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Though Eric Hughes and Nathan Turner spent their boyhoods on Southern California sands, it took decades — and a nudge from Cupid — before they had a Malibu beach house of their own. Turner, who grew up in San Francisco's East Bay and summered in Laguna Beach, opened an eponymous antiques store in West Hollywood a decade ago, which brought him design commissions from Amanda Peet and Marcia Cross. Hughes, an Orange County native, made a graceful transition from movie executive to Manhattan-based interior designer with high-profile commissions from Sarah Jessica Parker and Katie Couric.
They crossed paths six years ago, when Mary McDonald, Turner's best friend and his costar on Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators, introduced them. It was not quite love at first sight. "I thought Eric was being mean to me," Turner says, "until Mary explained that was just his New York cool."
As the relationship grew warmer, the bicoastal couple began dividing their time between Hughes's Greenwich Village apartment, where he still maintains his design firm, and Turner's 1960s white-box condo in Los Angeles. Hughes sold his "high maintenance" house in the Hamptons but missed the beach. He was in L.A. so often that he eventually leased an apartment in Malibu. The one-bedroom weekend pied-à-mer has genuine Hollywood bona fides. It's on the bottom floor of a two-story clap- board bungalow that was built in 1929 by filmmaker Frank Borzage, a best-director winner at the first Academy Awards.
Since then, however, the building had been divided into two units. Their apartment had undergone a patchwork of renovations that left the bedroom walls a mélange of beadboard paneling. Instead of being horrified, Hughes and Turner found it charmingly authentic. Cream-color walls, white shag carpeting over uneven floors, and even the faint reminder of the prior tenant's cats didn't put them off. "All it needed was a couple of coats of Benjamin Moore's Super White and some sea grass on the floor and we were ready to decorate," Hughes recalls.
Though they quickly accepted the place on its own terms, the two designers had to accommodate each other's sensibilities. Hughes is known for a fresh take on East Coast style: spare white rooms with clean-lined furniture, contemporary art, and bursts of accent color. Turner likes to layer antiques, rustic vintage pieces, and patterned Anglo- Indian textiles for a California-bohemian look.
"He's Felix and I'm Oscar," says Turner, referring to the neat-freak and clutter-happy characters in The Odd Couple. The Malibu apartment is their first venture as decorating partners, and their shared concept of an all-American surf shack helped establish a common aesthetic ground. Both designers agree that the enduring allure of a beach house is its simplicity. "It gives you permission to be completely casual," says Hughes, who avoided fussiness with such dialed-down details as matchstick blinds and white IKEA curtains.
While many contemporary beach houses are clad in sandy beiges, driftwood grays, and sea-glass blues, Hughes and Turner paid homage to Fourth of July weekends on the Atlantic shore. The patriotic palette of red, white, and blue is never kitschy when it's at the beach, says Hughes.
The informal entryway serves as a surfside version of a mudroom, with a long line of pegs to hold towels and spare swimsuits. Nearby, Hughes hung a Jolly Roger flag, which captures the boyish, clubhouse feel of their getaway. Outside, Turner parks the surfboard he used as a teen and still rides.
Tight quarters and an agreed-upon decorative vocabulary of nautical motifs — maps, flags, ropes, and sea creatures — kept Turner's hunter-gatherer impulses in check. Still, he brought in a 19th-century English writing table with a French oak chair, wedging them into a nook of the bedroom. Above it, Hughes added a framed 1980s Perry Ellis stars-and-stripes scarf his grandmother wore.
"We wanted things that were personal," says Turner. "And then we hit the flea markets. Hard." A vintage library pushcart became a bedside bookshelf, and an assortment of stools found a new home at a table with a base made from rusty anchor chain. The table doubles as a buffet when the couple entertain.
"Sunday lunch is the main event," says Turner. The pair shop at the Malibu farmers' market, and Turner whips up huevos rancheros and other California classics. Guests are served alfresco at a plain table dressed up with vintage crockery. Nearby, Turner's English Labradors, Nacho and Daisy, await a chance to clean up any post-party crumbs.
"The beach is our first true love," Hughes says. "Being California-born, we had a real sense of what beach living is all about — comfortable, easy, nothing overwrought." They've nicknamed their place the Boat House. "The second I open the door and get that gust of sea breeze," Turner says, "I'm completely relaxed, no matter what else is going on."


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The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized spaniel developed in the early 1900s from a stray dog with remarkable bird hunting skills. This dog also makes a great family pet with his can-do, eager-to-please attitude. The State Dog of South Carolina.
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Darwinism is the fundamental philosophy behind freemasonry. Because, Darwinism is the rotten basis of the system of antichrist which the freemasons try to establish in the world. Darwinism aims at estranging people from Allah, and constitutes the deviant and false ideological basis of the cruelty in the world. Therefore the freemasonry is the primary organization which tries hardest to impose the evolution theory on society. The Mason Magazine [printed in Turkey by the freemasons] explains why they support evolution theory as follows:
Darwin's evolution theory showed that many events in the nature are not the work of God. 1(Allah is beyond that)
Masons try to present evolution theory as a solid scientific theory in order to sustain and propagate this big lie. Yet the evolution theory supported by the masons does not have even a single scientific evidence and has corrupted completely in the face of 250 million fossils and other scientific evidences that prove Creation. EVOLUTION THEORY IS THE BIGGEST FRAUD AND DECEIT EMERGED IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE IN THE HISTORY.
Another "masonic magazine" Mimar Sinan describes freemasonry's view of Darwinism as follows:
Freemasons try to impose Darwinism as a scientific theory. Because Darwinism is used as a tool to pave the way for the masonic powers to spread their deviant belief system. Therefore masons adopt the propagation of this theory as one of their primary duties. Mason Magazine refers to this "masonic duty" as below:
The greatest humane and masonic duty we all own is to hold on to the positive science, to spread this belief among people and educate them with positive science [Darwinism] by adopting the view that this is the best and only way in evolution.3
Selami Isindag, a senior mason, describes how freemasonry views humans in the light of evolution in his book titled Masonluktan Esinlenmeler [Inspirations from Freemasonry] as follows:
From the point of view of evolution, human beings are no different from animals. For the formation of man and his evolution there are no special forces other than those to which animals are subjected.4
Freemasonry, as the system of antichrist, to achieve its deviant targets, uses Darwinism which claims that human beings are animals that came into being by chance. Darwinism is put forth, supported, falsely presented as science and protected by freemasons. Still the said antichrist system continues to protect this deviant ideology by way of oppression, imposition, cruelty and fraud.
In order to get a better understanding, it will be to the point to examine how the freemasonry, the system of antichrist, had supported and put forward this deviant ideology during Darwin's time.
Darwin Was Supported by Freemasonry
An important example which proves the fact that Darwinism is one of the biggest deceptions of the freemasonry is a resolution carried in a mason meeting. The 33rd degree Supreme Council of Mizraim Freemasonry at Paris, reveals in its minutes its promotion of evolution as science, while they themselves scoffed at the theory. The minutes read as follows:
It is with this object in view [scientific theory of evolution] that we are constantly by means of our press, arousing a blind confidence in these theories. The intellectuals... will puff themselves up with their knowledge and without any logical verification of them will put into effect all the information available from science, which our agentur specialists have cunningly pieced together for the purpose of educating their minds in the direction we want. Do not suppose for a moment that these statements are empty words: think carefully of the successes we arranged for Darwinism..." 5
Freemasonry in the United States has picked up the resolution of Mizraim before long. New Age magazine in its March 1922 issue stated that the kingdom of freemasonry will be established by evolution and the development of man himself.
As seen above, the false scientific image of evolution theory is a deception set in the 33rd degree masonic lodges. Masons openly admit that they will use the scientists and media which are under their control to present this deception as scientific, which even themselves find funny. When freemasons talk about the successes they arranged for Darwinism, they actually refer to infiltrating a deception into universities, schools, text books, into most of the mass media as a scientific truth, squelching the ones who have anti-Darwinist views, and hindering anti-Darwinist activities by oppression. These fake "successes" freemasons accomplish for Darwinism are aggravated insomuch as that today the Anglican Church is forced to apologize Darwin, Papa is forced to deliver pro-Darwinist conferences at his own place, in Vatican. This is how this deviated system, carried in a lodge by the masonry which is the system of antichrist, is effective.Huxley
Although he had no personal achievements, Huxley was accepted as a member by Royal Society when he was very young. The reason this masonic institution considered him important was his enthusiasm in supporting Darwin.
Other members of Royal Society also supported Darwin and contributed to his works both before and after publishing his book. This masonic institution supported him so much that after a while they started presenting a "Darwin Medal" like Nobel prices to scientists they deem as successful.
In brief, Darwin who was also a mason, was not alone. He was supported in an "organized" way hence he put forth his theory. This organized support was coming from a social class and groups which the freemasons constituted. Marxist theorist Anton Pannekoek, in his book titled Marxism and Darwinism refers to this important fact and explains how Darwinism was supported by the bourgeoisie, that is the European rich capitalist class as follows:
That Marxism owes its importance and position only to the role it takes in the proletarian class struggle, is known to all. . . it is not hard to see that in reality Darwinism had to undergo the same experiences as Marxism. Darwinism is not a mere abstract theory which was adopted by the scientific world after discussing and testing it in a mere objective manner. No, immediately after Darwinism made its appearance, it had its enthusiastic advocates and passionate opponents. . . Darwinism, too, played a role in the class-struggle, and it is owing to this role that it spread so rapidly and had enthusiastic advocates and/ venomous opponents.8
This assertion shows why freemasons attach so much importance to evolution theory. Their aim is to impose the idea that human beings and all the living things have come into existence by chance and to falsely present the deviated materialist philosophy as if it is a consistent idea. And according to the freemasons, evolution theory is the only method to deny the existence of a Creator (Allah is beyond that) and to accept chances as false deities. That's why freemasonry supports, defends, spreads and protects this theory in every condition, even using fraud and cruelty. This is the reason why this deception is protected persistently, with a fanatic attitude and why there is a world dominating Darwinist dictatorship.
2009-07-24 00:00:00
1 Mason Magazine, Issue: 25-26, p.14
2 Mimar Sinan Magazine, Issue 38, 1980, p. 18
3 Türk Mason Magazine, Issue:25-26, March 1977, p. 59
4 Dr. Selami Isindag, Sezerman Kardes VI, Masonluktan Esinlenmeler [Inspirations from Freemasonry], İstanbul 1977, pp. 78 , 110.
5 John Daniel, Two Faces of Freemasonry, Day Publishing, 2007, p. 121
6 Albert G. Mackey. "Charles Darwin and Freemasonry". An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry New York: The Masonic History Company, 1921, Vol. III
7 John J. Robinson, Born in Blood,p. 285
8 Anton Pannekoek, Marxism and Darwinism, Translated by Nathan Weiser, Chicago, Caharles H. Kerr & Company Cooperative


