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With an early
December tapeout looming, I've found myself too busy to write a post this week.
But then I thought, "Why not write about tapeout?". Here are some
things I try to do during a project so that those last few weeks before a
deadline are as stress-free as possible:
Run an early DRC as soon as you get all the library data.We usually
have three phases of a project: preliminary, stable, and final. I don't feel
that a DRC run during preliminary is too soon. I usually pick an easy block
(but one that contains a representative sample of IP), and just get it placed
and routed with filler cells, so I can send it through DRC. (DRC doesn't care
if you're meeting timing.) This will be a good way to qualify the library data
you've received and make sure that the tech LEF matches the requirements of the
DRC deck. This way, if there are library issues, you have uncovered them in
time to get a fix from the vendor.
Run a power-grid only DRC of your top-level as soon as the grid is mostly
done.The majority of top-level DRC violations are due to the power grid:
via arrays, wide-metal spacing, etc. You can stream out a top-level design that
has just your power grid and the placement (including filler cells). If you can
get the power grid DRC-clean early on, you will save yourself a lot of time in
those last couple of weeks before tapeout.
About a month before tapeout, start running top-level DRC and fixing
non-volatile errors.By non-volatile errors, I mean ones that will stay
fixed once you fix them. There's no sense fixing a nanoroute violation if you
are still closing timing and doing ECO routes. The violation will just be
created again. But you will find lots of things that you can fix without your
work being undone.
Start LVS as soon as you possibly can.LVS on blocks is usually easy
(and should be done along with DRC as soon as a block is timing closed and
"on the shelf"), but top-level LVS is always tricky. IOs, power
domains, analog vs digital, etc. usually mean some detective work with the
physical and/or spice netlist. Starting a full-chip LVS three or four weeks
before tapeout is not too soon.
Start power analysis as soon as possible.All you need is for the
top-level to have clock trees, routes, and a spef file. You'd be surprised how
much can be uncovered during early power analysis. Once you have all the
command files set up, it will be easy to rerun when your top-level data has
been updated.
Don't wait until the last minute to run LEC.If you haven't run LEC
during the whole project, and you find at the very end that your final netlist
doesn't match the golden one, that could mean big problems. We try to run LEC
every time we save the database, to make sure that we haven't inadvertently
mangled the netlist. If you get an ECO during the project, make sure to update
the golden netlist too.
Conduct peer reviews. It never hurts to check each other's work. Have
block designers swap designs and check everything you can think of. Have a
couple of people browse the top-level or full chip for any issues. It may help
to prepare a checklist of items that you know are important.
See if your foundry is willing to do a dry-run.The data you send
would not need to be totally DRC clean, but can be used to flush out the flow
of GDS delivery, making sure the data looks how the foundry expects and to get
any DRC waivers in place.
Once you have taped out several chips, you kind of get a feel for what tasks
you should start early and what can really wait until the last minute. I'm
curious what other people find to be the bottlenecks during tapeout. Is it
timing closure? ECOs? SI? Power analysis? Physical verification? Something else
entirely? Let me know via the comments!
Hi Dipak, unfortunately I would not be able to come up with a good checklist for your specific design, since I am not familiar with it. The best people to come up with the checklist is the team that worked on all phases of the design. As you go through, keep a list of all those little things that nag at you, giving you the feeling "we had better make sure..." or "we need to double check this at the end...". The minimum checks will be covered by timing and SI analysis, power analysis, DRC, and LVS, but every design has specific things that the designers want to look at one final time before taping out. I'm sure you've got a good list going already. Get input from the rest of your team and maybe some other teams, just to cover things you may have forgotten. Then you may want to put the checklist in a spreadsheet so you can reuse it for different designs. Sorry I can't give you anything specific, but I hope these ideas help a little.
Hi Kari, Its a good post by you. I am preparing a checklist for a full chip analog & mixed signal IC layout, so that it will be helpfull to me & my teammates. I have included many things in my checklist, but i want to be very through to this ckecklist. Can you please tell me the different steps, all the reliability and critical checks to be done on Full chip right from top level floorplaning to final GDS tape varification.
Thanks for the comments, everyone!
Scrivner - I totally hear you on the constraint issue. This bites us a lot.
Pramod - pin/blockage issues can make a top-level verifyConnectivity kind of muddy - it does the best it can with the LEF models it has. Of course your Calibre run with the GDS is the signoff - another good reason to run early DRC. I should have specifically mentioned running DRC on the IO Ring as early as you can, that is another thing that we try to do.
Thanks Kari,
This is to Rodomir: I am following all the physical design practices. That includes adding fillers to the pad ring. What I noticed though, is that, the corner cells LEF just had pins on two of its internal edges instead of the complete ring. Hence, per se, the ring is not complete. Top level LVS with Caliber was clean since it used the GDS of the corner cell.
My biggest bottleneck is not getting a good set of constraints from the RTL coders until the last minute. Our schedules are so short and the designers so busy that it's like pulling teeth to get constraints from them. It's low priority for them because they don't have to have them for what they're doing. So I have to hope and pray that I'm able to swap out my generic constraints with the real ones at the last minute and everything still works.
Hello Kari and thanks for your post.
The answer for me it is LVS on top level in a mixed signal chips...
To PramodSabnis - maybe need to add some pad fillers?
Hello Kari, I am working on a Mixed Signal Physicl Design. Half the die is digital and half of it is Analog/RF. It has been decided early in the flow that Digital will be done separately and we will pins on one complete side of the digital so that the RF can Hook up to it on the top. Problem is carrying out the signoff DRC/LVS at chip level on half the GDS. i.e. When I run "verifyConnectivity -type regular" it is clean but when I run it with "-type all" I get a huge number of violation on IO ring. This is possibly due to incomplete IO power ring that the power nets are open. How can I handle this? Or is this expected?
Kari, Really Great Experience Sharing.


