text:
DEAR AMY: Our friends came to us and asked us to "watch" their house while they rented it to their daughter's friends.
The renters' dogs run loose in the street and behave aggressively toward my husband and me.
The renters have had parties lasting well past 3 a.m., disrupting our sleep.
When we addressed these issues with our friends, they indicated that we should "reach out" to the renters, implying that we should be friendly to them despite their "unneighborly" behavior.
What would you do next, given that our neighbors asked us to be "nosy" and tell them what their renters are doing?
Nosy Neighbors
DEAR NOSY: You never should have agreed to "watch over" a house that you have no actual responsibility for or authority over. You reported to your friends, and they essentially told you to handle it yourselves. So handle it.
You need to convey to the house's owners, "We don't feel comfortable taking responsibility for your house. From our perspective, the renters are intrusive, irresponsible and disrespectful. We're letting you know this, and we'll also let them know that the next time we have a serious problem with their partying, we'll call the police."
DEAR AMY: My fiance and I have set a June date for a small wedding with just family and close friends. We are both in our 50s, and it is his first and my second marriage. I do not want his sister to attend.
He suffers from low self-esteem and has spent his life angry that she is stronger, better-looking, happier and more successful than he.
The last time I saw them together, we had invited his parents out for a meal. She was not invited, but the parents brought her along; he visibly withered and was unable to participate.
He has consented to have a wedding rather than elope because I want my family and friends in attendance. It's important to me that his parents attend. But I do not want his sister to attend because her presence upsets him. I have only met her two times, and we got along well on those occasions.
How should I handle this?
Standing by My Man
DEAR STANDING: You don't mention discussing this with your fiance. Does he not want his sister to attend his wedding? How does he feel about his parents attending?
Your advocacy on his behalf is admirable, but he should advocate for himself. The way you describe this, his sister is not a toxic person; she is simply herself, and he could work harder to accept her as she is, the way he would hope for the people in his life to accept him.
His sister will be in his life — or at least on the fringes of it — forever, and if he can work out his feelings about his sister he could attain a more balanced perspective, which would ease his anxiety and suffering.
He could benefit from counseling to help with his self-esteem and family issues. You should both pursue premarital counseling to define and refine your respective roles.
Send questions to email@example.com or Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.


text:
Legal Question in Immigration Law in Wisconsin
H1B visa
I have read on the Internet that the H1B visa cap is reached for the fiscal year 2009. If an employer sponsor me for a H1B visa now, then the earliest date I can start working is October 1, 2009. Is that right?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: H1B visa
But if your employer is a non-profit or research organization...you are not subject to quota.
Re: H1B visa
While the cap has been reached for the fiscal year 2009 (65,000), there numerous exemptions from the cap.
The cap does NOT include an additional 20,000 visas per year for people who have earned a master's or higher degree from a US institution of higher education.
The cap also does NOT include medical doctors who apply for a specific waiver on the request of an interested Federal or State agency.
The cap also does NOT include individuals who receive offers of employment from at institutions of higher education or related or affiliated nonprofit organizations, or nonprofit research organizations, or government research organizations.
Finally, the cap does NOT include petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers. So if an employer is filing to extend an employee's stay in H-1B status, it doesn't count toward the cap.
If the H-1B petitioning process remains the same for fiscal year 2010, employers cannot file H-1B petitions until April 1, 2009 and the earliest start date of employment will be on October 1, 2009. However, the cap is typically exceeded by April 2nd or April 3rd.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact me at [email protected]
Re: H1B visa
Correct. And even then you will be subject to the quota if the law remains as it is and the filings exceed 65,000.

subset: commoncrawl


text: This was the latest one in for a bit (ALOT!) of correction work and was carried out by myself (Clark) and Alan over the space of a week. The car arrived looking pretty dull and a bit grubby - not surprising given the state of the roads lately: The leather was looking really sorry for itself due to ingrained dirt and poor dressings used by the previous owner: I think these 2 pictures help show the lack of shine in the paintwork: Alan carried out the wash process and as always, started with wheels: After a thorough pre rinse the wheels were sprayed with Meguiars Wheel Brightener (4:1)... ...agitated with Raceglaze brushes and Eimann Fabrik Wheel Woolies... This was followed by a rinse and then an application of Autosmart Tardis: Wiping any tar spots off with an old MF towel: Then another rinse: Then a new product was applied to the wheels to remove iron contamination - same idea as Iron-X and still turns purple when there's a reaction but a different product all together After a good agitation with the various brushes and then a final rinse the wheels were squeaky clean:


text:
The Coast Guard Sector Baltimore praised the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) that manages the public marine terminals during the Coast Guard's annual and comprehensive security exam for all of the Port's public facilities: Dundalk, Seagirt, North Locust Point, South Locust Point (including the cruise passenger terminal), and Fairfield and Masonville marine terminals.
"The efforts MPA has made to renovate facilities while also establishing more effective security risk mitigation strategies has demonstrated your continued dedication to securing your facilities," said U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Kevin C. Keifer in a letter to MPA Executive Director James J. White. "Your staff's proficiency and firm commitment to security at all of your port facilities led to a positive assessment of the United States from the European Commission."
Accompanying the Coast Guard during this year's inspection were representatives from the European Commission (EC), who were conducting a review of the United States' enforcement of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. The Port of Baltimore was the first reciprocal visit under a Mutual Recognition Agreement between the U.S. and EC.
"Before our administration took office, security at the Port of Baltimore was not adequate," said Governor O'Malley. "Thanks to our federal and state security partners, we have made tremendous strides in the last six years toward making the Port of Baltimore one of the most secure seaports in the nation. I congratulate all of our security professionals who work at the Port of Baltimore on this outstanding achievement and thank them for making Maryland citizens safer and more secure."
Maryland's congressional delegation has delivered $12 million in federal security grants since 2007. Thanks to the support of Team Maryland, the MPA has implemented many security improvements during the last few years with the federal security grants and the State's matching funds, including
The Port of Baltimore is ranked as the top port among 360 U.S. ports for handling autos, farm and construction machinery, imported forest products, imported sugar, imported aluminum and imported gypsum. Baltimore ranks second in the U.S. for exported coal, and imported iron ore. Overall Baltimore is ranked ninth for the total dollar value of international cargo and 11th for international cargo tonnage.
- installing security cameras, access gate barriers and waterside intrusion detection at the cruise terminal;
- establishing a new access control center that creates better efficiencies for marine terminal entry points;
- implementing real-time video surveillance;
- becoming one of the first major U.S. ports to require the federally-mandated Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC);
- installing a state-of-the-art entry system for trucks at the Dundalk Marine Terminal that includes: a gate pass system for cargo trucks, video cameras on the inbound and outbound lanes, and an intercom system between the truck lanes and a gate security building; and
- enhancing perimeter fencing and radiation portal monitors that check all containers leaving the Port by truck for radioactivity.
Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 14,630 direct jobs, while about 108,000 jobs in Maryland are linked to port activities. The Port is responsible for $3 billion in personal wages and salary and more than $300 million in state and local taxes.


text:
Somerset Pharmacy moving to Econofoods
In 2008 when Somerset Drug opened its doors in the new River Hills Commons business park, owner Ken Nelson thought it was the start of a trend.
At the time, the two new buildings would house several businesses -- Liquor Depot was the other occupant.
However, the park did not grow much beyond that.
"I think it was a combination of things," Nelson said. "This business development never really developed and I think it was because of the fall of the economy."
Although the adjacent BP gas station had been the first on the scene in January 2008, and the post office moved in on the other side of the business buildings in September 2009, it did not really boost the traffic.
So much so that Liquor Depot decided to move back to its original location on Main Street back in January 2010.
In a January 2010 interview, Mary Wallace, owner of Liquor Depot, said that although the River Hills Commons building was beautiful and she enjoyed being in a brand-new building, the decision to move was economic.
"The bottom line is that I need the traffic," Wallace said, after moving back to her current location at 350 Main St.
Now, Nelson can identify.
"We tried to stay here as long as we could, but traffic in this location did not materialize," he said.
He was approached by Nash Finch, owner of the Econofoods grocery stores, earlier this year with an offer to lease space in the Somerset Econofoods located at 107 Parent St.
The pharmacy, owned by Nelson and his wife Alex, will lease the space near the front of Econofoods that the service desk and video store previously occupied.
To make room for the pharmacy, Econofoods is renovating the space -- slightly smaller than the Somerset Drug's current space of 2,000 square feet -- to include a waiting area, direct pharmacy, and over-the-counter display area.
The service desk was moved closer to the existing cash registers and the video store was pared down and moved elsewhere in the building.
Mark Hein, manager of Somerset Econofoods, was excited about the new occupant.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Hein said. "They are very well-known in Somerset and it will be very convenient for shoppers."
Nelson said they will also "tweak" their current inventory, which includes party supplies and Hallmark cards, so they will not compete with Econofoods' inventory.
Somerset Drug plans to keep its doors open throughout the move, which is slated for July 12. They plan to keep their current hours of Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
"If we can grow the business, at some point we will offer weekend hours," Nelson said.
"We're very excited for the new phase of Somerset Drug's business," Jim Miles, pharmacy technician, commented.
Hein said that he was glad that they are able to help a local business.
"I think it will be a great partnership," Hein said
The remaining business in River Hills Commons -- BP gas station -- was taken over in April 2010 by American West and now operates as Bob and Steve's BP.
According to Steve Jerlow, president of American West, although they are leasing with the option to buy, they are not planning on going anywhere soon.
"It's sad to see businesses leave, but we are optimistic that things will turn around," Jerlow said. "Business has been really good, but it's nice when you have extra neighbors."


text:
Field Experience
Evaluation Forms
Click on the listings below to download the appropriate evaluation form:
- Supervisor's Report I: Evaluation of Field Worker
- Supervisor's Report II: Evaluation of Field Worker
- Supervisor's Report III: Evaluation of Field Worker
Deaconess Colloquy Program
The Deaconess Colloquy Program is designed for graduates of non-LCMS deaconess programs who desire synodical certification. Time required to complete the program varies according to the previous experience and educational background of the student.
To address your specific situation, please contact:
Deaconess Kristin Wassilak
Office: 708-209-3136
To DOWNLOAD the general Deaconess Program application, click HERE.
To DOWNLOAD the Letter of Recommendation form, click HERE.