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Blue Indoor Health Adult Cat Food Chicken and Brown Rice size 15 Lb
Specially formulated for cats that spend a majority of their time inside with natural fiber to help control hairballs and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Contains LifeSource Bits formulated and processed to do exactly what their name implies. A precise blend of nutrients and antioxidants selected to strengthen your cat's immune system, help offset the negative impact of toxins and provide support for specific life stage requirements. Food Type: Dry Food Food Consistency: Kibble Life Stage: Adult 1-10 yrs Health Consideration: Weight Management, Hairball Control Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice Primary Ingredient: Chicken Nutrition Option: Natural Organic Calories per Serving: kcal/cup = 478 Package Weight: 15Lb Feeding Instructions: 5 to 9 lbs ¼ to ½ cup* 10 to 14 lbs ½ to 1 cup* *Use a standard 8-oz. measuring cup. Note: Individual cat's requirements may vary from this chart due to age, breed, environment and activity level. Adjust food as required to maintain optimal body condition and ask your veterinarian if you are unsure. Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Brown Rice, Barley, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oatmeal, Powdered Cellulose, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Potatoes, Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Calcium Carbonate, Alfalfa Meal, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Potato Starch, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Salt, Caramel, Taurine, Cranberries, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Apples, Spinach, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Turmeric, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Manganese Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Beta Carotene, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Sodium Selenite Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32.0% min Crude Fat 15.0% min Crude Fiber 6.0% max Moisture 10.0% max Magnesium 0.08% min Taurine 0.15% min Omega 3 Fatty Acids* 0.5% min Omega 6 Fatty Acids* 2.5% min *Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. Caloric Content: 3,634 Kcals/kg, 379 Kcals/cup Size: 15 Lb.
Sku 5108707
Upc 859610000876
No reviews


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Hi everyone,
I just want to ask if you can create a game in C# like RPG Games, etc... because what I know games are from C++.
You can create a game in any language you want. Just depends how much work you want to put into it. C#'s limitations may stem from speed when working on a graphical game (versus lower level languages like C++); but this isn't always the case, there are plenty of games written in C#.
Personally, if you know C# really well, go for it. If you have a very good understanding of C++ use that. Worst case scenario, if you get down in the line in C# and see it being sluggish, you either wrote something poorly or the language framework is impacting your speed/ability then try writing those pieces in C++.
If you search the web you can find numerous tutorials and examples of various types of games explicitly written in C#.In addition, if you try Unity3D (a free download) you have the choice of C#, in addition to Javascript and Boo, to develop sophisticated games. The interesting thing about Unity3D is that you can MIX those three languages in a project. Perhaps not practical but it speaks to the flexibility and design of the framework.
Hey ParkinT and cpradio, thanks, those information helps me a lot. I planning to create a game but I still have my option to other languages but I really prefer the C# which I took so long to learn and focused.
Yes, there are quite a few games that have been written in .net. C# and .net is not as slow as people might think if you know what you are doing. Yes, C++ is probably the best option as you will not have to work around the framework bits when you need to. You might want to wait to see what Microsoft release. as XNA game studio was the framework to use. Using XNA you can run your games on an xbox. The only reason I would not suggest looking into XNA, is that Microsoft have stopped support for it and will no longer release any more features for it. So I am not sure what is next. If they might release something else to replace it or not.
Good luck with your game
You could also look into MonoGame. It is based on XNA and is open source and will also work on the linux platform. They will continue building on its API's and supporting it.
"MonoGame is backed by Xamarin, the developers of MonoTouch and MonoAndroid. I believe MonoGame will continue to be developed and improved and will become a great option for C# developers to target several platforms using a stable and feature filled XNA-like API"
They stopped support for XNA? Shoot.
I hate to be rude, but based on your question it sounds like you don't know enough about C# to be able to build a game.
C# is a general purpose language, but Game Development is tough. You need an entire body of knowledge on top of your ability to develop, alongside knowledge of physics engines, graphics programming, etc.
I've worked a bit with Unity, and it's very good with C#. As ParkinT mentioned above, you have a choice of languages, but it is accepted that you'll use C# to handle the meat of your game, while you'll use JavaScript as a scripting front-end for your game. JavaScript is quite handy in Unity3D if you're building a menu system, or allowing user interaction.


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Posted by Julia Cooper on 16th Jun 2012
You will also see this same review for the cross pendant as I bought them together to be a set. My order was placed with a bit of trepidation, I was looking for very specific item, a sterling silver cross pendant and necklace. You see my husband had always wanted a silver cross and bought one at a superstore that immediately discolored his neck. He was diagnosed with stage IV head and neck cancer at the end of January 2012 and six weeks later he passed away after getting an infection that became septic. When he was diagnosed I promised him he'd get his sterling silver cross unfortunately things happened with his cancer so quickly I wasn't able to keep my promise before he passed. In my grief while net browsing I discovered Sarraf.com. The prices were remarkable so I took the chance and kept one last promise to my beloved husband. The sterling silver chain shimmers and the cross pendant is perfect. Since he can't wear it I have it draped across an 8X10 picture of him and I smile knowing it won't tarnish, chip and change colors. It's a beautiful necklace and cross pendant that matches his beautiful soul. Thank you for helping me keep my one last promise,
Accepting Returns
If for any reason you aren't satisfied, you can return any non-engraved item in its original condition for a refund or exchange. If you have any questions about our return procedure, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Returning Your Order
To return a jewelry item to Sarraf Jewelry Inc., follow our three step process:
Sarraf Inc.
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650 S. Hill St., # 728
Los Angeles, CA 90014
And Exchange
Sarraf Inc.
Attn: Exchange
650 S. Hill St., # 728
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Once your return is received, it will be reviewed by our Quality Assurance department. You will receive credit back to the same credit card which was charged to or exchange within seven business days.
Any improperly packaged, or non-insured packages will be returned to sender. Items that show signs of wear or have been resized (by a jeweler other than Sarraf Jewelry Inc.), engraved, altered, special ordered items or damaged in any way cannot be accepted for return.
* Sarraf Jewelry Inc. will not be
responsible for loss or damage of return shipments.


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Freescale takes aim at TI's DSP market
2 comments
PORTLAND, Ore. Freescale Semiconductor will go gunning for Texas Instruments today (April 26) when the Embedded Systems Conference convenes in San Jose, Calif. Freescale claims its new high-end digital-signal processors, based on the SC3850 StarCore DSP core, offer twice the performance, for about half the price, of similar TI DSPs.
TI has long been the king of the hill in DSPs, but Freescale has made a point of aggressively expanding its own technology in an attempt to unseat its rival. Freescale's new MSC825x family is the first to reach the 45-nanometer process node, allowing the lower price, plus the line reportedly adds both performance and features, such as a second serial port, that TI's DSPs lack.
"Our six-core DSP is twice the performance of the highest-performance DSP you can buy from TI but costs 40 percent less," said John Dixon, media and DSP marketing manager at Freescale.
Freescale's scalable architecture enables the low-end, single-core, $75 MSC8251, but the same software also runs on the dual-core MSC8252, four-core MSC8254 and eight-core MSC8256 ($135). The DSPs are already being designed into high-performance applications in medical, aerospace and test/measurement applications, according to Freescale.
The DSPs all fit the same pinout, regardless of core count, and use the same development software, which includes the ability to translate TI's DSP codes to Freescale code. Each Freescale DSP works with the latest DDR memory controllers and a PCI Express interface.
The CodeWarrior development software includes C++, a source-level debugger, core and device simulators, software analysis plug-ins and the royalty-free SmartDSP-OS operating system. Production is slated for this fall, but developers can get started today using the software-compatible MSC8156 model.


