hard-working carpenter became seriously ill and was taken to an Indonesian hospital before being transferred to Perth, where he passed away a few days later.
Death by methanol
Liam's death is not the first from drinks tainted with methanol in Indonesia, with unscrupulous bar owners using cheap arak as a way to boost profits. Last year Perth rugby player Michael Denton died in Bali and an autopsy confirmed his cause of death was methanol poisoning. And just last month a Sydney teenager was permanently blinded after drinking a cocktail laced with methanol during schoolies celebrations on the Indonesian island.
But with thousands of Australian teenagers choosing cheap destinations such as Bali over traditional domestic schoolie haunts such as the Gold Coast every year, Liam's tragic death is a reminder for parents about the need to educate our teenagers about dangers while travelling abroad.
Arak is a locally produced rice-based spirit which, if incorrectly distilled, can contain methanol. Authorities are unsure if the spate of recent deaths and injuries from methanol poisoning in Indonesia is due to a fault in the distilling process, or if the methanol is being intentionally added to cut costs. But how it comes to be served in a drink is irrelevant in terms of its deadly effect.
Teaching our kids to travel safely
According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs' Smart Traveller website, caution needs to be used when consuming any spirit-based alcoholic drinks in Indonesia.
The website also advises to:
- Only drink at reputable licenced premises.
- Avoid homemade alcohol.
- Be aware that labelling on a bottle may not be a correct indication of what spirits the drink contains.
- Seek urgent medical attention if displaying any signs of methanol poisoning including fatigue, headaches, nausea and pronounced vision problems.
Perhaps the most effective way to get your teenagers to understand the dangers that exist when travelling in countries that are not governed by such strict rules and regulations as Australia, is to show them the heart-breaking footage of Tim and Lani Davies addressing the media outside their home in the days following their son's death. The pain etched on the couple's faces is almost too much to bear as they talk about making the decision to turn off their eldest son's life support system after he was declared brain dead, and begging people to warn families and friends of the dangers of methanol poisoning in Indonesia.
"We have decided to speak today in the hope that by sharing the tragic death of our son we may be able to warn others and prevent this hideous crime from taking another life," Mr Davies said. "Liam did nothing wrong, he was enjoying a few drinks at a bar like anyone else would, you simply don't expect to be served a drink that is lethal. This could happen to anyone, it could be your partner, your teenager, or anyone. If you have loved ones in Indonesia we suggest that you contact them and make them aware of what happened to our son so that they don't fall prey to the same event."
We can only hope the Davies' heartfelt plea saves other families from facing the nightmare they have been forced to endure.
More articles about teens on Kidspot:
- How to set boundaries for your teen
- How to communicate with your teenager
- Challenges CAN make our teens stronger
More related reading:
- Liam Davies' methanol poisoning initially treated as 'brain aneurysm' from News.com.au
- Indonesia from Smart Traveller
- Health tips for travellers in Bali, Indonesia from About.com
Would you let your teen travel oversees for a holiday or schoolies week? How do you feel about this story as a parent?


text:
Mobile device management tools make sense when you are trying to control who can access your enterprise network and applications from particular phones and tablets. But to effectively evaluate these products, you should first identify what you're trying to control: the apps on particular devices, the pairing of a user with his device, the device itself, or the files on each device.
We looked at six products: AirWatch, Apperian EASE, BlackBerry Enterprise Server 10 (BES10), Divide, Fixmo, and Good Technology's Good for Enterprise. Each has a somewhat different perspective and different strengths in terms of what it can control best. (Watch the slideshow version.)
All support Android and iOS devices, and some also support BlackBerries, Windows Phones, and even (in the case of AirWatch) desktops. Pricing varied between $20 to $75 per user or per device per year, and will depend on the particular features, with quantity discounts typically available. The most transparent pricing schemes came from AirWatch and BlackBerry. We wish others would follow their lead.
Certainly, assembling the various bits and pieces of a typical MDM solution isn't easy: in between the server and client components there is a lot of other stuff that interacts with a great portion of your network infrastructure, including Active Directory, Web proxies, email servers and firewall rules.
To continue reading this article register now
Learn More Existing Users Sign In


text:
A welterweight boxing champion has been fined following an abusive rant at two policeman outside Sutton train station.
Jimmy Mizon, of Tadworth, was spotted by the officers acting "aggressively" towards a couple, in Brighton Road on January 30.
Following a night out in Sutton, the 21-year-old boxer then tried to physically move the woman, who was sitting on the pavement, against her will.
The court heard that Mizon was also taunting the man by telling him that his girlfriend was "trying to chat up other men".
Having seen him harrassing the couple, the two officers tried to intervene but the Tadworth resident began swearing at both of them telling them it was "nothing to do with them".
They asked him if the woman was his girlfriend, to which he said 'no' and started swearing and calling the officers a variety of names.
The Queensbury League British welterweight champion started getting "abusive and obnoxious", according to witnesses, and was arrested.
Sutton magistrates told Mizon: "I see there are a couple of fairly recent convictions related to drinking.
"Is this becoming a problem? Is there anything you wanted to say in your defence?"
He said: "I'd like to apologise for wasting your time, I was stupidly drunk and had an argument with my girlfriend.
"I haven't had a drink since it happened. I've got a few fights coming up and won't be drinking."
Mizon won his Queensbury League crown in August last year and the welterweight will make his second defence next month against Fatjon Gola at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
The boxer, who admitted the charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words, was asked to pay a fine of £166 which he must pay within three months.