text:
Well it was nice to be off yesterday but now I feel stressed about how much I have to do!
Morning everyone! Congrats again weekend racers!
RR- well, we got snow,not a ton but enough that the sidewalks and some roads are still covered... I'm going to do Ripped in 30 this morning then a short run on the TM at the gym over lunch. probably 3. I have a half this weekend. 5 miles of that is on trails so I wonder if they'll be snowy or muddy.
Lucy- I did get a fit bit! I got fit bit one. I really like it so far. It's interesting since I walk a lot to see how many steps it records, and it syncs to MFP. I like also seeing my elevation I've climbed converted into stairs, lol.
NRR- just going to catch up at work, then going to PA Wednesday and Thursday. DBF is off this week so he's home. We'll probably just make dinner tonight and watch a movie. My eating has been a little crazy so getting back on track with healthy food today!
have a great day!
Hey Ladies!
RR: I just did 2 TM miles... it was a rough start but I finished feeling much more loose and less sore. Hopefully I can stay loose today.
NRR: Just grant writing and getting the house ready for G's party!
Jewel - I'm so intrigued by Fit Bit! I'm such a numbers person, I'd probably become obsessed with making sure I hit a certain goal of steps/elevation each day. Enjoy the evening with DBF!
I'll be running my first full, the Richmond Marathon on November 16, 2013!
Tobacco Road Half Marathon Race ReportI had three goals for this race: PR (which was 2:07:30), OR get a 2:00 time, and not stop to pee! I had to get up at 430 to get to the parking lot and catch the shuttle bus to the race start on time. The race started at 7:00. I got to the race start at about 630 and waited for my friend S to arrive. We had talked about running together at a 9:05 pace, but I know she's a lot faster than me so I said we should feel free to drop one another if it doesn't work out. We started out way too fast, and my first three miles were around 8:45. I knew that wasn't sustainable so I waved her on and tried to dial it back. She ended up finishing about 4 minutes ahead of me. The race was an out-and-back course, and it started out on a suburban road for the first 2.5 miles, then ended up on the Tobacco Trail, which is a rail-to-trail. It was packed gravel and so flat and nice to run on! I took a Gu at mile 5.5 and drank some water, and I made it to the half at 59:20 and I thought I could maintain that pace the rest of the way. I was well ahead of the 2:00 pace group, so I thought I was doing well. Then I hit mile 8. I was totally not into it at this point. Miles 8 - 10 were rough. My pace dropped from 9:00 to 9:40 for those two miles. The 2:00 pace group passed me and I tried to keep up, but I started to think I was not going to make the 2:00 cutoff so I decided I'd just aim for 2:02. Once I finished mile 10 I started to feel better and we were back on the road that led to the finish line. I took another Gu. Mile 11 was rough. A lot of other runners were stopping to walk, so I took one 30 second walk break. I started to get my pace back and did mile 11 at 9:20, and mile 12 at 9:10, but it took literally all I had to maintain that. I got into the park at 12.9 miles and someone said "It's all down hill from here!" so I tried as hard as I could to gun it, and but was only able to muster an 8:25 pace for the last little bit. I crossed the finish line at 2:00:52 on my garmin and 2:01:39 on the clock. My official chip time was 2:00:50. I'm really happy - that's the first time I really pushed myself into discomfort to finish with a goal time in mind. And now I know I totally have a sub 2:00 half in me, if I decide to do another one this spring or summer. I'm signed up to do the Richmond Full marathon in November, but if the training doesn't work out with my schedule I can drop down to the half and see how much faster I can get this fall.
The funny thing is that the thing I thought about the most when I was running was whether I should stop to pee. It was consuming my thoughts! I kept noting where the portajohns were on the course, and I was like, OK I'll be back here in 3 miles and I can stop then. Once I slowed down in mile 8-10 I decided I was not letting my bladder hold me back from my goal.
Happy Tuesday!
RR: Nada... Hoping tomorrow since I don't have a long day on Wednesdays.
NRR: The ILs weren't supposed to come into town until Thursday night, but called yesterday afternoon and said they were coming yesterday instead. We had that huge party on Saturday, and I didn't do much cleaning/prepping for them Sunday, but whatever. They drive me absolutely insane with their lack of sticking to any sort of plan and just popping in for surprises. They'll be out today and tomorrow, and come back Thursday through the weekend, and then out next week and back for the following weekend. Lord help me!
OJ: Hopefully the trails won't be muddy this weekend for you.
Sassy: Way to go on hanging through the tough miles in the race and hitting a huge PR! Next race you'll definitely beat 2:00! (Just make sure to go out a bit easier and pick it up, so much more comfortable!)
Have a great day ladies.
ER: Nada. I had a horrendous day of work yesterday and last night we got snow. Maybe a walk later if the roads look ok.
NER: Was seriously so exhausted after work yesterday. I was on the phone with my replacement for FOUR HOURS going over a huge list of changes so he could see how to do them. I never talk that much in a day. Phew! Hoping today is a much easier day. My last day of work is supposed to be Friday. I really don't want to work Monday if I haven't had this baby (I'm due Sunday) but I'm torn whether I should hang in there just so I don't use my time before he's here...
Jewel - Yikes, 5 miles on trails should be intersting this weekend! Either way, I'd plan to be messy! lol Good luck getting back on track to healthy eating.
Sassy - I think those late middle miles are always tough in a half. It's like you are so far from the finish, but once you get to 10 there is just a 5k left and mentally it's easier to pick it up. Way to hang in there and reach your goal! So proud.
PO - UGH! Omg I would not be ok with the changing of plans like that! It's one thing if they are popping in for a few hours, but not when they are staying over! Yikes. Good luck getting everything all set for them.
Have a great day!
PRs: 5k - 21:22, half marathon - 1:39:43, marathon - 3:37:16
Morning Ladies! It has been a long time since I have had any time to post, but I have been lurking!
Sassy- way to go on your race! Such an impressive PR and I loved reading your race report. In my training lately I feel like I have been pushing myself a little into that discomfort zone and it is nice to feel so challenged, right? Although doing it in a race is another story..super impressed! and I'm impressed with you not stopping to pee when you were thinking about it... once I start thinking about it, i have to go!
Jewel- This weather is crazy, right? I didn't really think we would get snow so I was shocked to see itt really coming down last night! What half are you doing this weekend? How is training going for you?
PO- how are you feeling? I can't believe that your inlaws just show up like that! crazy... and they are staying for quite some time!
MA- wow, it seems crazy that you are so close! I can't believe that Friday is your last day of work! Are you ready to meet the little guy?
RR- my training has been going pretty well- I am actually suprised at how well my long runs are going. I ran 17 two weekends ago and felt great. This past weekend was 13 and it was hilly so my calves were killing me on Sunday. Yesterday I ran 4 to shake them out and they are feeling better today. tonight will be some weights and a swim!
NRR- I dont know where the time is going! I cannot believe that next week is the end of March. We have been pretty busy at work so the time is flying. This weekend I went away with two of my best friends and had so much fun... we pretty much just laughed the whole time. it is so nice to have friends like that!
I hope to get back for more regular posting!
hi ladies!
RR: 3.8 this morning at 38 min. guess I took it easy. legs felt pretty good
NRR: stressful days ahead at work. boo that. but what else is new? premarital counseling last night. went well. and it gave me an excuse to get out of work. we're beginning to get responses back to our invitations for the wedding! it's getting more and more real. we're about 2.5 months to go. eek! busy day at work, then home. I'm thinking I might work a little late to get as much as I can done. so maybe home by 6 or 6.30?
some responses to yesterdays post...
outwest: no idea about fixing the leak but we'll try! we have a bucket under the drip now...
mel: what's the pre cana like? M and I had another premarital counseling session last night. it was about active listening and a little bit about conflict resolution.
taylor: sending you great vibes about the interview! glad it went well.
pumpkin: dang girl with those miles! take it easy!
norcal: you rocked those 17! that's a lot of miles!
then today...
OJ: boo about the snow! I'm sooooo sick of winter!
sassy: glad you're loosening up after your race! way to take control of your bladder! love it!!
po: good luck with the inlaws!! that would drive me nuts if I couldn't at least prep a little.
MA: hope today is easier for you!
gotta go! meetings start at 10 and I have tons to do before then.
dona: cross post! glad you had fun with your friends this weekend! I agree, time is totally flying!
But I don't WANT time to fly! I only have five more months in Indy! Aaaaand I can build a bridge and get the heck over it.
Hi, friends. Hi, brides-to-be. Especially enjoying your updates as of late!
MA and Lizo, sorry you've been stressed. Been there, totally . . . Serenity to all of us!
Eek, not much time. I am a sucktastic poster.
RR: Operation Get Even Faster is going OK. On Sunday I was able to crank out 8 miles at a 7:16 min/mi pace. Today I did 12 miles at 7:51 min/mi. Might bike easily and read on my break.
NRR: Book club tonight. We read The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan, which I would rate as "potential that resulted in mehhh." I don't know that I'd recommend buying it. But a book read is an investment in the noggin.
Happy Tuesday and happy running. PEACE OUT!
Good morning, ladies!
RR: SRD. ST tonight.
NRR: I woke up on the cranky side of the bed today. Living with two cats who choose to clean themselves when I'm trying to sleep leads to a lot of waking up in the middle of the night. Argh. Not looking to going into work today, either, but oh well, it must be done.
Jewel - Do you feel the fitbit is accurate about walking? I've seen pedometers that count a step when you take your pants off.
Sassy - Again, congrats!! I'm with KLM - once I think I have to pee, it's all I can think about.
PO - Wow, I would be SO ticked! Has DH said anything to them about this behavior?
MA - Hmm. Part of me would want to work on that Monday, BUT there's also that chance of going into labor far away from your house.
KLM - Hey stranger! Nice work on your running lately. and yes, I agree - I thought February was fast enough, March is speeding by.
Lizo - Only 2.5 months? Wow, the time is going by really fast!
PFace - Dang, girl, you are getting faster and faster!
Hey ladies quick one from me today, but I have to say, Sassy, awesome job on your race. I have run on the Tobacco Trail before, and it's so lovely there. Lol at the thoughts on having to pee. Every single mile from mile 5 til the end of the Chicago marathon I felt like I really had to pee. Many times there were port o potties around, so I told myself I could stop if I really needed to. But I didn't want to do that and lost time, such I just put it out of my mind and moved on. And then somehow I didn't even go until about 3 hours after the race ended
RR: nice ST session yesterday. My arms are feeling it today, Probably going to do some speedwork on the indoor track today since it's really windy and cold out
NRR: as I wrote yesterday, my interview went really well. I answered all their questions thoughtfully and fully and had some good questions to ask them about the program – I even asked about what they thought the strengths and weaknesses of the program were since I was asked that same question about myself. They said I will hear back by the end of the month, so I will cross my fingers til then
Hey DIVAs!
Great job racers! You're all rockstars!
RR - I raced on Sunday too, finishing half #29 in 2:12:37 using a 4:1 run/walk. I was excited that I finally stuck to it and that it worked!
DR - Figure skating class tonight followed by practice. 12 sleeps until Bout Day!
NRR - I don't really understand my co-workers! I come in early every morning, yet people still feel they have to comment on it like it's something new!
This has taken me almost an hour to write, so I'll post - try to be back later for personals.
San Francisco Marathon (Worth the Hurt™), June 16
Napa Valley Inline Marathon, July 14
Morning ladies!!!
Ojewel- Hope the trails aren't too bad for your race this weekend. How was your LR this past weekend? I can't believe our Marathons are in less then 6 weeks. EEEEEEKKSS!
Sassy- Great RR! You should be super proud!
klmc- Hey lady! Nice job on the hilly 13! When is your marathon?
Athena- Sweet job on the half this weekend!
Taylor- I'm so glad your interview went well yesterday. Fingers crossed for you!
OWR- OMG, my cats are driving me NUTS too! In the middle of the night and super early in the morning, T gets up on the bed and DEMANDS attention. Last night, at 3am, he actually licked my face! WTF? We leave the door open for them to go in and out, but no, he just has to torment me!
MA- I think you should totally make your last day on Friday, even if you don't have the baby over the weekend! Just my opinion! You need some rest, lady!
PO- Ok that is totally something my In-laws would do and it is SO NOT OK! Ugh! Good luck with them this weekend...
Lizo- Sorry work is stressful! Hope the marriage counseling is going well! It's so close, very exciting!
PFace- Did you know that now you're officially FAST?! Like your pace is about where my DH runs, and he is fast! And wow 5 months! So excited for your new adventure!
Humboldt Redwoods Half Marathon 10.20.2013
Tiburon by the Bay Half Marathon 11.3.2013 (My Birthday!)
Napa Valley Full Marathon 3.2.2013
Half: 1:48
Full: 4:34
RR. Doing a 5 mile recovery run after work tonight. My legs are actually feeling pretty good! I wore my compression socks to work yesterday and that helped. I'll be doing some stretching, rolling etc this morning.
SRR. The friend I'm running Big Sur with is coming down this weekend to do our LR together! Fun! I
NRR. I was actually pretty busy at work yesterday, which was nice. Monday's at my new job have been so slow that I've considered dropping the shift. I might be starting a job in SF soon for a friend's company, just waiting on getting that all worked out! Working at home this morning, then heading to work, then meeting a friend for a run.