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Feb 22 – Box Office Report 'Unknown' [VIDEO]
Newly minted action hero Liam Neeson topped the weekend box office with Unknown.
The movie earned $21.8 million in its first three days of release. Neeson also had a big hit with the action-packed Taken in 2009 -- read on after the jump.


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gailr wrote:....This was when I accepted that I am a city girl, despite my breeding. I do not have what it takes to live in the wilderness with nothing but a bottle of tequila and a pair of pliers.
What? You need a glass??
Perry wrote:
Did it escape your notice that I recounted virtually the same joke on page 2 of this thread?
Perry not-upset-but-wanting-to-keep-the-record-straight Dror
gailr wrote:....This was when I accepted that I am a city girl, despite my breeding. I do not have what it takes to live in the wilderness with nothing but a bottle of tequila and a pair of pliers.
skinem wrote:... "A grazing Mace, how sweet the hound, that saved a wrench for me."
A wealthy old lady decides to go on a photo safari in Africa, taking her faithful aged poodle, named Cuddles, along for the company.
One day the poodle starts chasing butterflies and before long, Cuddles discovers that he's lost.
Wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch.
The old poodle thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep doo-doo now!" Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat.
Just as the leopard is about to leap the old poodle exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder if there are any more around here?"
Hearing this, the young leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees.
"Whew!", says the leopard, "That was close! That old poodle nearly had me!"
Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So off he goes, but the old poodle sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something must be up. The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard.
The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!
Now, the old poodle sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?", but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old poodle says, "Where's that dang monkey? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another leopard!
Moral of the story...
Don't mess with old farts...age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill! Bullship and brilliance only come with age and experience.
mark sometimes-the leopard-sometimes-the-poodle Bailey
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12 Celebrities Peeing In Public
Sometimes nature calls and there's no bathroom in sight. In that instance, we have no choice but to drop trou and do the deed. We don't think that was the case for Emile Hirsch who was caught pissing into a plant outside of Bootsy Bellows nightclub in West Hollywood on Tuesday night. He seems more surprised than he should be considering he chose to pee in public and he's a celebrity. You live and you learn.
Emile is hardly the first celeb to have a public urination incident. We've rounded up a few more who are infamous for peeing in public. [E! Online]


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Perfect Endings Halloween Cupcakes
There's really no reason these can't be anytime cupcakes. They do look that delicious. 9 come frozen in a box delivered to your doorstep from Perfect Endings Bakery in Northern California's Napa Valley. You get 3 of each mouth watering flavor: chocolate with chocolate frosting, vanilla with vanilla frosting, and apple cake with caramel frosting.


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Bostic's score seals win for UF
Published: Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 7:04 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 7:04 p.m.
Florida senior linebacker Jon Bostic had a hard time remembering the last time he scored a touchdown.
"Senior (year) of high school, I think," Bostic said.
Bostic had a memorable final game at The Swamp on Senior Day in UF's 23-0 win over Jacksonville State. He scored his first career TD on a 7-yard interception return, putting the Gators ahead 17-0 early in the third quarter.
On the play, Bostic read a play-action pass from Jacksonville State quarterback Marques Ivory for his fifth career interception.
"It's all kinds of route recognition," Bostic said. "We saw how they tried to flood the zone over there, once they try to flood that side, we've got to keep pushing them out of their routes. He pretty much threw it right to me."
On the day, Bostic finished with three tackles, including half a tackle for loss. His most impressive tackle came when he raced down Jacksonville State receiver Kevyn Cooper on a 76-yard catch and run. The tackle prevented a potential Jacksonville State touchdown and a quick lead.
"That's the one thing that we've said all year, you can't give up on plays," Bostic said. "We thought he was down, but you have to keep running to the ball."
Bostic has been steady throughout his senior year, providing leadership for a Florida defense that posted its second shutout of the season.
"I don't know if there's a guy playing better inside linebacker in the country than Jon, instinctive, tough," UF coach Will Muschamp said. "Everything we've asked him to do as a football player, he's answered that."
In the process, the 6-foot-1, 243-pound Bostic is raising his potential NFL draft stock. But Bostic said at this point he's more concerned about finishing off UF's season on a strong note.
"I'll probably worry about most of that stuff after the season," Bostic said. "Really, (I'm) just trying to keep on winning games here, play as many games as I can and let everything else take care of itself."
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Did you know?
The Botshabelo Library on the N8 has a vast collection of valuable Sotho arts and crafts.
Artistic towns of the Free State are scattered near and far, between farmlands that extend all the way to the imposing Maluti mountains. For years now, the Free State has witnessed the migration of creative urbanites towards the interior of the country in search of peace, quiet and the need to reinvent their lives. Artists, poets, musicians, chefs and writers have given some of the smaller Free State towns and villages a defined creative edge.
The Free State's arty villages have no doubt been inspired by the surroundings. This is a province that offers arresting rural landscapes, mind-expanding wide open spaces, and local hospitality that can't be beaten. It is an ancient land that inspired the San to paint their stories in the many caves scattered around the countryside. The Free State also has ties to JRR Tolkien, the 'Boy from Bethulie' (beloved South African actor Patrick Mynhardt), poet and author Antjie Krog, and writer Sir Laurens van Der Post.
Creative towns or "dorps" of the Free State include places like Clarens (home to many artists, studios and art galleries), Verkykerskop, Rosendal, Parys, Smithfield, Zastron and Ficksburg. These are just a few rural hideaways that have been put on the map by the creative set. It's at these villages that you can stop off and buy beautiful Free State art and local craft (many works inspired by the Basotho and Griqua cultures). You will also find antiques, mohair products, authentic crafts and home-made produce.
You can also get to enjoy the magnificent sandstone architecture of the eastern Free State or experience a culinary safari in Clarens or Smithfield. At certain times of the year there are various courses on offer - whether you want to learn to make koeksusters, learn to paint watercolours or find out how to photograph that perfect Free State sunset. Wherever you go in smalltown Free State, inspiration is always at hand.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Clarens Tourism Authority
Tel: +27 (0)58 256 1542
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Parys Tourism Information
Tel: +27 (0)56 811 4000
Ficksburg Tourism Information
Cellphone: +27 (0)82 920 5551
Tel: + 27 (0)51 683 0423 (Carmel Rickard)
Cell: +27 (0)82 551 3293
Email firstname.lastname@example.com
Best time to visit
If you are staying in urban Gauteng, the rural Free State offers a good option for a weekend getaway.
Get around
Having a car will mean you have the freedom to drive around to the various areas of the Free State. Public transport is not readily available in the small towns and villages.
What will it cost
Moving around the Free State can be relatively inexpensive - costs will include transport, meals and accommodation. Inexpensive bed and breakfasts are good options.
Length of stay
A weekend or three to four days, depending on how extensively you want to travel between the main regions.
Where to stay
There are B&Bs and guest houses in most of the small towns, as well as a choice of farmstays.
What to eat
The Free State is known for its excellent fresh produce and there are restaurants in the small towns where you can taste the local fare.
Best buys
Local arts and crafts - mohair blankets, tapestries, woven goods, paintings and sculpture.


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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The City Council has now passed a bill to help restore city services cut for budget reasons.
Mayor Alvin Brown proposed the spending after the city discovered it had unspent money from the previous year.
The money will go toward maintaining city right-of-ways more often, restoring maintenance at city parks, turning back on some streetlights that had been turned off, and boosting economic development in areas of Northwest Jacksonville and near the airport.
Following the end of the last fiscal year on Sept. 30, the City Finance Department embarked on its annual financial review and determined that the city had additional unspent funds from the previous fiscal year, according to city officials. Based on those findings, the Brown Administration proposed to amend the legislation and make the following investments:
- $660,000 to increase the frequency of maintaining city right-of-ways.
- $300,000 for streetlight activation to restore the lighting-related cutbacks in last year's budget. The city will work with JEA and commercial property owners to explore whether LED lighting would be appropriate to replace the more expensive photo cell bulbs.
- $89,500 to help Fraternal Order of Police employees in the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office with job-related educational expenses. The city's contract with the Fraternal Order of Police provides that the city contribute $60,000 to educational reimbursements for JSO employees. That required funding has been exhausted and this investment would allow additional JSO employees to receive educational reimbursement.
Copyright 2013 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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UF football to have variable ticket pricing
Published: Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 11:57 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 11:57 a.m.
For the first time in school history, single-game tickets to Florida football games will not all cost the same.
UF announced Thursday that 2014 single-game tickets will vary in cost, depending on the historic demand for each game.
Tickets will range from $25 each (Idaho, Eastern Michigan and Eastern Kentucky) to $85 (LSU and South Carolina). Florida's other home games against SEC opponents are $50 (Kentucky and Missouri).
The cost of season tickets is $280 per ticket, a savings of $65 per ticket based on the variable prices. The Gator Ticket Office (352-375-4683, ext. 6800 or GatorZone.com/tickets) is now taking orders for 2014 season tickets.
Gator Boosters at the Legacy Director, Distinguished Director and Bull Gator levels can purchase single-game tickets beginning July 14. All other boosters and UF staff can purchase single-game tickets starting July 17.
Single-game tickets go on sale to the general public July 22.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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How to Create a Half-Moon Manicure in 4 Easy Steps
"My number-one beauty tip is to practice at home whatever you're going to be wearing. Don't just put something on because you think it's the look of the day or the season. Especially when everyone is saying there's a look for the season, try it out and see if it really looks good on you and be good at it before you go out there wearing it."
"My beauty tip is bronzer. Regardless of whether you're light-skinned or dark-skinned, wear bronzer. Put it on the periphery of the face, the décolletage, and the cheeks. It always makes you look like you just came from Ibiza! As for my fitness tip: Corsets!"
All That Glitters: How to Wear Gold Makeup