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Blue Smoke and Murder
Blue Smoke and Murder
Interested in Western art? Maybe? When you pick up this
romantic suspense thriller, BLUE SMOKE AND MURDER, you definitely
will be. Jill Breck is a river guide who saves the life of Lane
Faroe. His father, Joe, tucks a card in Jill's waterproof
ditty bag and tells her to call whenever she has a problem that
worries her. Readers might remember Lane and his parents from
Elizabeth Lowell's THE WRONG HOSTAGE. Both now work for St.
Kilda Consulting Group.
When a mysterious fire ends the life of her great aunt, Modesty
Breck, Jill inherits the dry dusty ranch and original homestead in
Arizona. She arrives at the ranch to find a note from under a
covered bucket of water near the ancient long-handled pump in the
kitchen. Jill knows that this is from her great aunt, as it says,
"Go to your old hiding place. Life isn't as safe as it
seems to the young." Something must be up.
And it is. Jill's great aunt has left her a number of
unsigned paintings that she remembers seeing as a child. When she
found them, it made her Aunt Modesty furious with her. Now, as a
former art history and fine arts major, she understands that these
Western landscapes capture the sprit of the West, but they may also
have an important value. She discovers a letter from a high-end art
gallery about an unsigned painting addressed to her aunt. They had
misplaced the painting that she sent, alluding that it was not
worth much, and offered a small amount of money to settle. Jill
thinks that the only reason her aunt sent off the painting was that
she needed money.
However, Jill takes it upon herself to photograph three of the
small paintings and send a jpeg off to a few well-known art
galleries. It turns out that this mystery of the missing painting
is not as simple as it seems. Jill tries to meet up with an art
collector, only to find her car ransacked and the painting she
brought cut up. A note is left saying STAY OUT OF IT OR DIE.
Her next decision is to call Joe Faroe, who sends out a St.
Kilda's consultant, Zach Balfour. Zach is supposed to be on
vacation but is close by and shows up at her door. He also happens
to know a lot about art, western art and the art world. He's
the perfect man to help protect Jill and her paintings until they
figure out what is going on.
What is it about these paintings that is causing so much furor?
They are unsigned and possibly done by Thomas Dunstan, a legendary
Western painter who had been the lover of Jill's grandmother.
If they are proven to be Thomas's paintings, they are worth a
fortune. Could it be that some art collectors have gotten wind of
these unsigned copies and are hoping to buy up cheap or steal them?
But why the death threats?
As Zach and Jill begin to uncover and discover the story behind the
paintings in hopes of authenticating them, the two find themselves
involved in the high stakes business of art collecting and the cold
multi-million dollar galleries in the art circuit. They both come
to realize that "art is like everything else. It's
worth what someone's willing to pay for it." As they
try to outsmart a killer who is ruthless in this game of money,
lies and threats, they hope they end up with their lives.
This story is full of the twists, turns and intrigue that readers
have come to expect from an Elizabeth Lowell novel. Readers are
kept on the edge of their comfortable chairs as they turn the pages
to find out what happens to Zach and Jill. And as for the romance
--- well, the sexual tension between these two keeps you hoping
that this couple may find that happily ever together.
Reviewed by Jennifer McCord on December 22, 2010
Blue Smoke and Murder
- Publication Date: June 1, 2008
- Genres: Fiction
- Hardcover: 416 pages
- Publisher: William Morrow

subset: commoncrawl


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Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.
2010-4-28DAVIESS COUNTY, MO | By: Wayman
State environmental officials want to reduce pollutants as it didn't meet quality standards. The DNR also has a similar plan for a Grundy County tributary that runs into hickory creek. Any citizens in the watershed wanting to know more about the environmental upgrades can get a study and fact sheet on the plans as well as comment to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The agency is accepting public input now through May 27th.


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- Description
DetailsUp to 5 times longer cycle life than competitive Lithium-Ion batteries. For use with all Bosch 18V Lithium-Ion tools, use only with Lithium-Ion 18V Lithium-Ion Charger BC630. Optimized cold weather performance, down to -4°F/-20°C. Integrated battery fuel gauge. Electronic cell protection prevents cells from overheating, overloading and deep discharging. High performance cells extremely robust to supply high surge currents and minimum energy loss.
- Battery: Lithium-Ion
- Battery Amp Hour: 3
- Battery Voltage: 18
- Compatibility: All Bosch 18V Cordless Tools
One Bosch BAT619G 18V HC Fat Pack 3.0 Ah Battery.
- Additional Information
Additional Information
Voltage 18V - 24V
- Reviews


text:
The Deemax Ultimate holds an iconic place in the history of downhill mountain biking. Developed with and used by some of the fastest racers on the world cup circuit, Deemax Ultimate is among the lightest of downhill wheels, taking Sam Hill to the top step of the podium twice during the 2014 season.
Featuring Mavic's distinctive yellow paint, the alloy rim has been developed using their patented ISM weight reduction technology. This technology creates a central line of standard alloy thickness along the rim. This means the weight of the rest of the rim can be reduced to help acceleration and handling, while it stays just as strong – a key element in downhill.
The spokes are steel made, double-butted and bladed, with 32 in the rear, to cope with the huge hits that are part of racing the clock downhill. The ITS 4 freewheel system, with 4 poles and only 7.5° between engaged positions, reduces the time out of a corner to get back up to maximum speed.
Deemax Ultimate is compatible with multiple axle standards and the downhill specific rear hub has a 150mm spacing with adapters to convert it to 157mm delivered in the box.
There are currently no questions and answers for this product.
There are currently no reviews for this product.