text: Ok so I have a best friend from Memphis, and a boyfriend from Georgia. They crave BBQ from time to time. Now up front they know in their hearts of hearts they won't find anything as good as they have at home, but does anyone know of some good bbq places close to DC or NOVA? Red, Hot and Blue won't cut it, neither will Famous Daves or anything like that. Any suggestions?


text:
Utico, which has been at the forefront of affordable and sustainable utilities development across the Middle East [2], has called for pre-qualifications for a 40MW solar power development project, the first-of-its-kind in the country, to be built at Ras Al Khaimah. The project, the first of its kind in the UAE, will go a long way to bring sustainability and provide affordable power to consumers in the region, said the utility firm in a statement. Utico, the largest full service private utilities company in the UAE [3], also closed successfully a well-participated pre-qualification process for a 100,000 cu m/day desalination plant. Over 20 companies are participating in this tender process. The project is the first-ever private independent water project in the world with a take or pay model, the statement added. Utico's model of utilities development is supported by Ras Al Khaimah and its progressive ideas of sustainability – an important reason that has helped Utico introduce these innovative projects. The solar independent power project (IPP) will provide power to the desalination plant as well as provide power to the Utico grid, it stated. [4] Negotiations are also underway to connect to the federal grid, which will help Utico to increase the solar power capacity to 120MW over the coming years, said a senior official. Richard Menezes, the executive vice-chairman of Utico, said that such a model of development would help the entire region to grow. "What the region's utilities sector requires are proper regulation, government support, the freedom to serve a consumer within a set quality of service, and consumer satisfaction not financial support. Meeting these requirements will help promote innovation along with better service and quick growth. That is the bottom line of utility development," he pointed out. Menezes said the company was aggressively seeking to build utility power projects overseas with its unique business model where it focuses on reducing subsidies for governments as well as building a greener world. Utico, he stated, has been using government tariffs as a guideline and helping large users to have a better pricing structure [5]. Utico has already announced several environmentally friendly projects, including the 270MW clean coal power project, 40MW solar project, 100,000 cu m/day largest solar-powered desalination plant projects and several other innovative utility development models which are sustainable. "Today, Ras Al Khaimah has the most economical utility tariff structure in the UAE that is progressive, real and is pro-industry," noted Menezes. "This model is being proposed to several regions such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and countries, including India, Namibia, Lebanon, Cyprus and Oman, to name a few. We hope that this model of development will help the UAE to reduce subsidies [6] and utilise these savings and put them to better use for social and economic development," he revealed.
[1] http://www.syndigate.info
[2] http://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com/
[3] http://uticome.com/sitedemo/
[4] http://gbreports.com/admin/reports/UAE_Power2013.pdf
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emiratisation
[6] http://www.albawaba.com/business/uae-fuel-subsidies-549294
[7] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJb5TPUHILo
[8] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIE2HILIHQM
[9] http://www.tradearabia.com/


text:
Sweco, a manufacturer of industrial particle separation equipment, wanted to streamline its parts painting operation. The process includes blasting the many parts and components that go into the assembly of the company's equipment with steel shot, then painting, and properly drying the parts after the primer or paint is applied. Sweco designs, manufactures and assembles most major components for its line of separation and particle size reduction equipment at its Florence, KY headquarters.
Prior to adding 30,000 square feet to its manufacturing facility, the painting operation was in an area of the plant where ceilings height ranged from 16 to 18 feet. The relatively low ceilings restricted the use of overhead lifting equipment. When parts and components were ready to be painted, they were brought into a blasting booth with forklifts. Small parts were hung from the ceiling on chains, while larger and heavier parts were placed on saw horses. Once blasted, the parts were moved out of the blasting booth with forklifts and staged for painting.
The same manual method was then repeated to move the parts into the company's 11 foot tall paint booth. Sweco would put as many parts as possible into the booth at one time, again either suspended on chains or sitting on saw horses. Each batch of parts required three coats of paint, and roughly two hours of air drying time in between each coat. While parts were drying they sat inside the paint booth, meaning no additional painting was taking place. When the time-consuming process was complete, the parts were removed from the booth with a forklift and taken to the assembly area.
When demand for parts — painted and ready for assembly — outstripped the department's ability to deliver, Sweco outsourced the painting function to local paint shops. The system worked, but not as efficiently at the company would like.
30,000 Square Feet, with Plenty of Ceiling Height
In late 2007, Sweco began laying out plans for a plant expansion to more efficiently handle growing demand for its vibratory separation equipment. Sweco's manufacturing engineering team saw an opportunity to move the painting operation to the new building and take advantage of ample overhead space.
With general mechanical contracting and consulting help from Young and Bertke (Cincinnati, OH), the Sweco project management team worked with TKF, Inc., a Cincinnati-based material handling company and distributor for the Jervis B. Webb Company. TKF conceptualizes designs, builds, and installs conveyor systems including vertical lifts, accumulation conveyor, and overhead conveyor systems.
TKF's challenge was to reduce the start-to-finish time needed to paint a part; automate, yet allow manual control of the flow of parts through the system; and increase the department's output capacity. They approached the painting function from a pure material handling point of view, conceptualized, and designed a system that included an overhead power and free monorail conveyor system that would streamline the flow of the wide variety of parts Sweco manufactures, into and out of the painting process.
A totally integrated overhead crane, lift platforms, and TKF's overhead power and free overhead monorail conveyor were installed in the new facility in mid-2008. The overhead crane was positioned between the new blasting booth Sweco installed and the lift platform, with the lift platform located at the loading end of the overhead monorail conveyor. Also installed were a new paint booth and infrared curing oven that would allow Sweco to take full advantage of the new monorail conveyor.
Since Sweco was doing building design at the same time the new material handling system was being designed, they were able to incorporate the entire overhead crane and monorail into the building's support structure. No additional support beams were needed inside the building to accommodate the new painting process.
Smooth, Trouble-Free Operation
Fully operational since September 2008, the painting process begins as parts are transported to the blasting booth. Heavier parts are moved into the booth with the help of the overhead crane, while smaller, lighter parts are transported with a forklift. Once blasted and ready for painting, parts are moved via crane or forklift to the lifting platform located just in front of the paint booth. Here they're lifted and placed on a new conveyor system that hangs from the monorail.
Eight custom carriers, each with a 4000 lb. capacity, hang from the monorail to hold and transport the wide variety of parts Sweco manufactures. Parts currently range in size from 1 foot to 9 feet in length, and up to 2000 lbs. each.
Once parts are suspended from the carrier and ready for painting, an operator uses a simple control panel to initiate carrier movement into the paint booth. The paint booth doors open, and the monorail conveyor transports carriers into the new paint booth. The booth doors close and the parts are then manually spray painted. Manual painting of the parts is most appropriate for Sweco due to the variety of primer and paint schemes the company applies.
With parts suspended, and now moving into and out of the center of the booth on the monorail, Sweco's painter is much more efficient since he is able to stay in a compact painting envelope near center of the booth. With little movement, he can paint all sides of the suspended parts before another carrier is moved into place. Better lighting, ventilation, and efficiency lead to a decrease in the paint used during the process. Previously, a 50-foot paint hose was pulled through the booth as needed to paint parts that occupied all available floor space.
When painting is completed, the booth doors are opened by the operator and the carrier is released to move the parts into an infrared curing oven. The monorail conveyor is installed above, out of heating zone of the oven. Only the carrier and parts enter the oven.
Instead of taking two hours to air dry, the parts are now dried in a single 20 minute cycle. This not only reduces drying time, but improves the quality of the paint job itself. When the curing is complete, the doors on the oven automatically open. After push button actuation, the carrier is released and moves into a staging area.
Since most parts must go through the paint booth three times, carriers may be looped back to the paint booth, or directed to an unload lift platform. The system operator controls the destination of each carrier. After unload, empty carriers accumulate on a separate line, ready to be returned to the load station.
Both the paint booth and the curing oven were built so a forklift can drive into them to transport a part directly. This is especially useful when Sweco is working on a heavier, rush-order, or custom part that requires special attention.
Now it Works for Us
"The new system has helped us accomplish our time reduction objectives," said Corey Fry, one of Sweco's manufacturing engineers. "The two hours it took in between coats of paint, to let each coat dry, and the operator downtime that went along with it has been eliminated. That's six total hours per batch of parts that we have back now. We also doubled our total output capacity, and eliminated the need to outsource painting."
Fry went on to say, "We can put rush parts into the system and get them out very quickly now. We used to have to work around our painting system. Now it works for us. TKF has been great to work with. They very quickly determined the configuration of the system we needed, and designed it to fit within the footprint we had for the operation. We've been very pleased."