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I am currently a graduating senior. Throughout all four years, I have run cross-country and track for St. Lawrence. During my freshman year at SLU, I became a tour guide for the office of admissions – a position that I held until my senior year. During my sophomore year I was also a general chemistry peer workshop leader and since my junior year I have tutored organic chemistry and been a TA for the lab as well. I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark in the spring of my junior year through SLU's association with the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS). As for summer research, I spent the summer after my freshman year at home in Concord, NH working at New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services with the Volunteer Lake Assessment Program training volunteers how to sample their lakes and ponds and testing the samples in the lab for biological and chemical parameters. The summer after my sophomore year I participated in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Carnegie Mellow University. This past summer, after my junior year, I received a SLU Fellowship and Crowell Summer Field Award to conduct research both on campus and at Friday Harbor Laboratory in Friday Harbor, WA.
Hillary C St. John
Hillary C St. John
Biology, Chemistry
Concord, NH
SLU Varsity Cross-Country, SLU Varsity Track and Field, SLU Intramural Broomball, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, ODK Leadership Honor Society


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The Westchester Cycle Club held the first of its Spring Bike Shop Tour Series at Bicycle World in Mount Kisco on Wednesday, March 20.
The club has partnered with area bike shops to encourage people to get out, get fit, be safe and have fun riding. Evenings include food, demonstrations and socializing.
With a beer garden theme, the Bicycle World program was held upstairs, and participants sampled local brews from Captain Lawrence Brewery, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and German food.
Discussion topics included bike handling techniques, proper gear selection, getting the most training benefits from your time on the bike and mechanical tactics.
Programs will be held next week and throughout April. All programs $25 and are from 6:30 p.m. -9 p.m. Future programs include:
Danny's Cycles, 644 Central Ave., Scarsdale; Wednesday, March 27. Manufacturer representatives will speak about wheels and clothing.
Hastings Velo, 45 Main St., Hastings-on-Hudson; Monday, April 1. A demonstration of the latest in electronic shifting and discussion the virtues of a custom bicycle. Food by David Dibari of the Cookery.
Hickory and Tweed, 410 Main St., Armonk; Monday, April 8. Helmets, bike clothing, specifically bibs and shorts, followed by a discussion about triathlon bikes.
Yorktown Cycles, 1899 Commerce St. Yorktown Heights; Wednesday, April 10. Dr. Stuart Weitzman will address different nutrition or fuel requirements for your rides – from shorter rides or races to Century or Iron distance rides.
Signature Cycle, 1899 Commerce St., Greenwich, Conn., April 18. Learn more about frame materials and have your questions answered about differences and attributes of carbon, steel and titanium bikes. Cuisine from Tarry Lodge.
WCC members can register on the WCC website www.westchestercycleclub.org under Events. All others please contact Events Organizer Flori Doyle to register: email@example.com . All welcome, but registration is limited, so register early.
The Westchester Cycle Club is a not-for-profit organization that has been riding since 1975. Annual membership ($20) provides a variety of member-led rides – beginner through expert – throughout Westchester as well as Putnam, Dutchess and Fairfield (Conn.) counties. For more information on the club or to become a member, please visit www.westchestercycleclub.org.
Left to right: Eric Marcos, owner of Bicycle World, with organizer Flori Doyle and some Westchester Cycle Club members at first event.