text:
Just order $100 or more in
Products and we pay for shipping.
Here are all the films that make
up this historical collection:
Felling Forest Giants (ca. 1920s)
Documentary on the forest and logging industry in the 1920's.
Great shots of tree felling and of the saw mills mills converting
the trees to useful lumber.
Producer: Pathé
Audio/Visual: Silent, Black & White
Run time: 12:36
Redwood Empire Special and Lumber Mills (1914)
A celebration of the grand opening of the railroad with emphasis
on what it will do for the logging industry in that area.
Producer: Unknown
Audio/Visual: Silent, Black & White
Run time: 14:31
Completion of Northwestern Pacific Rail
Road (1914)
This film celebrates the completion of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad
with a Golden Spike ceremony and celebration on October 23-25, 1914. The
film starts by traveling the railroad until it reaches the point of the
celebration at Cain Rock. Then it shows festivities there and at other
locations. Additionally, it shows a short segment of the first load of
redwood heading off on a transport train.
Producer: Unknown
Audio/Visual: Silent, Black & White
Run time: 29:10
Redwood Saga (1940)
Learn how the Northern California redwood lumber industry
operated in the 40s. It show how the trees are cut and transported
and how they are milled at the saw mill into finished products
- like lumber - ready for sale across the United States.
This film shows it all, cutting, loading, transportation,
mill sawing and finishing operations of the Northern California's
redwood logging and lumber industry.
Producer: Haselton (Guy D.)
Audio/Visual: Sound, Black & White
Run time: 10:27
Wood For War (ca. 1942)
This film shows the strategic importance of the lumber industry to the
wartime effort.
Producer: Calvin Company
Audio/Visual: Sound, Color
Run time: 6:24
Trees to Tribunes (1937)
An excellent film on how newspapers are produced from beginning
to end. The film shows how the trees that make up the Chicago
Tribune come down from Quebec logging operations. It shows
the logging camps and how the trees are gathered and transported
in both summer and winter. It then shows how the logs are
converted from wood to paper by special processes at the saw
mill and pulp plants and then it is on to the newspaper where
it is printed up into the daily newspaper.
Producer: Unknown
Audio/Visual: Sound, Black & White
Run time: 19:17


text:
Tombs Premiere Official Video for "V"
Brooklyn experimental metal outfit Tombs have premiered the official video for "V," directed by Jaclyn Sheer. The track comes off their upcoming EP, "All Empires Fall," due April 1 via Relapse.
Check out "V" below and let us know what you think in the comments!
Next Article


text:
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Two of Greece's former Socialist ministers on Wednesday announced the formation of a breakaway party as the debt-stricken country gears up for general elections in which the majority Socialists are expected to take a severe drubbing.
Former development minister Louka Katseli, who formed the breakaway party, was expelled from the majority PASOK Socialists in February after refusing to vote in favor of painful austerity reforms demanded by Greece's creditors in return for continued funding from international bailouts.
Katseli will head the new Social Contract party. Former justice and interior minister Haris Kastanidis joined her ranks and was given a senior position, while five former PASOK parliament members have also declared their support for the new party.
Katseli promised to ease the austerity that has plunged Greece's economy into a fifth year of recession and seen unemployment hit 21 percent.
"We are listening to you ... We are responding to your demands to create a new political alliance," Katseli, 59, said at a launch event in Athens.
Katseli, a U.S.-trained professor of economics, argued that policies imposing austerity during a recession were doomed to fail.
"We can overturn the rationale that places the market above society ... Under the present conditions, the deficit targets will not be met and the national debt will increase, leading with mathematical certainty to additional socially negative measures."
PASOK itself faces a change of leadership this weekend, with Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos standing as the only candidate in party elections this Sunday to take over from former Prime Minister George Papandreou.
Venizelos indicated Wednesday he will step down from his post as finance minister when he is formally elected.
"I can't continue playing a double role," he told private Alpha television. "Once I take over and as soon as I take over the duties of leader of the largest party in parliament, I must dedicate myself to those duties."
PASOK won a landslide victory in 2009 general elections, but party defections and public anger over austerity measures prompted it to form an interim coalition government with the rival conservatives last November.
Recent opinion polls have seen its support sink to as low as 11 percent, with general elections expected in late April.
Social Contract Party: http://www.koinonikisymfonia.gr/


text:
'We are excited to draw attention to the new mood in Africa which is positive and optimistic,' the rocker states when announcing the new line of clothes.
U2 frontman Bono is teaming up with luxury fashion label Louis Vuitton to launch an African-themed clothing range. The Irish rocker and his wife Ali Hewson set up Edun in 2005 to stimulate business in Africa, but the ethical fashion firm plunged into the red in 2009, with debts up 90 per cent from 2008, according to official documents obtained by British newspaper The Sun in August this year.
The shocking financial records reportedly prompted bosses at luxury business group LVMH, which owns couture house Louis Vuitton, to buy an "important" stake in Edun to help boost profits. And now the rocker is teaming up with designers at the French fashion house to create a new line of clothes.
He confirmed the partnership at the Africa Rising Art Exhibition in Paris on Wednesday, October 6, and told the crowd, "We are excited to draw attention to the new mood in Africa which is positive and optimistic."