text:
Washington DC Sightseeing Tours & Cruises – Duck Tours
More info about Greater Washington DC Area Activities: Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars , Based on 3 Reviews
Once you've toured Washington, DC by land, get a glimpse of our nation's capital from the water! You won't even have to change tours. With the Duck tours, you can drive through the city and cruise right on into the water with the amphibious tram. Reserve your Ducks Tour today!


text:
Leanne Hadley
Children's minister and former children's hospital chaplain Leanne Hadley has been ministering to hurting children for years. In TOUCHING HEAVEN, she recounts the poignant stories and simple faith of the remarkable children she has been privileged to serve. With humor and tenderness, she offers their inspiring testimonies of encounters with God, Jesus and angels, showing us that God is present in our lives --- even as earthly life is ending.


text:
Here's my tardy trip report (with apologies to momliz and hopefulist). I greatly appreciate everyone's input and hope I can help other Fodorites who are agonizing about how to put together an "unbelizable" surf/turf combo.
In spite of a few minor issues (gastrointestinal disturbances and the unforgiving weather) this was one of our favorite family trips ever and we would go back in a heartbeat.
WHO WE ARE: Two adults; two male offspring, 15 & 18. The eighteen-year-old is headed to college in the fall and we're trying to get in as many vacations as possible (using AA mileage) before he refuses to travel with us. I have lived in two Latin American countries, and we often find ourselves in Mexico or Costa Rica, as well as in more faraway destinations. Because we have good mileage karma, we have the terrible habit of planning major journeys at the last minute, as was the case with this trip.
Many decades ago, as a backpacker, my friend and I endured a dusty, windowless eight-hour bus ride from Tikal to Belize City, where we spent six days at a guest house populated by members of the local cartel, with a view of an open sewer. We finally caught the once-a-week "ferry" to Caye Caulker, where numerous other backpackers had said you could get a fifty-cent lobster dinner on an idyllic beach. But the beach had washed away in a hurricane. And the lobster season had ended the day before we arrived. That meant the only available menu item on the whole of Caye Caulker was chicken necks & backs, which we were served three times a day as we waited for the return ferry. On Day 3, the trade winds stopped and we were attacked by swarms of vicious DEET-resistant sand fleas. Covered in welts, we chartered a rickety dingy back to the mainland - a voyage of seven hours because we nearly capsized and had to be rescued by fishermen in the dark, stormy waters.
After all that, I swore I would never go back to Belize, but my kids had heard about the awesome tubing from a friend who had stayed at Chaa Creek. So when we found an AA award a month before the trip, I "caved" and said I would give it a second chance.
5 nights Caves Branch Jungle Lodge (near Belmopan)
4 nights Roberts Grove, Placencia
INTL. AIR: AA LAX-BZE, 30,000 points per ticket. I thought this was a fabulous coup at the time of booking because the fares were then $800+; now they are much lower.
Ridiculously hot everywhere - 95+ at the beach; 105+ inland. Locals, who complained about the heat even more than the tourists, said it had been balmy and gorgeous until three days before our arrival, when the (global warming-esque) dry season officially started.
We managed to carry on, even though we each packed every kind of footwear that REI carries: waterproof hiking boats; lightweight trail runners; Keens; Tivas; river booties, plus nice sandals. (Truly - I am not exaggerating...And the boys, mortified to be seen in any of the above, also insisted on taking their "regular" sneakers.)
If you go to Caves Branch, the outfit of choice there is lightweight convertible Ex-Officio Buzz-off pants with a soaking wet T-shirt. At Robert's Grove all the guys had Solumbra-style fishing shirts and the women wore sarongs or cargo capris with tank tops. Lightweight rash guards are a must for snorkeling. We remembered to bring flashlights, an array of natural and toxic repellants, Mexican itch cream and Pepto Bismol. But we forgot binoculars, waterproof cameras and aloe.
Not a huge concern. I was panicked that I would have a second encounter with the dreaded sand fleas, but we only met up with a few pesky mosquitoes.
Though warned of both, we saw neither.
Fine...although I wouldn't head to Belize for its cuisine.
About halfway through the vacation, my family forbade me from mentioning my first trip to Belize because I had been telling the tale several times a day to anyone who would listen. So if anyone asked whether I had been to Belize before, I could only say "Years ago," and "Wow, has it changed!"
Recent ActivityView all Mexico & Central America activity »
- 1 Costa Rica by car or by shuttle busses
- 2 What to do for 7 days in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- 3 Tipping a driver in Tulum
- 4 Please help with seven day Belize itinerary with three children!
- 5 Cancun Terminal 4?
- 6 Costa Rica in Spring - Guanacaste Region
- 7 Guadalajara quick break in March
- 8 Book Today
- 9 Oaxaca City
- 10 Quiet ocean view in Baja- rental
- 11 Puerto Vallarta & Vicinity
- 12 live from PV !
- 13 San Luis Potosí, Mexico and area suggestions
- 14 Cabos to Todos Santos
- 15 3 weeks in Costa Rica 1st time in Jan 2018
- 16 Car rental in Costa Rica
- 17 Rosarito Beach and Valle de Guadalupe
- 18 Teotihuacán small tour recommendations?
- 19 Costa Maya beach
- 20 Costa Rica: Relaxation, a little off-road adventure and nature classroom
- 21 escorted tour Costa Rica
- 22 Disturbing infor about Trip Advisor deleting reviews of sexual assualts
- 23 Which ruins.
- 24 Merida Restaurant on Christmas
- 25 OK to travel to Zihua and Ixtapa?
Here's my tardy trip report (with apologies to momliz and hopefulist). I greatly appreciate everyone's input and hope I can help other Fodorites who are agonizing about how to put together an "unbelizable" surf/turf combo.
Report Abuse
Great start - THANKS!!!
Report Abuse
ooh, ooh - more please!
Report Abuse
Can't wait to hear the rest!!!
Report Abuse
and I would love some details about your shoes - I'm stressing over what to take.
Report Abuse
For what it's worth - we take a pair of Keen sandals or a pair of amphibious shoes (like Merrell Aquasports or Saloman Tech Amphibians) each (different family members prefer different styles) plus flipflops for beach and shower. Be sure whatever you take is very comfortable. Check with Caves Branch - they may require tennies or hiking boots. My brother-in-law's family decided to take old tennies to hike in and toss since they'll be comfortable but pretty filthy/wet/muddy after the Black Hole Drop.
Report Abuse
Sorry, your brother-in-law's family will have to play Yatzee at the lodge while everyone else is rapelling - hiking boots are required for cave activities.
They do have some for rent, but sizes are limited, so I wouldn't take the chance.
Stayed tuned for Installment II with shoe therapy for Momliz.
Report Abuse
Hmmm...it was a Caves Branch recommendation! I'll have them double check.
Report Abuse
What a funny point of view! Sounds like a neat trip, and I cringed at your account of visit #1. Got a huge kick out of the family reining in your enthusiasm for the story. It IS a great story. Sounds just like my family; not sure how gentle yours is with the "enough of that now" news, but mine tends to be rather brutal.
Anxious to read the rest!
Report Abuse
LA to CAVES BRANCH
Rendezvoused with Mr. Crosscheck and the boys in Miami, after attending a wedding in Atlanta (with three additional pairs of shoes, which I shipped home). Although we were traveling on a spring break weekend, MIA-BZE flight (only 1.5 hours) was suspiciously empty - all passengers had three seats to themselves.
Our excellent, personable and informative Caves Branch driver, one of the guides, was at the airport to meet us. We had agonized about whether to rent a car, and in the end, after staying up for the wedding and a red-eye, we were grateful to have someone drive us around.
A must-see on the way to the Cayo district. (45 minutes is enough.) The animals, a representation of all fauna in Belize, are in natural habitats and closer to you than they would be anywhere else in the world, liability-wise. Even if you don't like wildlife, you must go just to read the signs, hand-written in Creolish English, mon. You will fall in love with the tapirs, but don't get too close: "I am Scotty the Tapir, I'm handsome, no, true? But better step back 'cause I might pee on you."
Stopped here for lunch. Don't know exactly where it is - somewhere between the zoo and Caves Branch, but there are only three roads in Belize, so it shouldn't be too hard to find. Excellent hot sauce on my chicken - sorry I didn't pick up a bottle in the gift shop.
I was concerned this place would not be as fabulous as Chaa Creek or Blancaneux, but the offbeat extreme adventures sounded perfect for my daredevil family. Turned out to be spectacular in an unmanicured way.
Just in front of the lodge (which is more picturesque than on the website) was one of the most enticing swimming pools on the planet - with a waterfall, bridge, swim-up bar and two jacuzzis. One slight problem - it was empty.
Can't recommend our treehouse highly enough. The other accommodations were fine, but the treehouse is a true travel highlight. It's 20 feet above the ground with a gigantic screened wall which almost-invisibly separates you from pure jungle. No zip-lines necessary if you stay here; you can see (and hear) it all from your bed. Our 2-bedroom treehouse had about 1200 square feet - a master bedroom w/ comfortable king bed facing the canopy, large bathroom and a living room with a bunk bed, chairs and a futon. There was a fun outdoor bucket shower stall on the porch and spiral steps leading up to another king bedroom, bathroom and chic jungle balcony.
Sadly, it was too hot to use the upper level. The boys ended up sleeping in the bunk bed in the living room. So if you're a family going during the dry season, I would recommend the ONE-bedroom treehouse. (Or if you're a group of six, you will have plenty of room to spread out.)
Americans (many from the mid-west), Canadians, Europeans. We also met vacationing Ambergris residents. Several multi-age family groups. Kids of all ages - 5 and up. Three of four teens besides ours. A few backpackers, doctors and medical students who were taking jungle survival courses. Because of the family-style dining and the excursions, this is like family camp - you will meet everyone…and spend hours discussing/debriefing about your adventures.
Not gourmet, but good homestyle cooking - somewhat Caribbean. There is always soup, salad, veggies, three or four entrees and sinful desserts. Plenty of options for vegetarians and adventurous eaters, like my family, who all tried gibnut, a large nocturnal rodent. You will look forward to meals, especially because there are ZERO snacks - when you return from the excursions there is not even a peanut at the bar. Everyone shows up for chips and guacamole at happy hour.
Other than the adventures, none, except board games and chess, which my boys played compulsively, often with the guides. (Ian Anderson's wife runs an impressive chess camp for locals.) The pool will be a MAJOR draw for downtime.
Terrible. We arrived three days after the start of the most brutal dry season ever. Everyone commented about how wonderful the weather had been just days before. River on the premises was dry. Ian Anderson warned guests about snakes (worst year ever in Central America for the deadly feur-de-lance). There had also been robberies in the nearby Blue Hole National Park, so we could not hike there on our own (but eventually went to the exquisite swimming hole in a guided group). We had envisioned hiking around the impressive jungly premises, but it was just too hot - all we wanted to do was jump in the pool...but sadly it was not filled until the day we left.
Report Abuse
Oops - misspelled "fer-de-lance". And I apologize for the CAPS in my trip report title.
Report Abuse
Thanks for posting in such detail. I'm sorry you weren't related to my mother - whenever we vacationed with her the weather was strangely perfect. She passed away about 7 years ago but the good weather vacation charm continues.
Report Abuse
what fun! I love your sense of humor! sorry about the weather - I can imagine that was tough.
I like the CAPS in your title - makes the report easier to find.
Next winter you should do a mobile safari in Botswana - or supported camping, don't know which is the correct term. We had bucket showers on ours. Go in winter, it's half the price, and super fun. Click on my name for my trip report.
Report Abuse
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words.
Momliz, Just skimmed your trip report - Dying to go to Botswana, but probably not this winter. We're off to the Galapagos in June...and then there's college move-in in August - maybe next year.