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Gillaspie's slam, Danks' homer in first prove crucial
Petricka earns save, redemption after Blue Jays battle back
CHICAGO -- The last game worked by Jake Petricka on Tuesday in San Francisco resulted in an extra-inning victory for the White Sox but also a blown save for the White Sox closer.
Petricka allowed two runs on four hits without finishing the ninth, a ledger that could have been worse if not for a spectacular double play started by second baseman Gordon Beckham. But when Petricka entered Sunday's series finale against the Blue Jays at U.S. Cellular Field, looking for his ninth save and hoping to close out his team's 7-5 victory, he wasn't thinking about that most recent trouble spot.
It's a good thing he wasn't because Petricka worked himself into and then out of danger during a 20-pitch frame, finishing the first series victory of August for the White Sox (59-65).
After Melky Cabrera grounded out to Beckham to start the ninth, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion both drew walks. Danny Valencia followed with a single to left to load the bases. But Petricka retired Colby Rasmus on a weak fly ball to left fielder Alejandro De Aza, coming on a 0-1 changeup, and knocked down Nolan Reimold on a grounder to Beckham via a 1-1, 94 mph fastball.
Call it another valuable late-inning lesson learned by the rookie.
"Every closer ever, you expect stuff like that," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura of Petricka's dicey but successful close. "I don't think it has anything to do with a guy being young. There are guys that have done it a long time and it's the same way. It's a tough role, it's unforgiving."
"You have to go out there and make your pitches," Petricka said. "I got lucky tonight walking consecutive batters. You can never do that. I got lucky and made the pitches after that and got the outs I needed. It's really just not putting too much pressure on the situation."
A need existed for Petricka primarily because of a six-run first put together by the White Sox against Toronto starter Drew Hutchison (8-11). The White Sox didn't do much after the first, adding a Jordan Danks ' sacrifice fly in the sixth, but it was enough.
Conor Gillaspie erased a 1-0 deficit in the first when he connected on a 2-2 offering for his first career grand slam. The blast from Gillaspie, his fifth, followed De Aza's single and two-out walks issued to Adam Dunn and Avisail Garcia.
"Sometimes you get 'em up in the air. Sometimes you miss 'em," said Gillaspie, who has hit safely in eight of his last nine games. "It was definitely a good jump start to the game and I felt like everybody did a great job all around today."
"When you look at it, where he runs into trouble, the ball just starts coming up in the zone, particularly his changeup and even his fastball," said Toronto manager John Gibbons of the struggles for Hutchison, although he lasted seven innings. "When he's down, he's real tough."
Beckham kept the first going with a single, and Danks capped the scoring with a two-run homer to left-center. Since rejoining the White Sox, Danks is hitting .350 in 20 at-bats covering seven games.
Scott Carroll (5-7) earned the victory thanks to the first-inning support, although the Blue Jays slowly worked their way back into the contest with three in the fifth and one in the sixth. Daniel Webb, Eric Surkamp and Zach Putnam gave a two-run lead to Petricka, who battled his way to victory.
Having a short memory stands as one of the key attributes for any closer, and Petricka showed that ability even within this given inning. On a 1-0 pitch to Encarnacion, who hit his 27th homer earlier in the contest, Petricka missed with a fastball down the middle of the plate. Luckily for the White Sox, Encarnacion also missed on a chance to tie the game with Bautista on first and fouled the pitch back.
That sequence wasn't so much about luck for Petricka, as much as it was part of the process in his 18th scoreless outing over his last 21 appearances.
"He didn't try to foul the pitch off. He tried to hit it hard," said Petricka, who helped the White Sox improve to 14-11 against the American League East and 34-30 against teams with winning records. "It's part of the game. It gives you confidence when they miss them and you know you miss. So, you can come after him even harder next time."
"Most of the time you're going to see the tying run come to the plate or the winning run come to the plate," said Ventura of Petricka and closing. "You just have to be able to handle it."
Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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• No great fire1 illuminating the night was seen in Imam Rabbani's time.
However, on the morning of 15 November, 1979, a giant Romanian tanker exploded on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Following the great explosion, the tanker and the fuel it was carrying blazed for days. Giant flames, light, a smoke cloud and occasional explosions were all observed.
• The Iran-Iraq War2 had not yet broken out in Imam Rabbani's time.
The war between Iran and Iraq began in October 1980. This war is a portent of the End Times revealed by our Prophet (saas) 1430 years ago.
• No fire3 from the East had been seen in Imam Rabbani's time.
In 1991, Iraqi troops set fire to the Kuwaiti oil wells at Saddam's command. As a result of that attack, a huge fire enfolded Kuwait and the Persian Gulf. With this, yet another of the portents of the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as) revealed by our Prophet (saas) took place in the Hijri 1400s.
• The waters of the River Euphrates had not been stopped in the time of Imam Rabbani.4
The waters of the River Euphrates were stopped for the first time in 1973 with the construction of the Keban Dam.
• There was no great terror in the region following the stopping of the waters of the Euphrates and no large number of people lost their lives in the time of Imam Rabbani.5
But following the construction of a dam across the Euphrates, PKK terror raised its head after 1400 and many innocent people and Turkish troops were killed.
• There was no great war between The Tigris and the Euphrates in the time of Imam Rabbani.6
The war between two Muslim countries, the Iran-Iraq War that broke out in 1980 and lasted for 8 years, is one in complete agreement with the hadith and that took place in 1400 (Islamic calendar).
• No attack on the Kaaba took place in the time of Imam Rabbani and no blood was shed there.7
But on the first day of 1400 (Islamic calendar), or 21 November, 1979, a bloody assault on the Kaaba did take place, resulting in terrible slaughter. Seven years later, in 1407, an even more bloody incident took place at the Kaaba and a great many pilgrims were martyred. The circumambulation of the Kaaba was halted because of this attack on it, unique in its history.
• The community of Islam was not left leaderless in the time of Imam Rabbani.
Imam Rabbani lived between 1564 and 1624. During his lifetime 8 Ottoman sultans, from Solomon the Magnificent to Mustafa I acted as caliph of Islam. In other words, this sacred position was occupied during the time of Imam Rabbani. Yet it is revealed in the hadith of our Prophet (saas) that there will be no caliph at the head of the community of Islam when Hazrat Mahdi (as) appears. One hadith of our Prophet (saas) on the subject reads:
He [Hazrat Mahdi (as)] will not appear until no caliph remains on earth. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar, p. 54)
• There were no eclipses of the Sun and Moon in two consecutive years in the month of Ramadan until the time of Imam Rabbani.8
Whereas our Prophet (saas) reveals that these celestial phenomena will take place at the time of the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as). Just as revealed by our Prophet (saas), solar and lunar eclipses at 15-day intervals took place in consecutive years in the month of Ramadan in the Hijri 1400s. These eclipses took place in 1981 and 1982.
* In line with these calculations, there was a lunar eclipse in 1981 (Hijri 1401) on day 15 of Ramadan 15 and a solar eclipse on day 29 of Ramadan.
* There was a "second" lunar eclipse in 1982 (Hijri 1402) on day 14 of Ramadan and a solar eclipse on day 28 of Ramadan.
• Afghanistan was not invaded in Imam Rabbani's time.
Whereas in one hadith our Prophet (saas) says, "Pity poor Taliqan (Afghanistan),"9 noting that the country would be invaded at the time of the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as). And Afghanistan was invaded by Soviet Units in Hijri 1400 (1979 AD).
• Azerbaijan was not invaded in the time of Imam Rabbani.
Our Prophet (saas) has revealed that "A fire will appear from Azerbaijan.10" And Azerbaijan was invaded in 1990 by the Armenians, who claimed territorial possession of Nagorno Karabakh, and many of our Azeri brothers were martyred.
• The comets Lulin and Halley had not passed by the earth in close succession in the time of Imam Rabbani.
Halley's comet passed by the Earth in 1986. This appearance takes place once every 76 years, its last appearance coinciding with the year 1400 (Islamic calendar).11
The expression 'a double-toothed, light-shedding horn will appear', described by our Prophet (saas) in the hadith as a portent of the coming of the awaited Hazrat Mahdi (as) in the End Times and described in detail by Imam Rabbani refers to the comet Lulin, which came closest to the Earth on 24 February, 2009.12 Scientists say that it will be another 1000 years before this comet comes by the Earth again.
• The rulers of Sham and Egypt were not killed in the time of Imam Rabbani. 13
Yet just as reported in the hadith, the rulers of Egypt and Sham were assassinated just before 1400 (Islamic calendar). Some of the incidents concerned are:
- The killing of former Syrian President Salah Al-Deen Beetar in 1920,
- Syrian Prime Minister Droubi Pasha in 1921,
- Syrian Prime Minister Muhsin al-Barazi in 1949,
- King Abdullah of Jordan in 1951,
- And the death of Lebanese Phalangist leader Bachir Gemayel in a bomb attack
• Nothing resembling the Egyptians being taken prisoner took place in the time of Imam Rabbani. 14
In 26 October, 1956, Israel attacked Egypt and occupied the Sinai Peninsula. The Six-Day War between Egypt and Israel followed. The West Bank, Golan Heights and Jerusalem are still under Israeli occupation. A great many Egyptian troops were either taken prisoner or martyred during these conflicts.
• There was no corruption of smoke and dust in the time of Imam Rabbani. 15
This hadith came totally true on 11 September, 2001, with the worst ever terror attacks on New York and Washington in the USA. As the whole world saw, a big, thick cloud of dust and smoke swallowed up the immediate surroundings.
• There was no worldwide slaughter in the time of Imam Rabbani. 16
Some 250 million people lost their lives in World Wars I and II alone. Conflicts, invasions and wars, the result of the arms technology that developed in the 20th century and the ensuring military strategies cost the lives of a great many people. Terrible slaughter has taken place in Palestine, Ruanda, Bosnia, Chechnya, East Turkestan and many other places in the world.
• Muslims and Jews did not go to war in the time of Imam Rabbani. 17
But the disputes between Muslims and Jews have persisted in the present day in the form of war and conflict.
• There was no question of open denial of Allah in the time of Imam Rabbani. 18
Atheism, the perversity of denial of Allah (Allah is surely beyond that), although around for a long time, started to spread on a heretofore unknown scale by the end of the nineteenth century. The number of people deluded by the spread of materialism and Darwinism, atheism's philosophical and so-called "scientific" bases, increased markedly in the twentieth century. Heretical belief systems such as atheism, materialism, Darwinism and communism will be intellectually destroyed in the time of Hazrat Mahdi (as). The moral values of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of our Prophet (saas) will previal the people of the world. But no such system of denial dominated the world in the time of Imam Rabbani, and neither was there any question of such systems being intellectually eliminated or the moral values of the Qur'an prevailing the world in his time.
• Muslims did not wage war with one another in the time of Imam Rabbani. 19
But there have been wars between some Muslim countries since 1400 (Hijri style). The Iran-Iraq War and the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait shows that the hadith refers to the period after 1400.
• There was no anarchy and disorder across the world in the time of Imam Rabbani. 20
Anarchy and terror, war and slaughter, reached the highest levels in the 20th century, that which saw the advent of Hazrat Mahdi (as).
• There was no question of "an army being lost in the desert" in the time of Imam Rabbani. 21
During the invasion of Iraq in 2003, a 15000-man unit of the Iraqi Army, known as the Fedayeen, simply disappeared.
• There was no question of the Iraqi currency disappearing or their monetary units no longer being in circulation in the time of Imam Rabbani. 22
With the last war, the rapid loss of the Iraqi currency's value and the possibility of its being withdrawn from circulation appeared in the newspapers during 2003.
• There was no question of Baghdad being in flames in the time of Imam Rabbani. 23
During the Second Gulf War in 2003, from the very first day Baghdad was the target of a very intensive bombing campaign. Under heavy bombardment, Baghdad burned in flames, just as the hadith said it would.
• There was no question of the reconstruction of Iraq in the time of Imam Rabbani. 24
Yet Iraq, which was devastated in the invasion of 2003, is being rapidly reconstructed in the present day.
• No tall buildings could be built in the time of Imam Rabbani. 25
But the 1400s in which we are living is a century in which very tall skyscrapers have been constructed.
• People were unable to talk using the end of a whip, in other words the telephone, in the time of Imam Rabbani, as this had not yet been invented. 26
• There was as yet no greening of the deserts, making desert lands suitable for agriculture, in the time of Imam Rabbani.
In the hadith our Prophet (saas) says;
"The Day of Judgment will not come until there are rivers and gardens in Arabia". (Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 17, p. 22, hadith no. 8819)
He thus described agricultural improvement work that would take place in desert lands. Today, now that water has been brought into the deserts of Arabia, agriculture is possible in even the most arid regions.
• Nobody's own voice had yet spoken to him, in other words sound recording devices had not yet been invented, in the time of Imam Rabbani. 27
Remarkable progress in this field of technology began taking place in the 20th century in particular.
• No wars or disasters leading to the devastation of great cities took place in the time of Imam Rabbani. 28
Many major cities were destroyed in the First and Second World Wars and in earthquakes in recent years. The atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki made those cities uninhabitable.
• Another great phenomenon to which our Prophet (saas) refers in the hadith had not yet taken place in the time of Imam Rabbani. 29
These details provided by our Prophet (saas) in the hadith bear a very close similarity to the 1 May incidents that took place in Taksim Square in 1977, immediately before the year 1400 (Hijri style).
• There was no intense rain following drought in the time of Imam Rabbani. 30
But our Prophet (saas) refers to heavy rains that will take place following the appearance of the comet Lulin in the End Times. And immediately after the appearance of the comet Lulin on 24 February, 2009, very heavy rain began falling especially in Turkey from the month of March. While people had been complaining of drought and lack of rain, some people now had to be evacuated from their homes because of flooding. The gates of the Dim Dam were broken because of the heavy rainfall, for example.
These portents cited above are just a few of the signs of the advent of Hazrat Mahdi (as), whom our Prophet (saas) describes as appearing in the End Times. Yet even these few signs are sufficient to show that Hazrat Mahdi (as) very definitely did not appear in the time of Imam Rabbani. Imam Rabbani said that because of these signs, that did not manifest themselves in the early 18 years of century in which he lived, or after, it was impossible for Hazrat Mahdi (as) to have appeared in his day. Yet these portents all began taking place as of the first day of the 1400s (Islamic calendar). This, by Allah's leave, is a clear and explicit sign of the advent of Hazrat Mahdi (as) in this century. (Allah knows the truth.)
1 - It is narrated from Husayn ibn Ali that: "When you see a great fire from the east in the sky illuminate the night, that moment is the time of the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as)." (Mari' ibnYusuf Karami Hanbali " Fawaid Fawaid al-Fikr fil Mahdi al-Montazar )
2 - There will be tumult in Shawwal [the tenth Islamic month], talks of war in Dhu al-Qa'dah [the eleventh Islamic month], and the outbreak of war in Dhu al-Hijja [the twelfh month]. (Al-Barzanji, Al-Isha'ah li-ashrat al-sa'ah, p. 166)
3 - I swear that a flame will engulf you. That flame is presently in an extinguished form at the valley called Barahut. That flame swallows up people with terrible pain inside it, burns down and destroys people and property, and spreads all over the world by flying like a cloud with the assistance of winds. Its heat at night is much higher than its daytime temperature. By going as deep as the center of Earth from the heads of people, that flame becomes a terrible noise just like the lightning between the earth and sky, he narrated. (Mukhtasar Tazkirah Qurtubi, p. 461)
4 - Soon the river Euphrates will disclose the treasure [the mountain] of gold. So, whoever will be present at that time should not take anything of it. (Sahih Bukhari)
5 - "The Hour will not come to pass before the water of the Euphrates stops to unveil the mountain of gold, , for which people will fight. NINETY-NINE OUT OF ONE HUNDRED WILL DIE [in the fighting], and every man among them will say: 'Perhaps I may be the only one to remain alive'." (Muslim, Fitan, 29)
6 - There will be a city called Zawra [Baghdad] between the Tigris and the Euphrates. There will be a great battle there. Women will be taken prisoner, and men will have their throats cut like sheep. (Al Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, vol. 5, p. 38)
7 - There come the cries of war in [the month of] Shawwal with the outbreak of war, massacre, and carnage in [the month of] Dhu al-Hijja. The pilgrims are plundered in this month, the streets cannot be crossed because of the blood shed, and religious prohibitions are violated. Big sins are committed near the Magnificent House [the Kaaba]. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 37)
8 - A lunar eclipse will occur in the first night of the Ramadan. In the middle of the Ramadan, a solar eclipse will occur. (Al-Barzanji, Al-Isha'ah li-ashrat al-sa'ah, p. 199)
There are two signs for the Mahdi... The first one is the lunar eclipse in the first night of Ramadan, and the second is the solar eclipse in the middle of this month. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 47)
There will be two lunar eclipses in Ramadan... (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 53)
There will be two solar eclipses in Ramadan before the Mahdi's advent. (Mukhtasar Tazkirah al-Qurtubi, p. 440)
9 - Pity poor Taliqan [a region in Afghanistan]. At that place are treasures of Allah, but these are not of gold and silver. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p.59)
10 - ... Abu Bashir says: Imam Abu Abdullah Jafar Sadiq said: My father told me: A FIRE WILL CERTAINLY APPEAR FROM AZERBAIJAN. AND NOTHING WILL BE ABLE TO STAND IN ITS WAY. STAY IN YOUR HOMES WHEN THIS HAPPENS. Do whatever we do. (In other words, when we stay at home, you stay at home, too). And when our Qaim [Hazrat Mahdi (as)] moves, run swiftly and without stopping towards him... (Sheikh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Numani, al-Ghaybah al-Numani p. 311)
11 - Before he arrives, a comet will appear in the east, giving out an illumination. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 53)
12 - Know that, according to his Companions, the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "When Abbasi Malik arrives at Khorasan, one of the signs of the coming of the promised Mahdi, A DOUBLE-TOOTHED (1) LIGHT SHEDDING (2) HORN (3) WILL APPEAR IN THE EAST." (Imam Rabbani, Letters of Rabbani, 381st Letter, p .1184)
13 - Before he comes, the inhabitants of Egypt and Sham will kill their rulers and their commanders... (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 49)
14 - The people of Sham will take prisoner the tribes of Egypt... (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 49)
15 - Before the Hour comes, there will be a dusty and smoky tribulation like patches of dark night... (Sunan Abu Dawud)
16 - Before the advent of Hazrat Mahdi (as) a great strife will occur, in which massacres will take place. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 37)
17 - The Last Day does not take place until Muslims and Jews make war.... (Muslim, Tirmidhi)
18 - There will be great corruption, in which there will be terrible slaughter, before the Mahdi. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 37)
Most painful situations and grievous sights will be seen. Strife will go on and on. It will kill mothers, fathers, daughters, men, and everyone. Among these will be strife, violence, destruction, and looting. People will ask when it will end, but it will still go on. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman , p. 36)
19 - The Hour will not come until the two great Islamic armies get into war with one another... (Mukhtasar Tazkirah al-Qurtubi, p. 454, no. 831)
Abu Hurayra reported that Allah's Messenger (saas) narrated: "The Last Hour will not come until the two parties [of Muslim] confront each other and there is a large-scale massacre amongst them and the chain of both of them is the same." (Sahih Muslim)
20 - The Day of Judgment will not take place until these things come to pass… Death and slaughter will be widespread… (al-Suyuti, Al-Jami as-Sagir, 3:211; Musnad, 2:492, 4:391, 392)
21 - There are five portents of the Mahdi: a cry from Sufyani, Yemani, and Sama, the sinking of an army in Bayda, and the killing of the innocent. (Narrated by Nuaim ibn Hammad)
An army comes to fight. Once they enter the desert, the one in the front and the back disappear, and the ones in the middle cannot save themselves. (Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan Abu Dawud)
22 - The Iraqis will be left with no weighing equipment, and no money will be left to them with which to buy and sell. (Al Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, Kanz al-`Ummaal, vol. 5, p. 45)
23 - Baghdad is destroyed by fire in the End Times ... (Risalat al-Khuruj al-Mahdi, vol. 3, p. 177)
24 - ... The Day of Judgment will not come until Iraq is attacked. Innocent people in Iraq will seek shelter in Sham. Sham will be rebuilt, and Iraq will be rebuilt. (Al Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, vol. 5, p. 254)
25 - There will be no [Day of] Judgment until very tall buildings are constructed. (Narrated by Abu Hurayra)
When the shepherds would vie with one another in constructing buildings, it is one the signs of the Last Hour. (Sahih Muslim)
26 - The Last Hour will not come before the end of a man's whip speak to him. (Tirmidhi)
27 - There will be no Judgment Day... until a person's own voice speaks to him. (Mukhtasar Tazkirah al-Qurtubi, p. 471)
28 - Great cities will be ruined, and it will be as if they had not existed the day before. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 38)
29 - "Before the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as), there will be a great event when pitch-black stones in Medina will vanish in blood. In that event it will be as easy to kill a woman as to wave a whip. And this phenomenon will spread for 2 km, and the oath of allegiance will be taken to Hazrat Mahdi (as). (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, 41)
30 - At Hazrat Mahdi's (as) coming, a double-toothed comet will appear and will be so bright that it will shine like the full moon. After the appearance of this comet there will be such rain that great damage will be caused. But people will welcome that rain. Because no rain will have fallen for the previous 3 years. (The Twelfth Imam, Murtadha Lakha)