text:
Arsenal's season went from bad to worse last night as the Gunners were dumped out of the Capital One Cup by League Two side Bradford City on penalties.
The League Cup was probably their best opportunity to get their hands on some silverware this season after a poor run of performances and results in the Premier League which sees them out of title contention already.
Manager Arsene Wenger fielded a team of experienced international players instead of his usual outing for the club's young guns to be blooded in the competition.
Their defeat to opposition who, with all due respect, were a very weak side comes on the back of increasing criticism of the manager, the board, and the players from their supporters who, at this point, are growing weary and frustrated watching their club sink into such decline.
Here's the best of the Twitter reactions to their cup exit…
@robburchy: The average League 2 player earns £747 per week. The average wage of Arsenal's starting XI tonight is £59,914 per week.
@Antslesulk: From a Arsenal point of view the world ended in 2006
@LadyArse: At this point there are only two outcomes for Arsenal - humiliation or total humiliation.
@KennethBrav: EVERY TIME ARSENAL LOSE I CAN'T GO TO THE BARBERS FOR TWO WEEKS BECAUSE OF THE BANTER I RECEIVE. MY HAIRLINE IS A SHAMBLES ALREADY
@JAMBORGHINIIIII: So p***** off I ripped up myArsenal tshirt
@ReviewFootball: Arsenal owe their fans a huge apology. What was that?
@R_o_M: RvP is such a mercenary. He could be losing to a League 2 team instead of being top of the league... if he didn't leave Arsenal for money.
@ReviewFootball: What concerns me about Arsenal was the lack of desire. It was horrible, some players didn't look like they recognised they were losing
@GarethDParker: I love my club with all my heart, but there is something rotten in the state of Arsenal.
@RachMajor: Arsene, please take the lads to see the arsenal ladies trophy cabinet. Show them what pride and passion without money can achieve
@FootballFunnys: At least Arsenal still have that 4th place trophy to go for!
@BobbieSoccerAM: Arsenal equaliser = that feeling when you've been holding a poo in for aaaaaaggggeeeees and u reach the seat.
@eaamalyon: I honestly think Arsenal's kids/fringe team would have done better. At least they'd have tried.
@piersmorgan: Only Wilshere seems to be even trying. Wenger can't inspire them to open a crisp packet any more.
Chamakh is absolutely USELESS.
This is just bloody embarrassing.
When #Arsenal fans light up Twitter with 'Bring on Chamakh' - I know the end is nigh.
@PixieGooner: Supporting Arsenal is just like having a boyfriend. Constant disappointment and heartbreak.
@Alan_Machnik: Arsenal take off a midfielder and bring on Chamakh. It's like switching off a heater and shoving an ice lolly up your a*** for warmth.
@BBC_MOTD: Two things you can see from space: 1) The Great Wall Of China. 2) The gap in Arsenal's defense.
@misterhsk: Given a cow's a*** and a banjo most Arsenal players would strum the a*** and kick the banjo.
@notagloryhunter: And that is why I stopped supporting Arsenal, they just don't win things anymore. Glory glory diehard Man United fan since 2007.
@greggsulkin: Arsenal. It's a joke. Arsene Wenger, it's time to go sir. Thank you, but no thanks anymore. We just lost to Bradford with a full team.
@samuelj29060: If Wenger can't motivate the team or sign the correct players, what's the point?
@fake9JAnews: STUDY: if you Wanna hide something from an Arsenal player/fan...put it inside a trophy
@BoyInTheField: Beautiful irony in the fact that Arsenal can't even win the cup they've never wanted to win when they suddenly start trying to win it.
@Aboude_Ab: Never been more embarrassed to support Arsenal
@KingDisu: I KNOW I TWEET THIS 4 TIMES A DAY BUT "ARSENAL ARE THE WORST EVER TOP FOUR SIDE TO SHAMEFULLY MASSAGE OUR EYELIDS"
@SwissRamble: Desperately poor performance by Arsenal tonight. I don't know whether this is the end of an era, but it feels like the beginning of the end.
@RomeshRanga: Thank goodness Arsenal can now focus on the treble without any distraction.
@chigg_will: I'm still standing by my team!!!!!!!!!! #arsenal just please stop letting me down cause our mugging my loyalty off!!!!
@JaydenGustave: Arsenal I still love you but you're making me have mental breakdowns every time you play
@Echecrates: Chicks who support arsenal don't trip When their guys cheat on them. They used to being disappointed
@amobisays: Arsenal almost pulled off the upset ...
@CharlieJosephZ: At least Arsenal players can focus on the leag... The champions lea... Their families.
@JohnBrewinESPN: Arsenal mortgaged their future with the Emirates and trophies dried up thence. Last game at Highbury club was 2006 Champions League final.
@markpougatch: ..So little pace, no width down the left, too many average players & no real understanding of playing for a club like Arsenal. Shocking.
@ArsenalOpinion: Trying to decide whether it's even fair to bring my kids up as Arsenal fans... do I really want to subject them to nights like that?
@tomgunner14: Bring David Dein and the glory days back to Arsenal
@OsmanZtheGooner: Can someone tell me the Corporate aims and Objective of Arsenal FC ? Help me out am jaded mentally
@omojuwa: UEFA and the FA should withdraw Arsenal's football license. Let them trade only in stocks. This is the worst of the very worst
@SkyBet: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cut from 25/1 to 7/1 to be the next Premier League boss to go after Bradford loss
@DarrenArsenal1: Sigh...for final time,for people don't get it. Arsenal is a PUBLIC COMPANY everyone can see how much is in the bank. Its not rocket science
@BiggyPert: Arsenal? Argos more like! Sales EVERY Summer & Winter at Discount Prices! Visit the Emirates, walk away with a Bargain!
@AFC_Fanbase: The upcoming January transfer window is the most important in the whole of Arsene Wengers reign as Arsenal manager.
@TheKimutai: Arsenal is just a trifecta of mediocrity, penny pinching board, average players, incompetent manager
@paulg1886: Even Graham's Arsenal after their boozy midweek sessions put in more effort than the current bunch.
@mick_wilkinson: the arsenal is us, us gooners are the arsenal, not the board, not the manager, not the players. We will be here when all the above r gone
Are fans right to be so disgruntled?
image: © West McGowan


text:
Lil Scrappy lived up to his name yesterday. The Love & Hip Hop star was arrested in Georgia for getting into a fight with a man he accused of disrespecting his girlfriend. The incident took place at a gas station around 2:30 a.m.
The scuffle was broken up by an off-duty cop, who happened to be at the same gas station at the time of the fight. According to TMZ, the rapper was very cooperative once in custody and was released shortly after the arrest.
Scrap explains of his aggressor, "He was calling my girlfriend names and then put his hands on me, so I had to lay them paws on him." The reality star's lawyer says there is surveillance video proving that his client was acting in self defense and to defend his girl.
And who says chivalry is dead?
BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
(Photo: John Ricard/BET)


text:
Type of Document Master's Thesis Author Wang, Zhi G URN etd-03122009-041834 Title Simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature using two-mode elliptical core optical fiber Degree Master of Science Department Electrical Engineering Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title No Advisors Found Keywords
- Thermoelastic stress analysis.
Date of Defense 1992-00-00 Availability restricted Abstract Files
Filename Size Approximate Download Time (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
28.8 Modem 56K Modem ISDN (64 Kb) ISDN (128 Kb) Higher-speed Access LD5655.V855_1992.W364.pdf 3.14 Mb 00:14:32 00:07:28 00:06:32 00:03:16 00:00:16next to an author's name indicates that all files or directories associated with their ETD are accessible from the Virginia Tech campus network only.
If you have questions or technical problems, please Contact DLA.