Highly recommended for all ages. You paddle upstream in tubes into a spectacular private cave, then park your tubes and climb around amidst incredible formations and Mayan artifacts. Went with a small group - our family plus two young women from Chicago. This was so satisfying that we decided not to do the ATM, which we heard was similar (albeit with skeletons), instead of tubing you wade, walk and swim through cold water.
FOOTWEAR - waterproof Merrill trailrunners for me; Keens for everyone else
NOTE: This was not the more famous 7-mile "River of Caves tour", which wasn't available in the dry season.
DAY TWO - WATERFALL HIKE for the boys/KAYAKING for me
Mr. Crosscheck and the boys did the signature waterfall adventure featuring climbing, rappelling and jumping off a series of waterfalls inside a cave. All said it was the best nature experience they've ever had, but stressed that it was "for athletes".
I was concerned about my bad knees and opted to kayak instead. Spent the day on a picturesque river with a wonderful guide and two guests in their twenties. Excellent, semi-relaxing adventure, but not enough water in the river. (Another dry season issue).
FOOTWEAR - Hiking boots for the men (mandatory), Tevas for me
SUNSCREEN FAILURE – Applied very expensive sunscreen, purchased from my dermatologist. It must have wiped off; ended up with what looked and felt like second degree burns on my inner calves.
DAY THREE - XUNANTUNICH Mayan ruins - Opted not to go to Tikal, a 3+ hour journey from Caves Branch (plus I'd been there before...and we were concerned about the heat...etc. etc.) This was a good decision - Another group of guests said their AC hardly worked and they encountered terrible traffic on the Guatemalan side coming back.
We have been to many ruins and Xunantunich is definitely not "significant" compared to others, but it's a fun and easy excursion with a somewhat spiritual vibe...and a good way to round out your Belizean visit after all that time underground. We had a guide to ourselves; stopped for a mediocre meal near San Ignacio. (BTW – the lunches provided by CB in general were not on par with the dinners. Picnics on excursions features yummy tortillas, but w/ a buffet of mystery meat and cheese slices.)
FOOTWEAR - Keens, sneakers.
BLUE HOLE (not to be confused with Belize's other blue hole for divers off the coast) - Caves Branch organized an afternoon excursion with guides to the "safe" part of the national park across the road, an idyllic turquoise swimming hole formed by underground river. This is a must-do.
DAY FOUR - Our package had included only three adventures, but Caves Branch very generously offered to take us snorkeling in Hopkins because we were missing the opening of the pool by one day and there was little else to do in the heat. Then sadly, Mr. Crosscheck came down with a brief gastrointestinal illness and we ended up spending the day in our treehouse sweating and playing chess and Bananagrams (an addictive portable Scrabblish game that we had brought with us). By the time we went to the Blue Hole in the afternoon, Mr. C was feeling better. At dinner we met a mechanic for Tropic Air, the regional airline that would take us to Placencia the next day. He assured us that our tiny plane was probably in great shape, and if not, the pilots were all pros at water landings.
Report Abuse
Thanks again for publishing in such detail! Some people avoid the rainy season but, though it was hot and muggy when we were in Belize with our kids, it wasn't THAT hot, and the river at Caves Branch was beautiful and cooling. Sounds like you and your kids were able to be good sports and enjoy the activities in spite of the weather. Looking forward to reading about Placencia - haven't been there yet and won't be going there when we're in Belize this summer - guess we'll have to visit again!
Report Abuse
what fun! I can't wait to go! too bad about the gastrointestinal thing, that is not fun. But it looks like he got over it pretty quickly.
Report Abuse
My husband just reminded me that some of us had some stomach problems there, too. My husband thought it was the water but they seemed really vigilant about their water purification process and it seemed to me that those of us who ate the hard boiled eggs on the Black Hole Drop picnic were the ones who felt sickish.
Report Abuse
Hmm...interesting theory. I ate the hard-boiled(rooster)eggs two days in a row and remained unafflicted. However, now that you mention it, I think Mr. C did put some mayo on his mystery meat, which at the time I thought was not such a great idea.
How long ago were you there? It sounds as if they haven't changed the lunch menu in all these years.
Before I describe our visit to Placencia, I must share with you this soundtrack video I found on youtube. This is exactly how it sounded in our treehouse at Caves Branch, all night long.
Report Abuse
We were there in 2003 - loved the sounds!
Report Abuse
I've enjoyed your report and am looking forward to the rest of it. Too bad that the pool at Caves Branch wasn't open until you left! The treehouse sounds amazing. I think my family ate at Amigo's on our way to the zoo. Is that the place with all the funny signs and bumper stickers?
Report Abuse
Yes, now that you mention it, I do remember the bumper stickers.
Thanks for the gentle reminder to finish the report. I have already received a penalty for lateness on the Asia board and I wouldn't want it to happen here too.
A Caves Branch guide/driver took us on the Hummingbird Highway to Dangriga (1 hour away) to catch our 15-minute flight on Tropic Air to Placencia. We had tried to arrange a ride all the way to Placencia, but CB told us the road was terrible and we'd be better off flying. Counting the inevitable flight delay, it probably took the same amt. of time to fly as it would have to drive, but it was an easy (though more pricey) transfer. Passed through a very scenic, quasi-mountainous part of the country (but not in the same league as Costa Rica or Guatemala).
The flight was in a 14-seater...Plane stopped at the little shack where we waited to let some people off and pick us up. Jumped aboard and 15 minutes later we were in Placencia, expecting a reprieve from the extreme 105 degree heat.
But sadly, even though we were at the sea, it seemed even hotter.
Report Abuse
I want to hear about the vacation rental! Interesting report, thanks.
Report Abuse
Belize's "dirty little secret" is that there really aren't any decent beaches in the Caribbean or Mexican sense. That's why all the brochures show a picturesque thatched hut on a long pier instead of the white sand beach of your dreams. In Belize it's all about the reef rather than the sand...you won't see that fabulous turquoise water found in other top diving/snorkeling spots. So Placencia might be one of Belize's top beaches, but that's not saying much. Still, we had a great time, once we found a place to stay.
We had left a deposit on a cool-looking beachfront rental highly rated on tripadvisor. Envisioned a non-resorty vacation, walks into town, mingling with the locals. But the place was STIFLING and the coarse sand in front of our rental was covered with trash (as were most of the beaches in Placencia). So we dropped off our luggage, checked out the colorful, quirky town, had some much-recommend Tutti Frutti gelato and hopped in a taxi to find a room with AC and a clean beach.
- CHABIL MAR – Condo resort, walking distance to town w/lovely infinity pool (possibly two), a nice beach and large 2-bedroom condos, for which we were offered an extremely reasonable "walk-in" rate plus a free half-day use of a golf cart. But the place seemed dead, had no restaurant (just room and pool-side service) and the rooms were somewhat musty. And many of the bedrooms had views of Placencia's ubiquitous half-completed condo construction.
- TURTLE INN - Coppola's place is gorgeous w/ a Balinese aesthetic - perhaps too romantic and honeymoonish for our family, although there were quite a few kids around the idyllic pool. But there were no suites available and two rooms would have been super pricy, even with the walk-in discount. And the dealbreaker was no A/C.
ROBERT'S GROVE - About 3 miles from town but other than that, everything was perfect for us, especially the great walk-in deal we were offered. Understated, laid-back Caribbean vibe, several pools, private marina, kayaks, two restaurants, tennis court (which was too hot to use). We had a beachfront 1 bedroom suite - master + living room + kitchenette + huge balcony with hammocks and ocean view - a little dark, but very clean, and stylishly furnished with wicker and ethnic fabrics. A/C was brilliant and the boys were happy to have a t.v. for the NCAA finals. Not as chic as Turtle Inn, but more relaxed. Fellow guests were an interesting mix of Americans, Canadians, and
Guatemalan VIPs who had come in their own yachts. Dozens of kids and teens.
BOTTOM LINE - Although we probably wouldn't return to Placencia as a destination unto itself if we weren't also doing the jungle, I would have been perfectly happy to spend a full week sitting on the beach playing board games and reading books at Robert's Grove. We forfeited our deposit at our rental and never looked back.
Report Abuse
Thanks for continuing - it's hard to wait in between! I enjoy your writing style and all the DETAIL.
The only place in Belize we've seen wonderful beaches with palm trees and turquoise water is on Glover's Atoll. It's the water color I crave more than the beach itself (and, of course, great snorkeling from shore). I wouldn't have considered the no beach thing a secret, though. Did you get through your trip research without knowing that? Bad on us, then.
Report Abuse
Thanks, hopefulist. We did know about the no-beach thing and all of your advice was spot-on, but it does hit you when you get there...When sitting on the shore looking out at the Caribbean, you crave something more like Glover's Atoll. Another family we met was headed there, but sadly they had no televisions for the NCAA finals.
Report Abuse
We usually avoid televisions but spent our last week in Honduras last summer with a nice ac room and cable tv so we could watch the Olympics - sweet!
Please don't make us wait too long for the next installment.
Report Abuse
my boys would have insisted on a TV for the finals as well! When we were in Cairo, we thought we were in heaven when we could catch our Redskins beat the Cowboys.
Too bad about the rental - but it sounds as if you recovered nicely.
Report Abuse
I'm really enjoying your trip report! Glad you made the best of the situation in Placencia. The cayes do have white sand/turquoise water though in many cases the beaches are still shallow. We've stayed in Dangriga, Placencia and visited Hopkins and probably wouldn't choose a mainland beach destination unless we wanted easy access to inland activities.
Report Abuse
SNORKELING - Signed up for a Robert's Grove tour, which leaves from their own dock across the road. They decide where you're going based on weather conditions, and you don't find out the destination until departure time. We went to Laughing Bird Caye - a Natl. Park/World Heritage Site about 11 miles from Placencia - a smooth, short ride...nice variety of marine life, but not undiscovered - There were at least 4-5 other boats there. We had hoped to go to one of Robert's Grove's private islands or to the Barrier Reef itself, but Laughing Bird was just fine...and a good workout because our guide swam REALLY fast. Saw rays and lobsters, but no nurse sharks or whale sharks (which I think we missed by one day). Lunch was excellent...especially compared to the cave lunches at Caves Branch.
PLACENCIA - Some potential shopping possibilities, but sadly too hot to be fun. Robert's Groves had bicycles. Road is bumpy, but would have been a fun VERY early morning excursion, before the heat.
WENDY'S CREOLE RESTAURANT - Guidebooks rave about this dive in town. Worth a visit, but not a must-do.
TURTLE INN - Had an very good authentic Italian pizza dinner there...supposedly Francis' recipa...all you can eat (!)
MORE STOMACH ISSUES - Older Son came down with unpleasant symptoms, slightly different than those of Mr. Crosscheck at Caves Branch. Waiter at Roberts Grove very kindly called friend in town, who personally delivered Pepto Bismol, because our original supply was depleted.
Report Abuse
All in all, a really fun trip (way better than my first visit to Belize), though not for everyone. Most people we know say that the snake and robber threat alone would be a major deterrant, not to mention the heat.
But if you're an adventurous family, Belize is a close, easy destination for true jungle adventures and beach relaxation. The boys (all three) have been asking to return - an excellent endorsement, particularly from a college-bound teen.
Report Abuse
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences so thoroughly with us, crosscheck. Happy trails!
Report Abuse
OK - You're making me really nervous about the heat. I was in Cozumel for a week late June and it was hot but not unbearable. We're headed to Ambergris Caye late June and you're making me feel terrified of the heat.
Florida Keys in July heat was pretty unbearable -- hot, humid, running from rental car to our condo or restaurant. It was kinda crazy... Ambergris is showing high 80's.
Report Abuse
Hi fishee,
I missed your post because we were in the Galapagos (perfect weather there). What did you decide to do? I actually think March is warmer than June in Belize.
Report Abuse
Oooo - travelogue?!?
Sign in to comment.