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Unfit Watson a burden on team: PontingChloe Saltau
Published: November 21 2012 - 3:00AM
SHANE Watson will be put through a final, punishing fitness test in Adelaide on Wednesday with a warning from his former captain ringing in his ears.
Ricky Ponting, who presided over Watson's two golden years in Test cricket, said he would place an unacceptable burden on his teammates if he returned at anything less than full fitness.
''No one can go into a Test match 70 per cent fit, I don't care if you're a batsman and a slips fielder, if you can't bat at 100 per cent then you're putting pressure on other blokes as well,'' Ponting said.
''Someone's got to run with him between the wickets, and I'm sure that'll be at the back of his mind. It will certainly be at the back of the minds of the physios and doctors looking after him for the next couple of days.''
Watson came through a solid rehabilitation session at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, but he will be pushed harder today before a decision is made about his availability.
Watson's two Allan Border Medals were won as an opening batsman while Ponting was captain. Michael Clarke asked more of Watson with the ball, but his batting has tapered off.
He averages 25 since the change of leadership, and Clarke in recent weeks has refused to guarantee his selection unless he is bowling.
So even if Watson is passed fit by the medical staff, Clarke and the selectors might prefer to see more of Rob Quiney at No. 3. If that's the case, it's hard to see why Watson was kept in the squad of 13.
Ponting shrugged off suggestions of frustration within the dressing room with Watson's constant injury dramas.
''It is what it is for us. I am sure it is more frustrating for Shane himself,'' Ponting said.
''He is a very valued member of our side. Anyone who can bat in the top order and bowl the way he can bowl is going to be missed in any team around the world, he is also our Test vice-captain and No. 3 batter.
''If we've got him, that will be great and if we don't we have to move on pretty quickly, and if Rob Quiney gets another opportunity, he looked really good last week in his short stay at the crease and we are pretty confident he will do the job if he gets the chance to play.''
Watson still looked hesitant during the Australians' fielding session, but returned to the outfield with physiotherapist Alex Kountouris and physical performance coach Dave Bailey after batting in the nets.
He simulated running between the wickets and built up to a sprint during a running and stretching session lasting about half an hour in fierce Adelaide heat.
The medical staff are said to be pleased with Watson's progress. Satisfying Clarke and his fellow selectors, not to mention his teammates, that he is worth the risk as a specialist batsman will be the next hurdle.
''It's not for me to decide whether he should play or not,'' Ponting said. ''I have watched him train closely the last couple of days, he's getting through his batting fine, he's been a bit restricted with what he can do in the field, he's done his catching work and he'll be in slips if he plays anyway.
''Obviously the selectors and our coaches are going to give him as long as possible to prove his fitness or otherwise, but so far he seems confident in himself and with what's required of his batting at training.
''He's just got to tick all the boxes he can tick and do the things he can do physically and then see what the selectors and captain and coach do from there.''
This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/unfit-watson-a-burden-on-team-ponting-20121120-29o2r.html