text:
Sharon Abercrombie has covered the environment, spirituality, women's issues, animal rights and social justice for many newspapers, including the Columbus Ohio Citizen-Journal, the Columbus Catholic Times, the Oakland Catholic Voice, and Catholic San Francisco. She was assistant editor for EarthLight Magazine, the interfaith journal of eco-spirituality. She is a graduate of the Institute in Culture and Creation Spirituality at Holy Names University in Oakland, Calif.
Sharon Abercrombie
News Articles
Articles by Sharon Abercrombie
Sisters of Earth seek planet literacy, look to indigenous wisdom at upcoming conferenceMar. 15, 2016
Thomas Berry's legacy unfolds like the universeApr. 7, 2014
Water with Blessings provides clean water in HondurasNov. 23, 2011 World
Abuse of creationMay. 14, 2010
Health and sustainability at the lunch tableApr. 10, 2010
U.S. Franciscan detained on Cairo streetJan. 11, 2010 Justice
Faithful Fools chip away at the boundariesFeb. 17, 2009 Parish
Blog Posts
Fledgling faith community spreads St. Hildegard's vision of 'earth's lush greening' in northern CaliforniaMay. 5, 2015 Eco Catholic
Solar plants in bloom across the globeOct. 31, 2014 Eco Catholic
Moments of grace on the GMO frontOct. 21, 2014 Eco Catholic
Perspectives on GMOs grow from 'Sacred Seed'Oct. 14, 2014 Eco Catholic
On feast of St. Francis, remembering that all creatures make up 'one family'Oct. 4, 2014 Eco Catholic
Earth Mama sings in the key of 'green'Jul. 22, 2014 Eco Catholic
NCR Email Alerts
Sign up to get NCR updates by email. Existing users: change your preferences here. Enter your email address in the box below and click "Go."
In This Issue
July 14-27, 2017
- Read select articles from our print issue
- Special Section [Print Only]: Spirituality


text:
MUSIC: Last Minute Shopping!
Need more than the boxes and Christmas discs we gave you? Clip this list and get nutcrackin'!
Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run: 30th Anniversary Edition (Columbia, 1 CD, 2 DVDs), with new remastering plus 1975 gig and more.
XTC's Apple Box (xtcidearecords.co.uk, 4 CDs), combining both volumes of Apple Venus with demos.
Rod Stewart's The Great American Songbook (J, 4 CDs), gathering all four volumes of standards.
Jelly Roll Morton's The Complete Library of Congress Recordings by Alan Lomax (Rounder, 8 CDs), from 1938.
Johnny Cash's The Complete Sun Recordings (Time Life, 3 CDs), 1955-58.
Barbra Streisand's The Television Specials (Warner, 5 DVDs), 1965-73.
King Crimson's 21st Century Guide, Vol. 2 (DGM, 4 CDs), 1981-2003.
The Motown Box (Motown, 4 CDs), including 30 new stereo mixes.
Allan Sherman's My Son, the Box (rhinohandmade.com, 6 CDs), with all of the satirist's Warner Bros. recordings.
And Live 8 (Capitol, 4 DVDs), uncut by MTV.
HOLIDAY CDs:
New titles by Brian Wilson, Regis Philbin, Odetta, the Marshall Tucker Band, the LeeVees (Hanukkah Rocks), and Charlie Brown (Monster Cable's 5.1 SuperDiscs of original and 40th-birthday versions). Also, various-artist sets from Elton John and ... John Waters!
Baby, it's hot inside!