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It only took the creators of "South Park" less than a week but network television works on a slower calendar.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is working on an episode inspired by the revelation by former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's that he fathered a child with his former housekeeper.
The New York Post reports that the episode will center around a 50-year-old philanthropist from one of New York's royal families who has an affair with someone in the family's inner circle and has a child.
The SVU team will reportedly investigate a crime involving the "entitled" son of the philanthropist.
The 63-year-old actor-turned-politician revealed he had fathered a love child just a week after he separated with his wife Maria Shriver.
Published at 3:43 PM PDT on Jul 19, 2011 | Updated at 5:03 PM PDT on Jul 19, 2011


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|November 29, 2012, 12:24 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: March 31, 2010
Location: Communist State of IL.
Posts: 1,564
Echeck ordering guns.
I placed a order with Buds for 2 handguns. A Glock 20 Gen 3 and a XDM 5.25 45 Competition. I wanted to get the 3% cash discount ($67) as you can't use your debit card to do this I went with Echeck as I would have thought it would be faster then sending in a money order? Not so! The money came out of my account the next day after I placed the order but, Buds policy and I am not questioning why they do it just that it only tells you that there is a 5 day waiting/holding period once the funds have cleared your bank in a email once the funds get to their bank...
I am not impatient just anxious to get them in my hands.
I would have had them by now had I sent them a money order and as it is I won't see them til mid week next week if I am lucky!
So Echeck's = slow as a regular paper check.
I ordered some extra mags for the XDM and a laser light combo in a separate order and those were delivered today.
Also a heads up being a Buds VIP member does not help speed things along.
NRA Life Member, SAF Member
|November 29, 2012, 03:33 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: October 10, 2010
Posts: 317
i started to do echecks lately with my past few gun purchases. ill save a few bucks here and there as i dont need the gun asap. i just want it. i should have done it on my very first as it would have saved and went to ammo or something. i didnt know about it.
my youtube channel
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necklace woman jewellery Nomination Flo
Code: 026612/013
€ 38.96 € 49.00 You save € 10.04
This article is no longer produced by parent company and so the purchase does not guarantee the necessary spare parts and technical assistance.
Product Info
Product: necklace woman jewellery Nomination Flo 026612/013
Of Nomination jewelery Ladies Collection Of Flo. Long Necklace Steel Pendant With Enameled Shaped Still. The reference is 026612/013
this necklace will be shipped with the original box Nomination
30 days to return the product
this necklace is shipped worldwide with UPS
Features necklace 026612/013 Nomination
brand: Nomination
package: original box Nomination
Product Guarantee: International Warranty Nomination
kind: woman
category: jewellery
Subcategory: necklaces
style: casual
producer code: 026612/013
collection: Flo
Clasp type: Karabiner
Jewel Material: Hypoallergenic steel
Necklace Type: pendants
Stone type: Zircons
Symbol: Sea
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text:
A private stock placement by Trius Therapeutics should raise $30.2 million for the San Diego developer of antibiotics, the company said Wednesday.
Investors will receive 4.75 million shares of the company's common stock valued at a price of $6.35 a share, a discount of 20 percent off the stock's previous closing price.
Investors also will get warrants to purchase another 1.67 million shares for $8.50 each by November 2016.
The sale is expected to close by Tuesday.
In morning trading, Trius shares were down 19 cents, or more than 2 percent, to $7.79.
The company's lead drug candidate, a pill form of torezolid phosphate, is undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of hard-to-cure bacterial skin infections, such as methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
An intravenous version of the drug has gone through Phase 2 trials.
The company, which went public last year, also wants to test the therapy in the treatment lung and blood infections.
email@example.com • (619) 293-1020 • Twitter @keithdarce • Follow us on Facebook or visit the U-T Biotech page.Copyright © 2017, The San Diego Union-Tribune


text:
"Mercer's solution increases the speed with which we can respond to investment opportunities. It helps us to optimise our risk-return picture."
International client.
Our solutions enable trustees to focus their time and skills where they matter most - establishing long-term strategic objectives and setting overall risk and return parameters.
- Faster decision making to exploit market opportunities
- Enhanced performance
- Greater cost savings
- Better management of risk
- Better governance
- Broader range of asset classes
- Improved efficiency
Thereafter, trustees can delegate day-to-day investment decision making and execution to Mercer, including:
- Manager research, selection and management
- Establishment of the right mix of matching and growth assets
- Allocation to a diversified range of growth assets
- Creating and implementing a tailored liability hedge programme
- Ongoing selection and de-selection of independent, specialist investment managers


text:
Ricciardo puzzled over lack of Option pace
|M. Schumacher
|L. Hamilton
|S. Vettel
13 April 2012 – Daniel Ricciardo admits that he expected more speed when using Pirelli's Option tyre in Shanghai on Friday. For the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, the softer of the two Slicks on offer is the yellow-marked Soft. White-marked Mediums are the Prime.
"FP1 was partly wasted because of the weather, the damp track meaning we only got a handful of clean laps," reported the Australian, whose day ended in 12th position. "But the afternoon was better and I was happy with the balance of the car on the Prime, although I did not feel we gained that much in performance terms when switching to the Option; so this is one area we have to look into this evening - maybe the track conditions didn't suit the Option so well."
Team-mate Jean-Éric Vergne, who scored for the first time in Malaysia three weeks ago, ended his day two positions and three tenths of a second behind Ricciardo.
"Daniel and I ran different setups and I think splitting the programme between the two cars worked well, in that the engineers now have plenty of data to study tonight. I am not entirely happy with the feeling I had from the car, but I am quite confident that we can have a good car tomorrow and do well."
Toro Rosso is currently eighth in the Constructors' Championship with six points.