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There's this sport called cyclocross. Heard of it? No? Lemme essplain. Cyclocross is a cycling activity whereby athletes of considerable coordination ride a roadish-type bike with beefy tires through a muck 'n mire obstacle course. Muck 'n mire is anything from grass, to mud or dirt, concrete, and even ballpits. A cyclocross course is a loop of varying lengths and features that is ridden again-and-again by race participants for a designated length of time. Like, say, 50 minutes (plus some laps.) Basically, the Bloke (er Sheila) with the most laps in the designated time wins.
Last Friday, SkiBikeJunkie produced a tweet about racing the Clammy Cross that evening. Me, being schooled in clams, and all things clammy, knew right away that this Clammy Cross was a half-mile from my house.
(As an aside, don't you hafta be careful with clam jokes? Sure do. And fer reals I've been clam digging. It's a gas.)
Junkie informed us that the race started at 9:30pm. Spouse, Yahoos, and I decided to show up and watch. And watch we did. I've watched a cyclocross race before, but I don't remember paying attention to the dismount performance that precedes the obstacles.
This time, at the Clammy Cross, I paid attention to the dismounts. Mostly because one of the obstacles was a 12-foot pile of asphalt. (Holy barrier Batman!) I watched 'em dismount and carry their bikes up that 12-foot pile of asphalt for a bit, then wandered over to some of the other obstacles to watch more dismounting.
(We also met Mr. StupidBike in person. That was super, duper, fun. Or like he said: awkward.)
I've used two words in this post that I'd like to draw attention to at this time. They are: performance and coordination. (Italics added for emphasis.) Cyclocross is a coordination performance. (More italics added for emphasis.) Only the coordinated can participate, only those with acute eye-foot-cleat symbiosis can play, only those who have mastered the unclip-sissor combo can transact. Hell, you might as well throw in some jazz hands with a cross-body chassé and a samba.
Where do these guys come from?! The whole pack was doing some fancy stuff.
During this bedazling display of finesse, it dawned on me that the cyclocross world must be full of washed-up ballroom dancers. Oh the coordination! The hip motion! The footwork! The backleading! The body (bike) support! The center point of balance! The heel turns! The lead stealing! (Also called hijacking in the ballroom world, but, like hijack has nothing but negative energy these days. Stealing on the other hand has some positive energy. Grin.)
Cyclocross is coordination. (And some other random, unrelated stuff like endurance, and strength, and lactic threshold, and high VO2 max.) Remember how I said I'm schooled in all things clam? Well, I'm not schooled in any things ballroom dance or any things that requires coordination. Walk and chew gum? Nada. Walk. Then chew the gum. It is in my best interest to stay out of the cyclocross world.
However. How... ever... it would be quite entertaining to teach a nut-job clod (er clam) like myself to ride cross. Then it hit me. My million dollar idea. We should do a reality show where you take a nobody who cannot cyclocross and turn them into cyclocrossers. Just like that one ballroom dance show.
We'd call it So You Think You Can Cyclocross.
What'ya think? A winner? Below, please find some youtube video I found that demonstrates a proper (I guess it's proper; says so in the title) dismount and remount. Enjoy. You can get the gist in only a minute.


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Flip video delivers new Flip UltraHD
Little camcorders get bigger all over
By Ko Maruyama!-- AddToAny BEGIN -->
The Ultra HD in many ways is like it's predecessor, the Flip. The small camera easily fits into a shirt pocket, or purse, it shoots a HD video image HD -- 1280x720, and has an easy to use button interface on the back of the upright camera. However, there are many features that set this camera apart from its previous version, and any of the other competitors' offerings.
It's just as easy to use as previous versions - my daughter decided that she'd help me with my review. Her take on the previous Flip camera was that it had a cool, silver bracelet that made sure you wouldn't drop it. Now she's interested in documentary shooting and nature photography.
The software that comes with the Flip Share includes a default setting for uploading to your YouTube account. Unfortnuately, the compression that YouTube puts on the video completely corrupts the quality that you get from the camera's generated mp4 file. (download the mp4 file here: HD bougainvillea movie)
As we had in previous versions of the camera, the Flip Ultra HD comes with Flip Share software, which makes it very easy to download, edit, and even post to e-mail or video sharing sites.
The new Flip Ultra HD Comes with double the capacity found in the HD version of the Flip Mino. While the two hours of storage is a fantastic addition to the camera, the constant use -- recording, playing, deleting, rerecording, playing again, and presenting -- for two hours of video, it is a drain on the power source for the little camera. Ingeniously, the company has created a brand-new AA battery that can be recharged through the camera's built in USB connection. If, in the event you cannot get to a USB charging device, you can use AA batteries to power the camera.
Because this camera is designed specifically for output to new HD monitors, it is equipped with an HDMI out, for you to supply the cable. Of course, you can also -- as most people probably will -- download the videos straight to your computer or television server through the USB arm which tucks neatly inside the unit (as it did before). The one modification in this version is that the USB arm now comes out of the side of the camera, rather than from the top.
The screen size may seem like a simple upgrade to some, but the ability to see the subject in the LCD back, displayed on the 2 inch viewing area, is really a big advantage over other cameras of the size.
Pure Digital Technologies, Inc. also offers the Flip Ultra camcorder which shoots in 640x480 resolution, and lists for only $149 US. However, I would not be able to recommend this over the $199 HD version. While it does cost slightly more than the standard version, the lower version only supports a sub NTSC video size, does not come with the rechargeable AA battery pack, and only goes out to a monitor via composite video cables (which I believe may be included, but that is hardly reason to pass up the $199 version which gives you so much more).
This is a great new product that allows you to not only have a pocket HD video recording device, but one that has a rechargeable battery and can also utilize standard AA batteries, shoot for two hours of HD video (720p), provide simple editing tools, and be a fantastic and easy to use introduction to storytelling through video images. It is easily the must-have camera for your summer vacation fun movies. You can purchase the camera online or check it out in more than 10,000 retail locations including Best Buy. The camera is also available in Canada and the UK.
The Flip ULTRA and ULTRA HD don't seem to be offered with custom skins yet. There are a few different colors you can choose from - - but the rubberized ULTRA HD is elegant enough for any occasion.
You can find out more about Pure Digital Technologies, Inc., and its many different products by visiting the Flip video website: www.theflip.com.
recommend this articlePage: 1
Ko Maruyama is a freelance animator in Los Angeles. In addition to working on film and broadcast animations, Ko teaches at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design - focusing on motion design. When working, writing or testing software allows, you can find him lending a hand in the After Effects board and lurking among the Cinema4D, Visual Effects and Photoshop posts within the DMNForums.
Related Keywords:review, flip video, flip ultra hd, flip ultra, video camera, camcorder, pocket cam corder
Related Keywords:review, flip video, flip ultra hd, flip ultra, video camera, camcorder, pocket cam corder
Source:Ko Maruyama. All Rights Reserved


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FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze at an outdoor residential centre near Corfe Castle this morning.
Two crews from Swanage were called to the fire, which started around 5.25am in an outdoor building at the centre.
Crews used breathing apparatus and three hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze.
A third fire engine was requested toilet block The fire involved a large quantity of clothing in a laundry and toilet block.
Firefighters removed insulation and corrugated metal sheets from the roof to put out the blaze.
A cause is not yet known.