text:
Mug shot of Victor Bello
A former Bell City Council member arrested in September on felony charges of misappropriating public funds told investigators more than a year ago that the city was plagued with bribery, voter fraud and "unethical retirement arrangements," according to a letter obtained by California Watch.
The letter from Victor Bello was dated May 6, 2009 – the same day the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office first opened an investigation into the scandal-plagued city. Bello resigned from the council in August 2009.
Among other things, the letter directly alleges wrongdoing by City Manager Robert Rizzo, who also was arrested last month, and contains some of the same allegations that are now coming to light as investigators prepare their case.
L.A. County District Attorney Steve Cooley responded to Bello about two weeks after he sent the letter, asking for more information. Bello responded with further details in mid-June 2009 but heard nothing further from Cooley's office until nearly nine months later, in March 2010, according to his attorney, Stanley L. Friedman.
"There was no follow-up until March of this year," Friedman said of the letter. "At that point, the (district attorney's office) investigator came to speak with (Bello), but they didn't talk to him about anything in the letters."
In criminal complaints [PDFs] filed last month against Bello and seven other defendants in the Bell case, Cooley's office wrote that they "commenced an investigation of the City of Bell on May 6, 2009, based on a letter signed by a confidential source alleging voter misconduct in the City of Bell."
"During the course of that investigation, District Attorney Investigator Maria Grimaldo conducted an interview of Victor Bello on March 24, 2010," the complaint goes on to read.
That interview touched off an investigation into the extravagant salaries and benefits reaped by public officials there. According to the criminal complaint, Bello told Grimaldo he was paid $100,000 annually as director of a local food bank - the same pay he'd received as a Bell councilman. Soon afterward, Cooley's office requested pay records from the council.
Sandi Gibbons, a spokesman for Cooley's office, said the district attorney opened an investigation into Rizzo in May 2009 but would not comment on how the investigation began or why investigators did not follow up with Bello until March.
"We received information in May 2009 that caused us to open an inquiry – which turned into an investigation – concerning matters addressed in the letters. As that investigation continued, additional information was obtained," Gibbons wrote in an e-mail.
The unusually high salaries in Bell were first reported in July 2010 by the Los Angeles Times. Bello was arrested Sept. 21, and is expected to be arraigned with the other seven defendants later this month.
Among other things, the Bello letter from 2009 directly accuses Rizzo of corruption, bribery, "underhanded real estate deals," "unethical retirement arrangements," and facilitating police misconduct. From the letter:
The city, however, has been victimized by mismanagement, illegal activity, and corruption. THe City Manager, Mr. Robert Rizzo, has continuously and consistently abused the power entrusted to him. I have witnessed:
- Public corruption
- Bribery
- Underhanded real estate deals
- Unethical retirement arrangements
- Police misconduct, including civil rights violations
Rizzo has since been accused of inflating his pension into the high six figures and boosting pensions for other top city officials, even as retirement benefits for police and firefighters were reduced. His nearly $800,000 salary has become a symbol of the excesses in Bell.
Although the letters were signed by Bello, they were written by a former Bell police sergeant, James Corcoran, who was investigating corruption issues in the city. Corcoran was forced out of the department earlier this year and has since filed a civil suit alleging that he was dismissed in retaliation for his investigation.
Corcoran said he presented the district attorney's office with evidence of corruption in Bell about two weeks before the May 6, 2009, letter was filed, and an investigator told him that having an elected official sign a formal complaint would lend more weight to the allegations.
Friedman, Bello's attorney, said Bello did not have direct knowledge of any corruption perpetrated in the city but signed the letters because "he wanted to be a good citizen and representative on the city council."
Bello's letter and the criminal complaint referencing it provide some of the first clear documentation about the genesis of Cooley's investigation into the Bell scandal.
Cooley has repeatedly said that his office began looking into Bell's extravagant salaries in March 2010, but his office has at times hinted that parts of the investigation began sooner.
In an interview last month with the San Francisco Chronicle editorial board, Cooley was asked whether his office should have been "more aware of what was going on in Bell."
"The extent and scope of it was sort of a big surprise, but the fact of the matter is our office was down there in mid-March," Cooley told the editorial board. "They started out investigating an allegation of a conflict of interest with respect to a single transaction. The conversation broadened into … how much these guys get paid."
For Cooley, who is also running for attorney general, the issue has also at times become political. His opponent, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, has at times tried to make political hay of the timing of the Bell investigation, arguing that his office prioritized Bell for political gain.
Other candidates, including Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jerry Brown, lieutenant governor candidate Abel Maldonado and State Controller John Chiang have also made public proclamations about corruption in the city or have opened their own highly publicized investigations – a phenomenon that has been well documented by local and national media.


text:
Saraswatichandra December 19th Episode Written Update: Kusum tells Danny not to lose hope and to believe in his love. She tells Danny to leave it to God and Kusum will wear those bangles by evening. The doctor arrives and after check-up, advises to stay away from emotional and physical stress. Vidyachatur assures that he shall talk to Kusum as she is the cause for this.
Danny apologises to Dadaji. Dadaji asks what he had done to make Kusum upset. Kusum apologises to Dadaji and makes an excuse that she threw the bangles as they were very light. Dadaji explains the importance of the bangles and asks Danny to put them in her hands. Danny does so and the family is relieved.
Kusum refuses to go for the puja arranged for Danny and her. Guniyal is unable to convince her. Kumud and Saras have a talk regarding Dadaji and Danny and Kusum's relation. Danny requests Kusum to wear the bangles for Dadaji but she throws them away.
Guniyal, Kumud and Badimaa are talking about Kusum's behaviour. Kusum mentions it to them that it was Saras who gave those bangles to Danny. Kalika arrives and comments sarcastically with Yash's mother also commenting on the family. Kalika tells Kusum that Saras had given these bangles and he would have felt bad.
During the havan, Kusum reluctantly gives her hand to Danny during the rituals. On arriving home, Kusum says she has realised the importance of the bangles and looks at Saras.
Saras is telling Kumud that he finds it uncomfortable to talk to Kusum. On the other side, Kusum is happy, thinking Saras gave the bangles for her. Saras puts his jacket on Kumud and they share a moment which Kusum sees.


text:
Forget the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primaries.
Presidential hopefuls putting on a charm offensive for voters and journalists alike also schedule podium time at Washington's annual Gridiron Club dinner, a tradition of music and satire going back to 1885.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has been tapped as the Republican speaker for the March 12 dinner. He'll try to get a few laughs and gig politicos -- "we singe but we never burn," as the Gridiron motto says -- and share speaking duties with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the Democratic speaker.
Gridiron President Susan Page, Washington bureau chief for USA TODAY, announced today that Daniels has joined the Gridiron lineup.
Daniels, a former White House budget director for President George W. Bush, has been making the rounds of talk shows and doing other public appearances as he tries to decide whether to jump into the Republican field trying to defeat President Obama. All the while, Daniels has been trying to dispel the notion that he's a "cerebral but boring" policy wonk.
There is a tradition of speaking at the Gridiron dinner and then later finding your way on the campaign trail. Obama did a turn as Democratic speaker at the 2006 dinner and is scheduled to attend this year's festivities.
Daniels follows GOP presidential contenders Bob Dole, John McCain, George H.W. Bush, Mitt Romney, Lamar Alexander, Elizabeth Dole, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson as Gridiron speakers, according to Page.
(Posted by Catalina Camia)
Catalina Camia leads the OnPolitics online community and has been at USA TODAY since 2005. She has been a reporter or editor covering politics and Congress for two decades, including stints at The Dallas Morning News and Congressional Quarterly. Follow her at @USATOnPolitics.
USA TODAY's Jackie Kucinich (@jfkucinich) and Fredreka Schouten (@fschouten) also contribute to the OnPolitics blog.