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As you are all well aware, FRESH 102.7 is throwing a FREE concert on Saturday, August 13th at Eisenhower Park's Harry Chapin's Lakeside Theater! I know you are quite excited about this year's Fresh In The Park because [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Matt Nathanson[/lastfm] is performing! To get you kids excited about this fantastic show, we scoured YouTube for the best performances from this guy. Watch him and get psyched to see him live in the park!
Recorded during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on January 26th, 2011
Singing at the Sundance Film Festival, Matt Nathanson performs an acoustic version of his song "Kept."
"Come On Get Higher"
Live & Acoustic at Borders Books
Matt turns in a very intimate performance of his biggest hit at a Borders Bookstore. He additionally shows off his comedic chops when segueing into this song. It really sucks that Borders is closing. I love that place.
"Modern Love"
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Nathanson gives us some late night "Modern Love" while performing at Jimmy Kimmel Live. Sidebar: his band sounds REALLY good! It's cool to see a band…that actually plays LIVE!
"Wedding Dress"
ZonePerfect live.create. lounge on day 10 of the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival.
In this clip, Matt dedicates this very personal song to the camera operator, saying that the song is "for you, videocamera." He even SWEATS for his audience. Who couldn't love this guy.
"All We Are"
Live at Deep Rock Drive
This is the kind of performance that makes you want to put your cell phone in the air and wave it from side to side. Enjoy this very simple performance of "All We Are."
Fresh In the Park is going down on Saturday, August 13th
at Eisenhower Park in beautiful Long Island.
Get more info and learn something about this year's performers below!
- [photogallerylink id=47834]
- [photogallerylink id=49572]


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Educating Will
My latest piece over at the MacIver Institute is our personal experience with finding the right fit for my son's education. My son Will is having the best year in school he has ever had, because he is attending an online charter public school. It's not for every student or every parent, but it works for us.


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IDT reaches deep into logic niches
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Hoping to bury its rivals in the discrete logic market, Integrated Device Technology Inc. today will unleash an avalanche of new products into its customers' high-speed-design process.
When all of the packaging options are considered, IDT's hugely expanded parts portfolio will feature 836 devices addressing 289 distinct logic functions, according to Anthony V. Walker, director of product marketing for the company's logic division, Santa Clara, Calif.
Specifically, IDT's extended high-performance logic line-up will consist of low-voltage CMOS (LVC) ICs aimed at mixed-voltage systems, and advanced LVC (ALVC) chips aimed at 3-V-only applications. With a wide range of single-, quad-, and octal-gate chips, double-density parts, and extra-wide ICs, the new devices will fulfill such functions as transceiver logic, single-gate logic, flip-flops, and latches.
Where before it was able to meet about 80% of its customers' product needs, IDT's broad ALVC/LVC portfolio will now reach into OEMs' deepest niches, Walker said. "Any high-performance 3-V logic function that a designer might need can be found in our product portfolio," he said.
Although its catalog is vast, IDT manufactures the logic chips using a flexible bulk process, which allows it to assign the logic function during the final metalization step. IDT also uses an economic production model, manufacturing the ALVC/ LVC logic devices on older, 0.5-micron lines.
Citing multiple second-sourcing agreements with logic leader Texas Instruments Inc.-and the short propagation delays of its ALVC/LVC families-IDT said the devices are destined to become industry-standard. Competing LCX-based logic chips, by comparison, have a longer propagation delay and a much smaller base of supplier support, Walker said.
Given the technology's momentum, IDT said ALVC/LVC could help it capture a broader swathe of the discrete, x86, and MIPS-based logic markets. With its recent acquisition of Quality Semiconductor Inc., IDT already lays claim to 24% of the high-performance logic market, second only to TI's 50% stake, according to analyst firm Insight/Onsite, San Jose.
"As bandwidth increases, it's pushing system speed [up] and pulling voltage down," Walker said. "The result is, older, legacy-family logic parts which have worked quite well in the past are no longer viable. IDT's logic division is going to focus in this high-growth segment, which is a very significant opportunity for us to grow revenue."
Holding better margins than glue logic or other legacy ICs, the ALVC/LVC families could also help IDT improve its market position relative to competitors such as TI, Philips Semiconductors, and Fairchild Semiconductors, Walker said.


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Saint Lucia police today discovered an AK 47 assault rifle in an abandoned building, reliable sources have told the Times.
The discovery was made in a building at Morne du Don/Balata, according to information obtained by the Times.
No ammunition for the rifle was discovered and no arrests were made.
The find is generating some concern in law enforcement circles.
However, one source who spoke to the Times on condition of anonymity, recalled that the incident today was not the first in which an assault rifle has been found by local police.
The source said that some years ago an M 16 rifle was discovered.
The AK 47 and associated models of the firearm remain the most popular and widely used assault rifles in the world.
They are known to be reliable under harsh conditions.
"The AK has excellent penetration when shooting through heavy foliage, walls or a common vehicle's metal body and into an opponent attempting to use these things as cover," according to Wikipedia.


text:
Tomorrow: Election Results Paired With Live Music, It's D Election Night Live at the Granada
Sure, you were probably planning on curling up on the couch under a blanket in front of the TV tomorrow evening, a three-finger bourbon in one hand, a smart phone in the other, ready to play amateur comic on your Twitter feed as you braced yourself for elation/heartbreak/apathy. But why wallow alone when you can join us at the Granada Theater for D Election Night Live, an evening featuring live music, live coverage of the election, drinks, and friends. Performances will include The Burning Hotels, AiR DeeJay of Track Meet, and DJ Paris Vidal, and it all kicks-off at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are just $5, and you can get them right here.