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Owners of Apple devices across Australia are having them digitally held for ransom by hackers demanding payment before they will relinquish control.
iPad, iPhone and Mac owners in Queensland, NSW, Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria have reported having their devices held hostage.
One iPhone user, a Fairfax Media employee in Sydney, said she was awoken at 4am on Tuesday to a loud "lost phone" message that said "Oleg Pliss" had hacked her phone. She was instructed to send $50 to a PayPal account to have it unlocked.
It is likely hackers are using the unusual name as a front to get money from people. A real Oleg Pliss is a software engineer at tech company Oracle. A similar name is listed on LinkedIn as a banking professional in Ukraine, while there are others in Russia.
Affected users in Australia have been discussing the issue on Twitter and Apple's own support forum.
Ok just got a 'found your phone' email from Find my iPhone, then got a message on my phone to say it had been hacked. Should I be worried? — Athanae Lucev (@athanaelucev)
May 26, 2014
Has anyone had their phone weirdly hacked through unprompted use of Find My iPhone? — Ms Mindy Chops (@mindychops)
May 27, 2014
Woken up at 2am by hacked 'Find My iPhone' asking for money, no sleeping after trying to sort that out so at work at 6am: Today will be fun. — Casey Maree (@_caseymaree_)
May 26, 2014
my phone and ipad have been hacked overnight, message on screen says "your device has been hacked by oleg pliss...
http://t.co/fFiwPksX7o — Eva Goes (@Eva53)
May 26, 2014
@Devar This happened to my mum's iPad last night. I changed her iCloud password and took the phone out of lost mode, locked tho — Matt (@abstractg)
May 27, 2014
Users who have a passcode on their device appear to be able to unlock it after the hacker has sent them the message demanding payment, but those who had not set a passcode are unable to.
Do you know more? Email email@example.com
Dozens of others across the country reported similar early morning messages.
A Melbourne Apple user reported the issue affecting their iPad. "I was using my iPad a short while ago when suddenly it locked itself," the user, "veritylikestea", wrote on Monday.
"I went to check my phone and there was a message on the screen ... saying that my device(s) had been hacked by 'Oleg Pliss' and he/she/they demanded $100 USD/EUR (sent by Paypal to firstname.lastname@example.com) to return them to me. I have no idea how this has happened."
A PayPal spokesman said there was no PayPal account linked to the email address the hacker used.
The spokesman added that any money that may have been sent by victims would be refunded.
Those with iPhones say they have been calling Telstra, Vodafone and Optus to try to fix the issue. Some have been calling Apple directly.
"Vodafone kept saying 'iPhone can't be hacked,' " one Apple user, "Shleighbo", wrote.
"Rang Telstra and they said it is an Apple issue," another, "georgie81", said.
"The Optus tech support was not helpful," said yet another user, "Bettybam".
Comment is being sought from Apple.
A Telstra spokesman said the telco was aware of the reports and had referred the matter to Apple.
"In the meantime customers who need assistance can contact Apple Care," the Telstra spokesman said.
Vodafone said no customers had reported the issue to its support centre.
Optus said if customers had any questions about their Apple devices, they "should speak directly to Apple".
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which runs the federal government's Scam Watch website, said only one user had reported the issue to it so far.
Troy Hunt, an IT security expert, speculated that hackers were using compromised login credentials from recent data breaches to access accounts and lock users out.
As is often the case, web users largely use the same password across their multiple online services, meaning that if their password is compromised in a breach at one firm and they do not change it, their other accounts become vulnerable.
"It's quite possible this is occurring by exploiting password reuse," Mr Hunt said. "Regardless of how difficult someone believes a password is to guess, if it's been compromised in another service and exposed in an unencrypted fashion, then it puts every other service where it has been reused at risk. Of course it also suggests that two-factor authentication was likely not used as the password alone wouldn't have granted the attacker access to the iCloud account."
Two-factor authentication can be enabled on Apple accounts by visiting: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5570. It acts as a second layer of security by making users have to enter a code that is sent to their mobile device before they are granted access to their account.
It is recommended affected users contact Apple directly to regain access to their account. If the hacker has set a passcode on iPhones, instructions on how to bypass it can be found at: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1212.
Once users regain control of their accounts, it is recommended they change their passwords.
A similar type of hack was used by criminals to delete a Wired journalist's digital presence in 2012, resulting in all files kept on his Mac and iPhone being destroyed.
Malicious software, known as "ransomware", is also a popular tool used by online criminals to extort money from users by scaring them into thinking the police is after them for either child abuse or copyright infringement offences.


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Going Mobile
The food-service business has caught the WiFi bug and operators aren't thinking twice about adding a wireless access point (or two) in their establishments. Although many food service providers are using the service simply to entice guests with Internet access and a meal, some progressive companies are cutting the cord on traditional tech and going mobile with everything from hosting services to the point of sale.
Your thoughts, please
Take the traditional comment card, for instance. Typically, when a server delivers the check to a guest, they tuck a survey into the folio wallet or credit card tray and the customer can either fill it out at the restaurant with a pen, or call a phone number when they get home. Too bad no one ever answers these things. For bd's Mongolian Barbeque, paper cards weren't enough. The create your-own-stir-fry concept chain was adamant about finding out what guests thought about its service, so the company installed an electronic comment card solution aptly dubbed The Informant by Long Range Systems (www.pager.net).
The LRS solution resembles a traditional credit-card tray, except the tray has a numerical keyboard with additional buttons for "good," "best," "poor," "yes," and "no." It also sports a digitized screen that lists the questions.
The very first question the system asks the guest is, "Would you like to complete the survey?" If they say yes, it goes into a series of questions about the quality of the food and service. "Interestingly enough, more than 92 percent of our guests agree to take the survey," says Deb Fratrik, chief operating officer at bd's Mongolian Barbeque. "It's a very modern, hip tool, and people pay their bills on it with the attached credit card reader."
Questions on the survey can be changed as frequently as every two weeks, but bd's Mongolian Barbeque typically runs a survey for approximately 30 days. One of the questions asked at the beginning of the survey process is, "Based on your experience today, will you return to bd's?" If the guest answers "no," a signal is wirelessly sent to the manager's pager notifying him or her of the upset customer.
"That gives the manager on duty time to get over to that table and really engage with the guest and find out if they did have a bad dining experience, and what they can do make it right," Fratrik says. "We all know that such a large percentage of our guests don't verbally complain when they are in the restaurant. They just quietly go away and never come back."
After the data is collected, it is polled from the 31 individual restaurants nightly and the survey summaries are available to be viewed at the corporate offices the next morning. The Informant also breaks down information by customer and server so individual staff members can be reprimanded rather than the whole staff.
The units are tethered wirelessly through an access point that is connected to the back office system. Units are returned to a base station that charges the systems when they are not in use.
The restaurant chain also installed a new pager system by LRS that eschews the traditional vibrating, glowing pager for a cell phone pager. When a guest's table is ready, a text message is sent to the cell phone telling them that their table is ready. The guest then has the option to press one to be seated immediately, press two for 10 more minutes to make it back to the restaurant, or press three to cancel the table. If the guest doesn't have a text-enabled phone, they receive a traditional pager.
Hostess with the mostess
While electronic comment cards are a great way to top off a guest's visit, some companies are designing mobile tools to make the start of a dining experience a breeze. Lazlo's Brewery & Grill is using Panasonic Toughbooks (www.panason ic.com/toughbook) in conjunction with a digital seating system from NTN Software Solutions (www.ntnwireless.com) called ProHost to manage guest seating and wait times. When the guest enters the restaurant, the head host controls the seating of the guest and makes sure the seating is distributed between the servers.
Before Lazlo's installed the system, the company relied on a traditional pen and clipboard to seat guests. "ProHost works a lot better, because we can track our waits and interface with the pagers we give to guests," explains Terry Krichau, programmer for Telesis, Inc., the holding company for Lazlo's Brewery & Grill. "Before, we had to have guests come up to the host desk and submit their party information, but with the handheld, the greeter can go into the lobby and meet the guests, so that patron information is collected right away."
The restaurant presently uses five Panasonic Toughbooks that wirelessly communicate through access points to two wired terminals. The handheld units are roughly 10-inches by six-inches and are lightweight. The default menu screen shows a list of the guests in order of who is to be seated next. Buttons on the main screen allow the host to easily add data for new guests as they arrive.
"Our guests love the system -- they think we're really high-tech," Krichau says. "It's been invaluable having this system, because now we can go paging throughout history to see what our average wait times are, and we can collect information about the guests to do market analysis about repeat customers."
The biggest challenge the restaurant faced was getting the wireless system to work correctly and getting the signal to work consistently. According to Krichau, if a system were to fail, the restaurant would only lose mobility. The basic functions of the systems still work without an Internet signal.
Rebuild through mobility
Friend's Coastal, located in Madisonville, Louisiana, was badly battered during Hurricane Katrina and required a full restoration to get up and running. The place was completely flooded and needed half a million dollars in renovations both to the physical and IT infrastructure. "The POS system that was there before was ruined, as well as the floors, the kitchen -- everything," says Richard Taubin, managing partner at Friend's Coastal. "So we basically started with a clean slate."
For the new POS system, Taubin and his partner selected Digital Dining by Menusoft (www.menusoft.com), a wireless solution that features Motorola (www.motorola.com) handheld POS units and remote payment collection. "The people ordering from the outdoor deck can now get their orders faster, and it saves a lot of time when you need to get orders from 1,000 people a day," Taubin says.
Digital Dining is particularly valuable when used in conjunction with ping waiting, Taubin says. This is a servicing method where the main waiter greets the guests and takes the orders, and then a back-up waiter brings the drinks and food. Using the handhelds, the back-up waiter could feasibly be bringing drinks while the main waiter is still taking meal orders.
"The guests are usually surprised because the drinks arrive, and the waiter hasn't even left the table yet," Taubin says. "You want to turn tables as fast as possible to bring in more people, but at the same time you want the guests to have a good time with good service."
A card swipe on the handhelds allows the server to take payment in front of the guest without having to take the card away from them.
One back office computer server connects all the handhelds to a wireless access point, and a second server handles basic terminal services on the handhelds. The servers run redundant so that if something were to fail, all the POS systems can still run on the second server. "An added bonus with the handhelds is that we can include ingredients with the menu items and pictures of the meals," Taubin says. "If guests want to see ingredients of particular menu items, for example in case of allergies, all the information is right on the handhelds."
Some critics say that handheld POS units distract the wait staff from the guests, and diminish the one-on-one experience. Taubin disagrees, explaining that the guests are intrigued by the systems and are excited by the speed in which their meals are delivered.
"We wanted something that was stable and we've been up and running for a year and three months. Aside from the electricity going out, we have not had any problems at all," says Taubin. "We are extremely satisfied with the handhelds and I think they definitely added to our customer service and ROI."