text:
Chartwig Model
Kyle RichardsPhotographer Male Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
My Website: King's Tower Productions Official SiteMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/kingstower
Mayhem # 2630539
About MeKing's Tower Productions, Inc. is a Milwaukee-based film production company, originating in 2002. It has most recently produced "The Amateur Monster Movie", a comedy horror that has seen success in festivals and premiered in Milwaukee in 2011 at the Oriental Theatre to a record turnout of over 700. It has been featured in the Wisconsin Film Festival, Oshkosh Horror Film Festival, and Detroit's Motor City Nightmares Film Festival. King's Tower Productions has also produced several short films including Seffy D (2008) and Rodents (2010), featured in the Milwaukee Short Film Festival and Wildwood Film Festival. Currently in production is the psychedelic/psychological desert thriller, "The Wayward Sun". King's Tower Productions is owned by producer/director Kyle Richards.
We seek to make meaningful connections for both paid and experience positions on our films and other media.
On IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/company/co0297049/
Have you worked with Kyle Richards? Add Credits for Kyle Richards! >>
Credit NotesSelected Discography:
The Wayward Sun (Feature - In Production)
Bitter Berry Bliss (Short - Post Production)
The Amateur Monster Movie (Feature - 2011) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1717690/
Rodents (Short - 2010) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1592184/
Seffy D (Short - 2008) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1863371/
Three Suits (Short - 2006)
Loading Content


text:
Robert Lujan Receives the Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award
Two very large landscaping and irrigation projects totaled nearly 14 miles of new landscape, irrigation controllers and valves, as part of the newly constructed portion of I-210 to the San Bernardino County line.
Robert Lujan, transportation engineer with District 7's Construction Division, was awarded the Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award in December 2009, a merit award from the Department of Personnel Administration and the Caltrans Employee Recognition Program for performance over a two-year period, resulting in exceptional contributions to improving state government.
Lujan was recognized for his outstanding work on two $2 million landscaping and irrigation projects on the Foothill Freeway (I-210) and including several on-and off-ramps in the cities of La Verne and Claremont from Foothill Boulevard to the San Bernardino County line. Combined, these two projects totaled nearly 14 miles of new landscape, and irrigation controllers and valves as part of the newly constructed portion of I-210.
"Bob has done excellent contract administration work on these large landscaping projects," said his supervisor, Carny Ho, senior transportation engineer, construction. "During the progress of the projects, he was always mindful and very involved with local resident input and community concerns ---- always taking care of issues in a timely matter and in accordance with the contract specifications, along with extreme measures to comply with the Caltrans Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)."
According to Ho, due to Lujan's efforts, these projects received a high score for the SWPPP program criteria that resulted in recognition for efficiency within this construction unit. Throughout the landscape and irrigation project, Lujan responded and mitigated concerns and issues from several municipal water districts, residents, and communities within the project limits to ensure aesthetic continuity within the corridor.
Lujan has 31 years of state service, 25 of which have been in the Construction Division. In the past nine years as an assistant resident engineer, he has worked on projects involving soundwall construction, metal beam guard rail, concrete pavement, drainage, and landscaping.
"Bob works very hard and diligently and has my respect as a top performer," said Ho. "While traveling on Route 210 between the cities of Claremont and La Verne, you will definitely see the beautiful landscaping along the both sides of the freeway. I hope you will smile and think of Bob."


text: UT Knoxville and the Knoxville/Knox County Homeless Coalition will release a study Wednesday, May 9, about the ongoing challenges of homelessness in the area and highlight successes, including housing placement. The 2:00 p.m. event will be at the Bill Lyons Pavilion on Market Square, downtown Knoxville. Members of the coalition and the Knoxville Homeless Management Information System, housed in the College of Social Work, will present the findings.


text:
Have a Tax Question? Ask a Tax Expert
For child care credit purposes you are limited to claiming the credit on up to $3,000 of qualifying expenses per child up to a maximum of two children. Accordingly, the most child care expense you can consider for tax credit purposes is $6,000.
This credit is available for household and child-care expenses incurred to enable you (and your spouse) to be gainfully employed. The credit will range from 20% to 35% of qualifying expenses incurred up to a maximum of $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more children. Qualifying expenses include expenses paid for household services and for the care of a qualifying individual. A qualifying individual is a person under the age of 13 for whom you may claim as a dependent or any other person who is physically or mentally handicapped.
The maximum credit is available for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of less then 15,000. The credit percentage is then reduced from 35% to 20%, by 1% for each $2,000 of AGI in excess of $15,000.
To calculate and claim the credit you need to complete Form 2441 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2441.pdf. You must have the name and employer I.D. (or SSN) of the provider in order to claim the credit.
You may also want to review the IRS Publication 503 at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p503/ar02.html, which discusses the childcare credit.
Generally you may only claim credits to the extent you have taxable employment related income. Generally, if you are married you must file a joint return to claim the credit. If one spouse is not working no credit will be allowed. The credit is also phased out for taxpayers with AGI above $110,000, with the credit reduced by $50 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof above the $110k threshhold.
Because it is impossible for me to identify and consider ALL the relevant facts, this advice is not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties, and cannot be used for that purpose.