text:
Vintage Monkey Pod Wood Perfume Bottle w/Perfume Vial
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- Sold Date:
- Source: eBay
Vintage Hawaiian Monkey Pod Wood Perfume Bottle with Perfume Vial
My mother's older brother served with the Seabees (62nd Naval Construction Battalion) in the South Pacific during World War II. At some time when he was on leave in Honolulu, between 1942 and 1945, he sent my mother this bottle of perfume.The bottle is approx. 3" wide at the widest part x 1 1/4" deep x 3" high at its tallest part (not including the wood perfume bottle cap). The information stamped on the bottom of the bottle reads: "Patent No. 112,785/ Hand Carved in Hawaii/ Patented/ Monkey Pod Wood." The wood itself is quite dark. I took numerous photos, under various lighting arrangements, in order to capture as nearly as possible the true color of the wood. The photos I've included reflect the color of the carved bottle almost exactly. It is in perfect condition. The perfume vial still holds the dried residue of the perfume it originally contained. The upper portion of the perfume label is missing, but it's possible to read the following: "Tropic Kiss/ Remembrance of Pikake/Bottled by John A. Oya & Co., Honolulu, T. H." The silver label below reads: "Contents 1/8 Fluid Ounce or 1 Dram." My mother treasured this wartime memento from her brother and always kept it in her curio. It has been packed away since her death 20 years ago. My uncle ... read more


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Hi Flour girl,
I thought about your question, the thin glaze might drip down as you are applying it. How about maybe, do not make it too thin, but apply it on the cake using a pastry brush, then when done, dust then with a little bit of powdered sugar which would make it look like Christmas tree w/ snow on them. Please show us.
Hi Prettycake!
I think that would be great! Should I glaze while the cake is still warm? Do I dust with confectioner's sugar while the glaze is wet?
I will definitely post pics.
Thank you
Hi FG,
No do not apply glaze while warm nor add powered sugar while wet. If warm, glaze will thin out and drip, wet will dissolve the powdered sugar .. color you glaze green.. you can also use Wiltons green candy melts,.
Prettycake, thank you so very much! You actually saved the day for me.
I was displeased, to put it mildly, with the bundt cake I baked today. Despite greasing, flouring and then spraying, the crust was far from perfect. The details were fuzzy and the tips of the trees were missing.
I didn't know if I was looking at trees or 4 pair of bo0bs!
So I followed your instructions and glazed the cake after it had cooled. I first dusted it for crumbs then layered the glaze until the imperfections were not evident. After a while I dusted with confectioner's sugar.
What a transformation! It's far from perfect but I am very pleased with the final result.
Sending big thank-you's to you!! I really appreciate your help