text:
This image, The Twins, is part of the exhibition In the Playroom, by Jonathan Hobin.
Ottawa, Ontario, August 26, 2010 – Dale Smith Gallery is pleased to present In the Playroom, a stunning new series by Ottawa photographer and art director Jonathan Hobin. This is Jonathan's second solo exhibition at the Gallery: his first show, Mother Goose (March 2009), was a resounding success.
In the Playroom: The Twins
2010, Pigment on archival fibre paper
31″ x 36.5″ / 78.75 cm x 92.7 cm (framed size)
Found at Dale Smith Gallery website.


text:
Oreck® Orbiter® Floor Cleaning Package
Fast Facts
- 1 - Oreck® Orbiter® floor machine w/ pad driver
- 1 - 12" blue tile & grout brush
- 1 - case of 12" red pads
- 1 - 12" carpet encap scrub brush - FREE
- 1 - 12" lambs wool bonnet - FREE
Product Details
The items that we have bundled together are ideal and convenient for cleaning and buffing a variety of flooring surfaces. We've taken the wildly popular Oreck Orbiter floor buffer and included every accessory you'll need to clean hard floors and even carpets. Besides all the free stuff we throw in for free that was mentioned above, you also get a Oreck Orbiter grout & tile brush. The last thing you'll need to purchase to start using this floor scrubber when it's delivered, is whatever floor cleaning soap and/or solution you'll need for your flooring cleaning duties.
If this package is not exactly what you're looking for, please feel free to take a look at our full line of floor buffer package deals.
Package Includes
List Price: $440.00
Regular Price: $396.00
(Save 10%)
The Oreck Orbiter offers light-weight strength and versatility. The Oribiter provides the option to work on hard flooring - whether smooth or textured, marble, wood, carpet and more.
- Pad holder included
- 0.5 HP, 1725 orbits per minute
- 13" scrubbing path, 24 lbs.
- For carpet & hard floor use
Package Includes
List Price: $37.45
Regular Price: $29.99
(Save 20%)
The Oreck Orbiter Tile & Grout Brush helps access those deep lines on grout or other textured floors.
- Medium duty scrub brush
- .020" poly bristles
Package Includes
List Price: $14.99
Regular Price: $11.99
(Save 20%)
(Price per piece: $2.40)
12" Red pads are specially suited for light duty scrubbing and polishing of delicate wood and marble floors
- For dry/spray buffing or light scrubbing
- 5 buff/scrub pads per case
- For use w/ 175 - 350 rpm floor scrubbers
Package Includes
The Oreck Orbiter Carpet Brush allows you to scrub carpets - it's great at accessing narrow areas.
- Fits the Oreck Orbiter scrubber
- .012" black nylon bristles
Package Includes
Oreck's Lambs Wool Bonnet for the Orbiter is specially made to polish delicate wood and marble floors
- Great for hard floor use
- 12 inch bonnet fits the Oreck Orbiter
|Internal Search Number
|115860 - Oreck Orbiter
104036 - Tile & Grout Brush
105542 - Carpet Brush
101641 - Lambs Wool Bonnet
103352 - Red Pads
|( 1 )
|This is good stuff!
|( 0 )
|It's alright, I guess.
|( 0 )
|Could be (a lot) better.
|( 0 )
|NO. Just No.
|( 0 )
1 Item(s)
Review By: Mr B on 6/23/17
close window


text:
Since DevIL is no longer active, this new project will create new builds of the source code with new patches. ResIL starts with at version 1.7.9, using sources from DevIL 1.7.8 and new patches.
ResIL aims to display even corrupt image files as best as possible, and without crashing or exceptions.
- Encoding and decoding of numerous image formats: BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, HDR, TGA, ICO, and many more
- Support for legacy raster graphics formats: CUT, ILBM, PCD, PCX, PNM, SGI, SUN
- Support for game formats: Doom, DDS, BLP, FTX, IWI, LIF, ROT, UTX, VTF, WAL
- All formats supported using a common set of API functions
- Loading and saving from/to a file, memory, or using user-defined functions
Other Useful Business Software
User Reviews
Be the first to post a review of ResIL!


text:
Remix OS's desktop-friendly flavor of Android hits PCs with mouse support and windows
The former Googlers behind Jide Technology have always insisted that they're a software company. Now they're making good on those claims with a work-centric version of Android that runs on any desktop PC. The software, known as Remix OS, is… Continue Reading


text:
James Woolsey
Last quote by James Woolsey
The Russians have been doing this for decades in one way or another. What's new is to use cyber in … trying to influence their neighbors' elections, including us. And that's something we shouldn't put up with. Things deteriorated. We need to get back into the business of having the world's best military that not only is good but functions smoothly and is innovative and all of that means some added resources. You can see it in the people he selected for senior jobs, you can see from the commitment to the defense budget, the attention he pays to the military.feedback
Mar 02 2017 CIA
We can learn a lot about a person if we know what types of things he or she talks about or comments on the most frequently. There are numerous topics with which James Woolsey is associated, including ISIS and Syria. Most recently, James Woolsey has been quoted saying: "That would make the Russians very unhappy and I think probably a lot more willing to be decent." in the article Here's how the US should go after Russia for election tampering, former CIA director says.
Take our quote verification challenge and find out !
Quotes by James Woolsey
Mar 02 2017
That would make the Russians very unhappy and I think probably a lot more willing to be decent.feedback
Feb 23 2017
The key is to not get bogged down in rhetoric, but to start working together on getting things done.feedback
Feb 23 2017
If we can somehow get the people from the two governments ... into a world in which they are working together to start to get things built, a lot of the agonies will go away, or at least be damped down.feedback
Dec 23 2016
The Obama administration has done virtually nothing to modernize [nukes], and there's a lot of modernization that needs to be done. You got to make sure your forces can't be taken out with a first strike. That takes money. That takes effort.feedback
Nov 18 2016
I think the key thing is that the three that they have selected for national security advisor, CIA, particularly those two, and Attorney General are really outstanding and able people who have done important things.feedback
Nov 18 2016
The next thing we need to do is work together closely with the 30 or 40 countries in which ISIS is operating and not only take out ISIS' caliphate in Iraq and Syria but start wearing down around the world. We have to get on top of that, we have to find the terrorists before they commit terrorist attacks, and stop them and that is not easy.feedback
Previous : James Woolhouse
Next : James Wright>
Quote Verifier
Check if the quote you read on social networks is authentic
This webpage has been created by a robot: errors and absent quotes cannot be totally avoided


text:
If it's on Netflix you'll find it with our search engine. Search below to get started.
101 m -
In order to keep the woman of his dreams from falling for another guy, Charlie Logan has to break the curse that has made him wildly popular with single women: Sleep with Charlie once, and the next man you meet will be your true love.