text:
Berichten in April 2012
China car sales down 3.4% in Q1
Published on April 12, 2012 by W.E. Ning
Sales of new commercial and passenger vehicles in China shrank in the first quarter as slowing economic growth chipped away at demand, adding to concerns about the full-year sales outlook in the world's largest auto market.
In the first quarter, total vehicle sales in China fell 3.4% from a year earlier to 4.79 million vehicles, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said Wednesday. Sales of passenger cars fell 1.3% to 3.77 million vehicles.
Cadillac will make three new Cars in China
Published on April 12, 2012 by Joey Wang
General Motors Co. will begin to build Cadillacs in China within a year as the automaker works to establish the luxury Cadillac brand globally, according to Joel Ewanick, GM's global marketing officer. GM is expected to announce April 22 during the Beijing auto show that it will begin to build its all-new large Cadillac sedan, the XTS, later this year in China, according to another source familiar with the company's plan.
Skoda posts Record Sales, thanks to China
Published on April 12, 2012 by Joey Wang
Skoda Auto, a Czech brand German auto giant Volkswagen, said on Thursday that first-quarter sales rose by 11.8 percent from the level at the same time last year to a record of 242,700 cars, with a boost from China and India.
The car maker said in a statement it had set another all-time high in March when it raised monthly sales by 12.1 percent on a 12-month basis to a record 95,200 units.
JAC SII SUV is Out in China
Published on April 11, 2012 by Tycho de Feijter
New pictures from the upcoming JAC SII SUV, aka JAC B-SUV, that will debut at the Beijing Auto Show later this month, it will be listed on the China car market soon after the Beijing show. The JAC SII loox very much like the outgoing Hyundai ix35 and that isn't a coincidence because JAC makes many cars that are, legally, based on old Hyundai's.
Dangerous car transport in China
Published on April 11, 2012 by Joey Wang
The more you can take in one haul the better, because time is money. Here we have a massive car transporter that was stopped by the police near Wuhan, transporting 12 brand-new Dongfeng-PSA vehicles. The innovative truck driver modified his truck so it could take two extra cars… on the ramps.
Brilliance H330 has been renamed to… Brilliance H230
Published on April 11, 2012 by Joey Wang
Last-minute surprise from Brilliance Automotive. The upcoming Brilliance H330 has been renamed to Brilliance H230. The H230 will debut at the Beijing Auto Show later this month and it will be listed on the Chinese car market later this year. See below for new spy shots showing the very new H230 from all sides.
Audi S4 in matte-purple from China
Published on April 11, 2012 by Tycho de Feijter
A very fine Audi S4 in matte-purple, seen right here in Beijing by reader Kael (thank you!) who earlier snapped a very pink Audi of the same type. Purple does this S4 no bad, an underestimated color indeed, check this purple Audi TT, or this purple Gallardo, and yet another purple Gallardo.
Beijing Auto teases new C70
Published on April 11, 2012 by Tycho de Feijter
Beijing auto has released three teasers from the upcoming Beijing Auto C70, formerly known as the C70G. The C70 is based on the old Saab 9-5 and will debut at the Beijing Auto Show later this month and it will be listed on the China car market late this year. Chinese media report today that Beijing Auto has hired the famous Italian design studio Pininfarina to finalize the B70's design.
Spy Shots: Chery Cowin E3 testing in China
Published on April 11, 2012 by Tycho de Feijter
New spy shots from the Chery Cowin E3, a new small sedan from Chery that will hit the China car market next year. The Cowin E3 is based on the same platform as the Chery A2. Power will come from a 1.5 mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT.
Citroen plans aggressive expansion in China
Published on April 11, 2012 by W.E. Ning
Citroen wants to expand aggressively on the China car market, and they want to do so with the DS-range. The attack starts with the DS5 which will be listed as an import on the Chinese car market sometime around the middle of this year. Second car to come is the DS3 and third the DS4, both will be listed as imports near the end of this year. Read more »


text:
Browse By Person: Branagan, Mark
|Up a level
Group by: Item Type | Date
Jump to: Journal Article | Conference Paper | QUT Thesis
Number of items: 9.
Journal Article
Barnes, Paul H., Charles, Michael B., Branagan, Mark A., & Knight, Alistair (2007) Intelligence and Anticipation: Issues in Security, Risk and Crisis Management. International Journal of Risk Assessment & Management, 7(8), pp. 1209-1223.
Conference Paper
Kush, Nishchal, Branagan, Mark, Foo, Ernest, & Ahmed, Ejaz (2014) Poisoned GOOSE : exploiting the GOOSE protocol. In Parampali, Udaya & Welch, Ian (Eds.) Proceedings of the Twelfth Australasian Information Security Conference (AISC 2014) [Conferences in Research and Practice in Information Technology, Volume 149], Australian Computer Society, Inc., Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, pp. 17-22.
Foo, Ernest, Branagan, Mark, & Morris, Thomas (2013) A proposed Australian industrial control system security curriculum. In Sprague, Jr., Ralph H. (Ed.) Proceedings of the 2013 46th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, IEEE, Wailea, Hawaii, pp. 1754-1762.
Branagan, Mark, Caelli, Bill, Kwok, Lam For, & Longley, Dennis (2008) Feasibility of automated information security compliance auditing. In Jajodia, S, Samarati, P, & Cimato, S (Eds.) Proceedings of the IFIP TC11 23rd International Information Security Conference, 7-10 September, 2008, Milano, Italy.
Marrington, Andrew, Branagan, Mark, & Smith, Jason (2007) Forensic challenges in service oriented architectures. In 2007 Research Network for a Secure Australia : Security Technology Conference, 28 September 2007, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria.
Branagan, Mark, Dawson, Robert, & Longley, Dennis (2006) Security Risk Analysis for Complex Systems. In Venter, H, Eloff, J, Labuschagne, L, & Eloff, M (Eds.) Proceedings of the ISSA 2006 from Insight to Foresight Conference, 5 - 7 July 2006, South Africa, Johannesburg.
Branagan, Mark & Longley, Dennis (2005) Developing Threat Networks for Risk Analysis of Information Systems. In Ventor, H, Eloff, J, & Labuschagne, L (Eds.) ISSA 2005 New Knowledge Today Conference, 29 June - 1 July 2005, South Africa, Sandton.
Branagan, Mark, Caelli, William, & Longley, Dennis (2005) Security Modelling for Risk Assessment. In Mendis, P, Lai, J, & Dawson, E (Eds.) Rcent Advances in Counter-Terrorism Technology and Infrastructure Protection, July 2005, Australia, Canberra.
QUT Thesis
Branagan, Mark Allan (2012) A risk simulation framework for information infrastructure protection. PhD thesis, Queensland University of Technology.