text:
Submitted by John Moore on and last modified on 26 February, 2017
Review Category:
We have all heard about extended battery cases for IOS devices. I first heard about this one last year when I was beta testing IOS5 and was having battery life problems. I had heard about this case's little brother, the Mophi Juice Pack Air, but was not interested due to its smaller capacity and the fact that it did not fully charge your phone. This one's price is slightly higher at $99 when I bought it. However, I could not be happier. This case has extended the battery life of my phone by as much as 13 hours. The battery built into the case is a monster and can handle most anything. If you want a screen protector, this is not the case for you as the screen is unprotected. Taking the phone out of the case is easy to do if you want to change to an Otterbox case. All one has to do is take the top half off. THe phone simply slides out. There is no belt clip. A switch on the lower left side of the case turns the case's battery on or off. If you choose to do so, you can run your phone's built-in battery down first, then use the Juice Pack to charge it back up again. I do not do it that way; I use the case battery first, then when it dies, the IPhone's battery kicks in. However, this happens very rarely. If you are a very heavy GPS user, like certain friends of mine who play Waze, this case is the best investment you will ever make. It makes your phone slightly bulkier but it is not much bigger. You will not be able to use your IPhone's cable or the dock connector on the bottom without first taking the phone out of the case. Mophi compensates for this by putting a micro USB port in the case. It will come with a cable when you purchase it. Unlike the Air, this one allows you to sync as well as charge. A small drawback is that you will not be able to tell, if you are totally blind, how much juice is in the case's battery. The IPhone will say that it is "on A/C power" until the battery is dead or, if charging, it will say the usual prompts. Overall, I highly recommend this case for anyone who is looking to double the battery life of an IPhone 4 or 4S. This is considered by many to be the best extended battery out there, and for good reason. I am always telling blind friends who complain about phones dying to "get a Mophi."
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15 Comments
Juice Pack Plus with screen protectors
Submitted by Justin Ekis on
I agree with most of this review. This case is excellent and well worth the money. I don't understand the comment about this not being the case for people who want a screen protector. I use the Speed Dots tactile screen protector and it fits just fine with the Juice Pack Plus. In fact, it holds the screen protector in place perfectly. I was using the same screen protector with my iPod Touch without a case and noticed that the edges would get loose and it would be easy to peal it off. Not so inside the Juice Pack Plus. Everything is perfect with this combination.
protecting the screen
Submitted by Scott Davert on
I agree with the previous pposter regarding the screen protectors. I also have a Speeddots overlay and find that it fits well on the phone. In fact, it helps protect the screen from any scratches. I would also highly recommend this accessory to anyone wishing to extend battery life of their phone. I also like the micro USB connector, since you can buy one of these anywhere for a fraction of the cost that you would pay for an Apple specific charger.
differences between the air and juice plus
Submitted by chris88 on
Hi john.
thanks for the great review, i currently have the mophie juice pluse.is there a big difference tween the plus and the air?
What are the differences between the air and plus other then size of battery?
is the air that much lighter, on mophie's website they look to be the same size but they managed to fit a bigger battery in the plus.
thanks for any help.
mophie juice pach and iTunes
Submitted by Elena Brescacin on
do someone of you encounter problems connecting and syncing his/her iPhone to iTunes while inserted into the juice pack?
I mean, the iTunes program sees the device when it's just connected. Then, after a few minutes, it just disappears from devices list
I do not have the problem with my iPhone 4s; my boyfriend has this trouble with iPhone4 and Windows machines. On his macbook pro, we tried yesterday, the connection is very very stable
thanks for information
update: my boyfriend just
Submitted by Elena Brescacin on
my boyfriend just told me his mac book pro, just did not detect the iPhone connected using mophie juice pack!
He did not see it in the source list, on iTunes version 10.5.3 with osx lion 10.7.2.
it happens with windows xp and itunes 10.5.3 too
My thoughts regarding the Mophie Juice Pack Plus
Submitted by Bryan Jones on
I've owned the Mophie Juice Pack Plus for almost a year now and recently transferred it from my AT&T iPhone 4 to my ATT iPhone 4S.. The case and battery are both still holding up well. Below I will paste my thoughts as written in April 2011. These thoughts haven't changed much in the 11 months since that time..
In summary, I would say I like having the MJP+ battery but not the case that it's wrapped in. I'm glad to have the extra battery life because I consider my iPhone to be as important as my Guide Dog with regard to my safety and mobility. There are many times I am away from a charging source long enough to be concerned about battery life but the extra battery takes that concern away. On the down side the MJP+ case has ergonomics that don't fit me all that well. If I were to go through the process of choosing a battery or battery case again, I would probably lean toward just getting a battery.
Here are 14 bullet points from my time spent with the MJP+:
1. As advertised, the MJP+ does essentially add a second full charge to my phone.
2. My initial impression upon receiving the MJP+ was that it was very large and added noticeably to the iphone's weight and size, but I realize that this is a fact of life when choosing to carry a battery pack and expected to become accustomed to it over time. While the weight and dimensions don't sound like much on paper, in my opinion the case adds enough bulk to the iphone 4 that I still notice this almost every time I use the phone.
3. The fit, finish and build quality seem to be very good.
4. The USB charge / sync cable is poorly located for single-handed use by this right-handed person because it plugs into the right side of the case, near the bottom edge, and sticks straight out into the spot where the joint of my palm and wrist would normally rest. This, of course, is only an issue when the cable is plugged in.
5. It is easy to insert and remove the phone from the case if desired.
6. The case redirects output from the iPhone 4's built-in speaker, aiming it out the front rather than the default behavior which aims the sound straight down out the bottom of the phone. While there are some instances when I find this to be helpful, most of the time I find myself wishing I had the option to keep the default speaker angle. If I lay the phone face down on a flat surface, as I often do to protect the screen while listening to streaming radio, podcasts, etc, the speaker is now blocked. If I carry the phone in a pants pocket while walking around I will normally aim the bottom of the phone upward so the speaker output is aimed at my head, but the MJP+ now aims the sound away from my head.
7. Like many cases that don't cover the screen, the MJP+ has a small lip around the edge of the screen that serves to add some protection when the phone is laid face-down on a flat surface. This lip also does a good job of defining the left and right edges of the touch screen without interfering with them.
8. This case feels like a fairly hard plastic and feels sturdy, but it is slippery when compared with my other case, the Speck PixelSkin HD.
9. This case does not seem to interfere in any way with the phone's buttons, proximity sensor, cameras, flash and ear & mouth pieces and has had no noticeable effects on call, data or GPS signal quality.