text:
Morgantown is a shining example of what West Virginia can accomplish, but the ongoing battle between the two hospitals has to stop.
Healthcare is a vital part of our economic dynamic for a number of reasons and that's why everyone needs to be on the same page.
While a compromise might not be easy, West Virginia University Hospitals and Mon General must come to some kind of understanding.
Turf wars don't help anyone in the battle to move this state forward.


text:
want to hear about upcoming training workshops?
Add yourself to our mailing list and we'll keep you posted
The training programme
A list of the training workshops we offer and the dates we will be running them
Debating for beginners
January 7th, May 6th, and September 9th
I want to learn how to debate: where do I start? This workshop is an introduction to debating in which you will learn how to turn your personal opinions into structured arguments.
Planning for presentations
February 4th, June 10th, and October 7th
One of the most frequently asked questions by newcomers to debating is: do I need to be an expert? This workshop will show you why being a novice is not a problem and can even be an asset.
Persuading live audiences
March 4th, July 8th, and November 4th
Why are facts and figures alone rarely enough to win a debate? In this workshop, you will learn how to build an emotional connection with your audience through the use of rhetorical devices.
Making judgement calls
April 8th, August 5th, and December 9th
How much should I trust my gut instinct when making a decision? In this workshop, you will learn how to screen opinions for signs of bias and examine the philosophical conflicts at the core of a debate.
Practice debates
Third or fourth Saturday of every month (see 2017 programme)
A dress rehearsal for upcoming public debates, in these workshops a debate trainer will help you examine the arguments for and against each motion before leading a group simulation of the debates themselves in which everyone takes part.
See a workshop you like? become a member and go for free
Become a member and you will have free access to our training manual and monthly workshops along with exclusive speaking opportunities at Debating London to put your skills into practice - see the 2017 programme below for details on what we have planned for this year and how to sign up...
2017 terms and conditions


text:
William J Giberson
Found 10 Records, 9 Photos and 33,599 Family Trees
Born in Kent Parish, Carleton, New Brunswick, Canada on 6 Jan 1866 to James Giberson and Elizabeth Kearney.
Family Members
Ready to discover your family story?
Simply start with yourself and we'll do the searching for you.
Potential photos and documents for William J GibersonView All 9 Images
Top record matches for William J Giberson
Surname meaning for "Giberson"
English: probably a variant spelling of, a patronymic from


text:
Hi, after owning a Wii for about 4 years i finally managed to convince the wife to let me softmod the family Wii after i read about the letterbomb hack last week.(If i mess things up i am in deep doo-doo as me,my wife and my son all use the Wii regularly)
So after backing up the NAND and Key i set about installing a USB loader, WAD manager and NeoGamma for my GC backups plus a couple of other apps and everything has went well so far.
Now after realising just how inadeqate the on-board memory is on the Wii and not being able to install as many WAD's simultaneously as i would like i have been taking a look at NAND emulation to fix this.
Can someone please take me through the best way to install and use NAND emulation and explain how it works and what it's limitations are.
I bought a 250GB external drive yesterday for my Wii backups and i was intending on primarily formatting it in ntfs with maybe a small fat32 partition for some apps. Can i put an emulated NAND memory on this and can i make it any size i want or does it have to be 512MB? can i have several emulated NANDS on this external hard drive?
Thanks for any help you can give.
I recommend ~25gb FAT32 partition (marked as active) followed by the remainder of space as NTFS; both should be formatted as 32-byte clusters. The NAND backup goes on the FAT partition; read more here.


text:
Expert panel: Education needs major reform
By Claire Lambrecht |
While divergent in their prescriptions, a panel of eight Cornell-affiliated education advocates stressed the importance of reform during a lively discussion on the future of education at the Cornell Club in Manhattan April 3.
"I don't know what exactly the solution is," education writer James Altucher '88 told the sold-out crowd of 125, "but there's a major problem, and it's happening at almost every level of education."
Structured as a series of 15-minute TED-like lectures, the event brought together Cornellians across education. The conversation moved from K-12 curriculum to the cost of college; throughout the discussion, panelists agreed that education was ripe for reform, if not disruption.
"There are fundamental changes happening in education," said Éva Tardos, Cornell professor of computer science and chair of the committee on Cornell's involvement with MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses). By shifting large introductory lectures online, Tardos said, MOOCs could free professors to concentrate on smaller or project-based courses. "The higher education world is experimenting with what to do next," she said.
Changes are also being felt in the areas of budgeting and financial aid at Cornell, said Elmira Mangum, Cornell vice president for budget and planning, who works to set the price of tuition. "We know that there is concern in the media, and there's a problem nationally, with the cost of education," she said. Cornell has been working to meet this challenge with a "robust" financial aid policy, she said. The average student loan of a Cornellian at graduation, is about $20,000, and has been declining since 2008-09, Mangum said.
Even with declining debt, audience member Kyle Scott '11, an associate producer at NBC News, questioned the value of postsecondary education.
"Is college still worth it?" Scott asked the panelists. "You have debt, you have unemployment, but also have the fact that a lot of people make a lot more money with a bachelor's degree."
Harold Levy '74, J.D. '79, former chancellor of New York City schools, quickly responded: "For most people who don't have the creative genius of some of the panelists, college is the way up. Education is the way out. It always has been so and it will be so … for the vast bulk of people? the vast majority? Of course they need to go to college," he said.
Altucher said that the debate was symptomatic of a need to think more creatively about education. "I think the issue is not whether college is worth it or not, but how we can start thinking – not from the bottom down, but from the bottom up – how we are educating our children," he said.
"Cornell's Land Grant Legacy: The State and Future of Education in America" was hosted by the Cornell University Northeast Corridor Office of Alumni Affairs and Development. The other speakers were Andy Boas '77, founder of Achievement First; Richard Jones '71, Ph.D. '78, senior consultant for the International Center for Leadership in Education; Justin Serrano '94, CEO of Editure Professional Development; and David Welch, Ph.D. '85, co-founder of StudentsMatter.
Claire Lambrecht '06 is a freelance writer in New York City.


text:
Tiwa Savage Made Brand Ambassador Of Forte Oil Company
Feb 14, 2014 – Tiwa Savage Made Brand Ambassador Of Forte Oil Company
Newly married Tiwa Savage has signed another multi-million naira endorsement deal months after being made a brand ambassador for MTN.
The songstress has signed a new ambassadorial deal with forte oil, a popular oil marketer in Nigeria.
She made this known via her instagram page today.
Tiwa said: Oil Money…. New brand ambassador for FORTE OIL
Forte Oil is a major marketer of refined petroleum products with a strong presence in the 36 states of Nigeria and Abuja.
Congrats to her.