text:
2010 Volvo XC90 - Consumer Review
Build Quality
Reliability Value
Build Quality
Reliability Value
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Nice Car - Couple concerns
By lhos315 on
Vehicle2010 Volvo XC90 V8 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
ReviewI've had the car about 8 months. I replaced a minivan w/very squeaky brakes. I was disappointed that within a couple months the brakes were already squeaking in this car. I've had it in the shop a couple of times but they have not been able to fix it. The ride is a little stiff as has been mentioned. The V8 is great with a lot of power. I got the nav package and this system is pretty poor. The rt traf is helpful but this system can't find big time retail stores without typing in an exact address. I wouldn't rec buying this nav system. I too have experienced the buzzzz in the speakers which hasn't been fixed. Does anyone know what this is? Overall a good/fun/safe car to drive around
Best FeaturesBLIS system, great pickup with the V8 engine, good cargo space, good visibility and interior room compared with some similar suvs.
Worst Featuresnav system, blue tooth, wish it had a backup camera - its a big car and sometimes very hard to see what's behind you. 3rd row very cramped
Recommend (1) (0)
Are you the author of this review?Update Your Review
Comments (0) Post a Comment
You must be signed in to post a comment.


text:
SOC451 Population & Society
Office K215; ph. 401.232.6186; fax 401.232.6435; e-mail gcarter@.bryant.edu; office hours Wed. 3:00-- and by appointment.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS The study of population deals with events--births, deaths, migrations--that are of momentous importance in the lives of individuals, though it concerns itself with these events chiefly in the aggregate. Population study also deals with "macro" quantities--the size, increase or decrease, composition, and distribution of human populations--that are major considerations in the social and economic policies of states as well as in international relations. There is, in fact, scarcely a problem or issue, practical or theoretical, that lacks a demographic dimension. Since this dimension is often overlooked by commentators and interpreters who are ignorant of demographic phenomena, the introduction of a demographic perspective often provides new insights into social and historical events.
CLASS TIME Class time will be divided between lectures, reviewing homework (computer work), and directed discussions. Attendance is mandatory!
STUDY PARTNERS Very early in the semester you should find a "study partner." Many of your homework assignments will be turned in as two-person projects (you and your study partner). On rare occasions, I allow 3 individuals to form a study-partner team, but never more than 3. Your study partner will serve as a valuable resource in preparing for tests and for better understanding the lectures and workbook assignments.
GRADES are based on the following:
1. A mid-term examination. This exam is take home and involves computer-assisted analyses of cross-national population and economic data and/or of items taken from the General Social Survey.
2. An original research paper, based on computer analyses of primary data taken from a General Social Survey or cross-national sources. These analyses will be done with an interactive, very-easy-to-use program called Student CHIP. Prior experience with computers is helpful, but not necessary (everything you will need to do is taught to you, in class, as part of this course). Prior experience with statistical analysis is also helpful, but again is not necessary; all techniques needed to do your paper will be covered in class. The details of doing your take home exams and research paper will be given in-depth coverage in class.
3. An in-class final test. The last regular class day I will give a cumulative objective test, based primarily on the lecture notes (consistent attendance and good note-taking are premiums in this course!), but with some consideration of your readings in the Weeks, as well your workbook.
4. Homework. You will be assigned several computer exercises from Data Happy. The exercises complement our readings and class discussions, allowing you to test the sociological concepts being introduced; they form the foundation for your ability to do the take-home exams and final paper. As these exercises are intended to help you prepare for the take-home exam and final paper, their real importance will be reflected then. However, to keep everyone honest, I will grade one or more of the homework assignments at random. Graded homework assignments are temporarily returned and discussed in detail in class; nongraded assignments are typically not returned, but their contents are incorporated into the lectures and class discussions. Ideally, the homework represents the last line in the Confucian homily:
I hear and I forget
I see and I remember
I do and I understand
I keep all exams and graded homework assignments on file for 60 days after the end of the semester, after which they are discarded.
Class participation and attendance. Part of "class participation"
is doing the homework, showing up with it in class on time, and being
able to discuss it. As part of your
participation in this class, you are responsible for reading your
Weights for each of the above are as follows:
Mid-term Examination: 25% of your final grade.
Research Paper: 35%
Final Test: 15%
Homework: 25%
I only look to class participation and attendance if your total number of points at the end of the semester puts you on the borderline between two grades (say a "B" versus a "B+").
Please let me know if you have a physical condition or learning disability that may impact your academic activities in this class.
Depending on the topic you select for your major paper, each of you will have an individualized reading list. However, everyone in the class is expected to read the Weeks text (cover-to-cover), as well as selections from Data Happy, in the following order of chapter blocks. Begin block I at the beginning of the semester; when I say we will start mortality (or whatever topic) the next class session, I expect you to begin--and finish in a timely manner--the appropriate block of assigned readings. Of the greatest importance is to have your computer workbook assignments ready to turn in on the day I say they are due. Do not despair if early in the semester you struggle with the Advanced exercises--eventually you will not only be able to do them but to understand their importance in helping you to become a critical thinker. Please do not confuse the "Exercise #" versus the Chapter # in Data Happy (e.g., Exercise #9, AIDS, is in Chapter 4; the assignments for Data Happy below are given by Exercise #!).
Reading Block Population (Weeks Text) Data Happy Topics
(Exercise #)
2, 3, 4
Both Primers
concepts / Overview
Demogaphic Theory /
Mortality & Health
12 (Physical Health)
Take-Home Midterm Handed Out
IV 7 1 (Suicide) Migration
V 8 Age/Sex Structures
Population Characteristics
Final Test


text:
Distinctive glass and a shapely backplate design let the Cove Neck Collection stand apart. The look is warm yet sophisticated, a good fit for a range of styles. Textured clear glass with white inside glass for a spectacular look. From the Hudson Valley Lighting collection.
Hudson Valley Lighting is known for distinctive designs and quality construction. These fixtures feature impeccable design, as well as outstanding quality and value. A proven reputation for exquisite vintage reproductions allows Hudson Valley to create a contemporary collection with a timeless quality. Hudson Valley's gorgeous lighting solutions come in a wide range of finishes and glass choices that are sure to enhance your updated decor.
Our team has over 100 years combined experience with contemporary lighting.
Every EuroStyleLighting.com order is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Pledge.
Shipping and Delivery Information - For item EUU1833 if ordered by 1 pm Pacific Time