10. The size of the MJP+ makes it difficult for me to reach the top left quadrant of the screen when using the phone with a single hand as I normally do. I have large hands and long fingers and normally hold the phone in portrait orientation in the palm of my right hand and do the majority of my work with my right thumb, which can comfortably reach all parts of the screen when the phone is in the other case.
11. The MJP+ has 4 very bright white charge indicator lights along the bottom edge. These are normally off unless you press a button to check them or attach the case to the sync cable. When attached, the lights will flash while charging and will stay lit when the charge is complete.
12. The phone becomes noticeably warmer when the MJP+ has been switched on, but remains cool when the charger is turned off.
13. The headphone jack opening cut into the MJP+ is quite small. While it accommodates the stock Apple Earbuds, it is too small to allow larger headphone jack assemblies to fit.
14. The mute switch is buried a bit deeper in this case but is still easily manipulated. The Volume up / down buttons are covered by buttons built into the MJP+ case. They work just as well as the phone's original buttons. The Sleep / Wake button is covered by a button built into the MJP+ case. This button has a lower profile and doesn't seem to get accidentally pressed as often in my pocket as it does when in my Speck case.
Thank you for the 14 points
Submitted by Scott Davert on
Thank you for the 14 points about the jucepack. The last point, about the headphone jack, is no longer an issue though. My guess is that they have taken user feedback in to account, because the newer models of this device now have the headphone jack totally exposed. Instead of sliding over the top of the phone to lock it in place, the newer jucepack cases have a piece that slides over the bottom. I agree with all your other points 100%.
New Trent 7000 MAH External Battery.
Submitted by Mello on
When I travel I have been using the New Trent Battery to keep my iPhone and other USB powered devices charged up. It has two USB ports so I can charge my iPhone and my Bluetooth headset at the same time. The battery is about the size of the iPhone 4, and turns on with the press of a button. If nothing is connected or the charge cycle is done the battery will turn off automatically.
I found this product works quite well and I don't have to replace my case or make my iPhone overly thick.
I got my New Trent IMP70D from The AT Guys for $49.99.
don't know this backup
Submitted by Elena Brescacin on
don't know this backup battery. Is it similar to Proporta turbo charger 7000?
I have a turbo charger 3400 too, but I find quite uncomfortable to be around with all those connectors
I had another bought on thinkgeek.com called wrist charger, it looked like a watch to wear on the arm, and it had a mini-USB connection
but the trouble is you depend on those connectors and wires!
so, as I do not want the moon but I just need a battery, I have considered all advantages and limits, and my final conclusion is that mophie juice pack air is OK, for now. I do not have the plus model.
as we say in my country we cannot have "the full bottle and the drunk wife", so, as there are no battery-cases that maintain the iPhone thin and light, Juice Pack is a good compromise!
a question.
what is the round small button who stays on the shortest side? I mean: on the left there is the switch to turn extra-battery on or off.
from the switch, you follow with the finger the bottom side of the iPhone and you find a very small button.
well my boyfriend pressed it yesterday and now it seems Juice Pack works correctly with iTunes!
It seems, as, from today at 13:00 I did not hear anything from him so I suppose.
the round button
Submitted by chris88 on
hi, the round button on the bottom of the juice pack is for showing how much battery is left in the case.
it will light up four lights to show how much juice is left.
Another iPhone Case with a battery to look at.
Submitted by Deng on
Hi. I was also looking at the Mophie Juice-pack case for the iPhone 4/4s. Although I have never seen one in person, my brother in-law told me to not get that one. Instead, he told me to get the "PhoneSuit Elite Battery Case (White) for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S".When I compared the 2 cases online, I went with the one he told me to get. I just recently ordered it and am waiting on it to get to me. He also has this same case, and it doesn't put too much of a bulk on the iPhone. There are some differences about this case that I saw when i was putting it on my iPhone 4.
- This case doesn't have speakers or much of an extension on the bottom of the device like the MJP. So, there are wholes for the speaker and mic on the bottom of the iPhone.
- Like the MJP, it has 2 parts to the case, but the top part of the case has wholes for the buttons instead of builtIn buttons like the MJP. For the volume and mute switch, there is a long cutout on the left of the top part of the case, so this case is good for all AT&T, Sprint and Verizon iPhones.
- The whole for the Headphone jack is larger, so that it fits more larger headphone jacks.
- He said that the battery is bigger than the one in the MJP, but I am not too sure on that one yet.
- The Elite case doesn't really have a lip around the screen like the MJP, but i am ok with that.
- The Elite's switch switches towards you to turn the case on, while i think that the MJP's switch goes left to right to activate the case.
Some similarities that i found when looking at my brother in-laws Elite case was that both cases use a Micro-USB to charge the case. They both also have lights telling you how much battery the case has left until you need to charge it.I will probably post up a review on the case when I receive it in the mail.If you guys want to see the case, i will put up a link to it on Amazon. I got it for basically $80.PhoneSuit Elite Battery Case (White) for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S
I know this post is from a
Submitted by SSWFTW on
I know this post is from a few years ago but has anyone had experience with the 6+ juice pack If so opinions?
Receiving the MJP air for my iPhone 5s!
Submitted by jcdjmac on
Hey guys, I will be receiving the MJP air for my iphone 5s! not only that, but it will also work with the iPhone se as well, so if I ever decide to switch to an iphone se, I wont haf to purchase a new case, I will just stick with the current case. My brother orderd the case for me on sadurday, which was going to be my birthday gift, but he has been busy that he has forgot. but on sadurday he called me to let me know that the case has been ordered through bestbuy. I cannot wait!
I know this is late, but...
Submitted by Lorelei on
So I know the post asking about this case with the 6S was from a while ago, but I have relevant feedback, so I figured why not. I got to see one while at the Apple Store a few months ago, and I was not impressed. It was nearly impossible to put on my phone, and the salesperson told me the battery level wouldn't appear in the notification center the way the Apple charging case does. If anyone cares, I went with the Apple case because it felt safer when changing cases, even though the phone has stayed in that case since I got it in the mail.
MJP air case has arrived!
Submitted by jcdjmac on
Hi guys,
I finally received the MJP air case and I couldn't be more happyer. Unlike the plus, the air does not allow you to sync/charge, but I will be moving over to an iPod nano 7th Generation to store all of my music. The best part about the iPod nano 7th Generation that I will finally love, is something that I've been waiting to do in a while, and that is to connect to a bluetooth speaker/hedphones, such as the Shado Wireless, and the Auvio PBT-500 bluetooth speaker! More on that later in a future post. anyways, My phone will now be used for social networking apps, such as Zello, Tweetings for Twitter, Etc. The battery pack is a monster. I'm running the cases battery pack down first, then once it dies, The iPhone's battery will kick in. I will also be purchasing a screen protector, as the case did not come with a screen protecter. Overall, I love this case!