text:
I have to deliver these MPEG-2 specs before Monday, March 31st... (My no-budget feature got a pay-per-view cable deal.)
I understand how to output all the specs but the last 3. (Stream Type, Stream ID, PID)
QUESTION: What software can I use to specify the Stream Type, Stream ID, and PID ? I've been looking at telestream episode, which looks like it would work (but it's $1194.00)
Anyone who can help will be a Superhero!
fyi, I'm on Mac Book Pro, also running Windows 8.1 in a Parallels virtual PC, so I can run some PC software. I have Squeeze 9, Adobe Media Encoder, Compressor.
Standard Definition VOD Encoding Specification (VOD Ready):
· MPEG-2, Main level, main profile
· 4:3 (16x9 letterboxed to 4:3 may be used but not preferred)
· 4:2:0 chroma subsampling
· Frame rate of 29.97fps
· Black Level at 0 IRE
· 3 seconds of black at start of clip and 3 second of black at the end of clip
· Video data rate of no greater than 3.18Mbps
· Stream Type 0x02
· Stream ID 0xe0
· PID 0x1e1 (481)
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker or buy PlayOn and record Netflix! :)
Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker or buy PlayOn and record Netflix! :)
+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 21 of 21
I believe that the stream ID and PID will be attributes of an MPEG-2 video stream only if it is multiplexed into a Transport Stream container (probably for broadcasting purposes). So you will have to check your TS muxing application how to specify them.
Last edited by LigH.de; 28th Mar 2014 at 11:42.
Thanks! Yes, it is for broadcast. Can you recommend a TS muxing application?
but damn - that video bit rate is REALLY low. Your movie is going to look like crap unless you have an absolutely pristine source and you used a really good encoder.
Stream Type 0x02 just means MPEG2 video .
Stream ID 0xe0 is the ID number for the transport stream, in hexadecimal. The decimal translation would be "224"
PID 0x1e1 (481) is the PID for the 1st video stream (same thing, 0x1e1 in hex is 481 in decimal)
A free way to specify those is with ffmpeg. But usually there are more specs/requirements in the spec sheet. For example, sometimes they need CBR muxing, null packets. ffmpeg can sometimes produce transport streams that are non compliant. If you want it perfect you should really look at retail $ options
I don't think tsmuxer allows you to specify stream IDs and PIDs, but there are some newer beta versions that might (I haven't really used the newer versions, it might be worth checking out)
ffmpeg -i input.mpg -c:v copy -c:a copy -mpegts_start_pid 481 -mpegts_transport_stream_id 0xe0 -f mpegts output.ts
It should something like this look like this
ID : 224 (0xE0)
ID : 481 (0x1E1)
Last edited by poisondeathray; 28th Mar 2014 at 11:55.
Due to the low bitrate limit, it may be for DVB-T, so you will possibly consider a reduced width (less than 720 pixels per line). I am not sure which resolutions are allowed for DVB in NTSC; I have seen PAL broadcasts in e.g. 544x576.
Any suggestions for great encoding software?
The bit rate seemed low to me too. But this company shows pay-per-view VOD on Cox and Charter, Verizon, etc...
720x40 is the frame size they want. It's NTSC and SD, not HD (as you can tell by the specs)
At those low bitrates, I prefer HCEnc. Adobe, Squeeze are based on Mainconcept's MPEG2 engine which doesn't perform well at low bitrates. I don't have much experience with compressor's MPEG2 encoding
And consider other strategies to optimize before encoding such as mild temporal denoising, which will improve compression
HCEnc is recommendable, best quality for free, but more or less requires YV12 video input via AviSynth.
TMPGEnc MPEG Encoder, CinemaCraft Encoder and Canopus ProCoder belong to the commercial encoders with long tradition and good renown.
I 've used TMPGEnc, CCE and Procoder as well - they don't perform well at those bitrates either (really no MPEG2 encoder does for 720x480). I would still give the slight edge to HCEnc at that low bitrate range. CCE is fantastic for progressive encodes, great for retaining detail & grain at moderate to high bitrates but it's going to perform terribly here without severe lowpassing
All your help has been fantastic. Thanks so much!
Compressor is much worse than Mainconcept. Yeah, I'd use HCEnc as well. And I'd do some preprocessing, such as dropping the color bitdepth a bit (slight posterizing), selective blurring/median.
Depending upon what your material is like, you could do other (more radical) things, too. Like dropping the # of frames while keeping the framerate the same (IOW, dropping alternate frames, then duplicating remaining frames), which would make things more "stuttering", but uses much more B & P frame efficiency (because of the duplication), so compresses much better. Or doing a similar thing spatially.
Basically, anywhere that you can squeeze out more similarity in your souce frames, whether spatial or temporal, will improve the bitrate allocation (and hence the quality) of the remaining signal. But it is MUCH better if you do the deciding and processing than to just let the encoding app give its best guess at the original.
Similar things can and SHOULD be done with the audio. What is the BR requirement for the Audio stream? Or is that for the combined streams?
In case of despair, even alternate DCT matrices... And check if 8 or 9 bit DC precision looks better (8 bit may already have severe banding).
Manzanita is quite OK in terms of muxing quality, you can try Opencaster, go also for OBE VODand ask Kieran about MPEG-2 encode - perhaps He can prepare special build for you or at least help with creating TS stream
Sometimes better than HCEnc (for some special cases) is QuEnc (read comment on Videohelp about ver 0.75 - part of AVStoDVD pack).
Last edited by pandy; 28th Mar 2014 at 14:23.
I played with tsmuxer , it gives the wrong PID's , stream ID's and I see no way of altering them
Hold up...you have other decisions to make before you actually encode...
And I feel for you... On one hand it's great that you get a VOD deal, more exposure as a content producer. But on the other hand they handcuff you to these crappy SD specs. I doubt this is the way you as a filmmaker envisioned it to be viewed by the audience.
· 4:3 (16x9 letterboxed to 4:3 may be used but not preferred)
Otherwise you have to do the "not preferred" 16x9 letterboxed , encoded 4:3
Hallelujah! I spoke with the broadcast reps. They said, just get as good image as you can somewhere close to the specs. We'll deal with PID etc on our end. BUT I want to sincerely thank all of you great experts here on the forum! I know where I'm going for answers from now on!
IIWY, I'd submit a real good, (somewhat) higher bitrate copy of your program, and then request that you get to see (and sign off on) their transcoded copy. That way, you can decide if you can live with the choices they will be making for you. I would think, as content creator, that would still be within your rights (and it would be less of a chance of them pulling a fast one on you).
Good idea!
Similar Threads
cannot playback .ts file (seems to be no video pid on it at all)By perfection in forum Newbie / General discussionsReplies: 6Last Post: 10th Nov 2011, 10:59
ffmpeg Number of stream maps must match number of output streamsBy tmiller_15 in forum Blu-ray RippingReplies: 1Last Post: 13th Nov 2010, 07:20
How to select which PID to play in Mpeg2 TSBy deepp in forum ProgrammingReplies: 0Last Post: 9th Jun 2010, 18:52
Just want to change Video PID?By bits_to_led in forum Video ConversionReplies: 1Last Post: 21st Apr 2010, 20:11


text:
UALR Names Zulma Toro-Ramos as New Provost
Posted 11/7/2012 10:16 am
Updated 5 years ago
Zulma Toro-Ramos was named UALR's new provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs on Wednesday.
Want the Full Article?
Get Unlimited Archive Access for $19.95 per Year
Readers must pay to access stories older than 15 days.Purchase Now
Already have archive access? Login to view this article.


text:
Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 18.104.22.168
Forum Moderators: bakedjake
Windows xp home edition conected to internet through a dial up modem. System has a network card installed. Cable goes from network card to hub, then another cable from hub to another pc running suse linux 8.0
The win xp machine has sucessfully configured the network card and the linux system has also said it has configured the card. I am unable to access the web through the linux machine. About a month ago I was using linux quite a lot and was able to use the internet using the same method described above. I have since re-installed linux in the machine and am unable to gain net access.
Any tips on trouble shooting this before I pull my hair out.


text:
I have recently round out that i suffer with this, It has ultimately ruined my world as I love cooking and food.
I have desperately been trying to be gluten free for several months, however still getting caught out by the hidden ones!
Anyway, any real world advice?
sorry to be a bit dads.net


text:
Who are the sheeple?
I have did my research for years and years by the grace of God and I have found out the things that I know and have did years of research most people go against...Why is that?
What I have to say and what I have learned and what your going to read right now you may not agree with what I have to say but I have did my research ended up points to the fact that you will read today.
Most people I talk to about this neither do the research or go on their knees and pray to God for the answers!
This is how everyone's stuck in the programming and start becoming sheeple at such a young age again this is just an example...
Example how many times have I told everybody that sports are rigged and it's actually pointless to watch it takes you away from God when we should be praying instead of watching a stupid games they teach their children to watch this crap. And it gets into their children's minds and in traps them in the same matrix or prism or shall I say prison! as their parents....
Don't get me wrong it's fun to watch sports just to watch it here and there but to follow a team and buy all the crap and become a fanatic to this this satanic stuff I'll pass.......
They are STUCK IN their programming by the illuminati!!!
They do not want to go to God do their spiritual push-ups.... They duty not want to do their mental push-ups and look at the stuff really and deeply to see that poisons that are in the water in the food and in the air
They are so mind washed by what's the illuminati tell them.
It goes with the whole gambit of education religion governments and and the very social networks that enslave you.
1. Education they mind wash you for years to make you think this is the absolute truth..In other words it is there HIStory... They leave God out of the equation pure necessary and doctrines of mind watching you and educating the youth.... Hence mind control.
2. Religion they teach you about God but most of the religion are misleading they teach you all their dogma and extort money they get from the patrons.... False worship of idols and control when God is the only answer as Christ teaches us how to get to God it's not hard it's easy go to the creator but churches have made to dogma to wash down the truth and to mine control the populace!!!
3. Government and I hate to tell you your government lies and it's only here to enslave you more taxes more taxes and more taxes making people poorer more laws to enslave them!!! propaganda through the Senators Congressman and Presidents to mind control the populace!!
Also included in the government mind control is the military as we know they train that our soldiers to fight and kill that is why all soldiers must go through some type of boot camp to mind washed to break them and mold them.
4. Society we get friends you're friends now have been mind control their whole entire life through the three that I've talked about they drag you down they do not want you to learn the truth break outside the box!
all equal = enslavement and what nemesis calls and William Cooper which he coined....... THE SHEEPLE!!!!
So what we have we have with the illuminati Psychological warfare almost on every human being on this planet the only way you can break free is by being born again truly knowing God reading the Bible in Christ and knowing all!!
it easy being born again through Christ out of this Satanic world this matrix, prism or shall I call it again the prison.....
Or you have people like you Matt and nemesis that knows this stuff about the illuminati New World order all the things are right in front of his face but like nemesis Q. and number get to the point of the truth they are possessed by demonic spirits to blind them so they do not see the truth!!!!
So they are locked in to again the Satanic religion and the false gods.... they are prisoners........
People like you that have Satanic books and do rituals that blind from the truth!!!
Which I believe nemesis does do the dark arts so he would never see the truth as well you can know all the stuff and call it right down from pike...lol but if you miss the most important thing and has a relationship with Christ and God you miss everything you miss the big picture
So that is why I will never agree on everything nemesis says I believe in the true one God pure power the most powerful thing in the universe and that is the creator!!!
Saying that in closing you have to make the decision whether you truly want to wake up from this complete enslavement by these governments and this world!
The truth is out there is not hidden the illuminati tell you exactly what they're doing they have to its spiritual laws of the secrets out and propaganda does go both ways but God only goes one!!!
Christ tells us how to get to God being born again and baptized to love God with everything we got!
He gives us a choice!
Hope you guys learned something reading this and may God bless you all!
Sonny Cardona


text: Find a wide range of designer womens sandals inspired by the latest trends at Daniel Footwear. We have the greatest selection of designer brands to choose from such as Havaianas and Ugg. You will find that our collection supplies a fantastic variety of styles, from flat gladiators to wedge sandals, we are sure to stock a style you will like. Womens Sandals are an essential addition to your summer ensembles, enabling you to look stylish and feel comfortable. Our range of Womens Sandals caters for each of our customers? needs. If you are looking for a pair of sandals that will transform you from day to night, take a look at our collection of Tory Burch sandals for beautifully designed flats and heels to choose from. Or if you are looking for a pair of practical womens sandals, we have the incredible FitFlop sandals which will help you tone the lower half of your body with the revolutionary microwobbleboard built into the sole of each pair of sandals. Give your feet a chance to look fresh, clean and stylish and indulge in a pair of womens sandals today. We want to ensure all of our customers enjoy their experience here at Daniel Footwear; therefore we offer a free delivery service on orders above £100 and offer free returns in case you have ordered the wrong size or colour. For more fantastic styles from Daniel Footwear, take a look at our Womens Shoes and Womens Boots to make your footwear collection complete.