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Fun Things To Do in the Snow
Well we survived Blizzard 2013! Some of us are still trapped in the house. I am until my driveway is cleaned off, my car isn't going anywhere in the drift that has formed in front of the garage. I'll admit, I wan't prepared, I don't even have a snow shovel to do it myself, so I wait on the lovely people with the plow to come an handle my driveway. I'm on a list. So I digress, now that we have all this snow, what can we do with it? Here are fun things to do in the snow.
Make a Snow Angel
Yes you will probably sink in to the snow because it is so deep but it will still be fun
Make a Snowman
Make an igloo
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
If you don't have enough snow in your yard, I'm sure your neighbor will be more than happy to share
Make snow ice cream
Get a big bowl of clean snow, add a cup of milk at a time, A tsp of vanilla, and 1/2c sugar, mix and enjoy. Adjust the milk, vanilla and sugar to the amount of snow you have.
It's yummy and tasty and the kids will love it.
Make Snow Taffy
Get the recipe here.


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With over 8 million Remington 58, 870, 878, 1100 and Savage/Stevens pump shotguns around, this is a "must have" bench tool. Fits in and around recesses to renew the staking dimples when installing shell latches on the 58, 870, 878 feed latches and interceptor latch on 1100's, and to stake cartridge stop pivot screws on the Savage/Stevens. Properly hardened to take hammer impact for a lifetime. Instructions included.
Mfr Part: REMSP
Product has been discontinued and no longer available.
Mfr Part: REMSP2
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text:
Lucky Stiff The Tony Award-winning musical theater duo of Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (music), creators of Ragtime, Seussical the Musical and, on April 19, the world premiere of their commedia dell'arte The Glorious Ones, had to start someplace. Even though this musical, based on Michael Butterworth's goofy murder mystery The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo, is laden with future promises to be fulfilled, we're left with a show that's not very good. It's a quirky cartoon farce, too silly to be much fun, but not loopy enough to be truly distinctive. To get his uncle's $6 million estate, sweet, naive Harry (Brad Scarborough, who sings heavenly) must cart the corpse around the Riviera, giving Uncle Tony one last fling. Harry is dogged by Annabel (Allison Sumrall, who sings and mugs heavenly), who works for an animal shelter that's next in line to inherit if Harry screws up. They, in turn, are tailed by Rita, Tony's "New Joysey" moll, who wants the hot diamonds that...oh, never mind, it's not worth it. To their grand credit, the pros at Masquerade Theatre play this dumbbell material like it were some classic golden oldie from Rodgers and Hart. (Not to be missed is Michael Ross's pickled-in-oil Emcee.) Ahrens's wise but bitter lyrics are indeed infused with the cold sincerity of Lorentz Hart or Dorothy Fields, but only in the wistful ballad "Times Like This" do the musical gods nod their approval. The rest of the numbers just take up time — and space — as does the show. Through April 6. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713-861-7045. — DLG
Pack of Lies Let's say you're a typical English middle-class family: sweet, gentle, rather boring. What would you do if you were told that your oldest and best friends — your neighbors right across the street — were Russian spies, and that for the security of the country, you had to keep the friendship going and, naturally, your knowledge secret? How long could you keep up appearances? How long until the tension and the constant lying got to you? Could your marriage survive? These are the questions asked by playwright Hugh Whitemore, who's made a career out of English ordinariness and espionage (84 Charing Cross Road, Breaking the Code). While gnawing moral pain and guilt wrack wife Barbara (Karla Brandau), husband Bob (Casey Coale) doesn't react as violently to the emotional toll. But then, he's not around during the day when pseudo-spy Helen (Rose Trauschke) drops by for a chat or a spot of tea. Daughter Julie (young pro Alexandra Addison) is kept in the dark by her parents and by the mysterious government man Mr. Stewart (Glenn Dodson), who cavalierly informs the unsuspecting couple that the Reds have landed right across the way. Unfortunately, Whitemore intersperses short, "meaningful" monologues between the scenes that muddy up the drama, but Brandau is very good as she slowly unravels in front of our eyes and makes us aware that lying — even to a Commie — takes a bite out of the soul. Through April 12. Company OnStage, 536 Westbury, 713-726-1219. — DLG
Sty of the Blind Pig Playwright Phillip Hayes Dean keeps us mesmerized with this intriguing, finely wrought comedy/drama, a New York Drama Desk winner from 1971. It's the story of controlling matriarch Weedy Warren (Deborah Oliver Artis); her spinster daughter Alberta (Cheray Dawn Josiah); her gambling, "whiskey head" son Doc (Wayne DeHart); and street singer Blind Jordan (Timothy Eric), who arrives at the doorstep of their south side Chicago apartment and changes their lives. The Warrens are on the verge of momentous social history but don't realize it. At the end of Act II, Weedy takes a church trip to Montgomery, Alabama, where she witnesses the famous "bus boycott" that will usher in the modern civil rights movement. She returns complaining about sore feet and all the young people who have let their hair go natural. Her generation can't grasp the significance of what's happening. Daughter Alberta's too introspective and vulnerable to see history right in front of her, but she is cleansed by Blind Jordan. In a tour de force monologue, she pours forth emotion as she relives the funeral of an unrequited love. Although Weedy isn't given as showy a set piece as Alberta's confessional, Artis keeps her character front and center at all times. Consummate pro Wayne DeHart is so at home onstage, it's impossible for him to give a bad performance; Doc, the lovable wastrel, is another of his distinguished, full-bodied portraits. And though it's difficult to play a symbol and make it real, Timothy Eric as Blind Jordan succeeds in giving this deus ex machina a sexy, mysterious presence. This play is a rare work of poetry and power. Through April 13. Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main, 713-520-0055. — DLG
Lucky Stiff
Underneath the Lintel John Tyson's Librarian, in the Alley Theatre's lovely production of Glen Berger's one-man show Underneath the Lintel, is just the sort of city worker most of us never, ever want to meet. He lives for late fines. Imagine his excitement when he discovers a book left in the night-drop-box that's more than 100 years overdue! With a handful of clues that include an old laundry ticket left in the late book, he sets out on a weeklong trip to find the cheeky culprit who's dared to keep a book out for so long. What he ends up with is a life-changing journey that takes him far, far from home. This small play that's shaped into a speech given by the Librarian to inform the public of his journey deals with such large ideas as how to live a life that actually matters. And it is surprisingly rich, especially as rendered by Tyson with the help of director Alex Harvey. Tyson's Librarian shows us that passions run deep in the quietest souls. When he holds up the library date-stamper he wears on a cotton string around his neck and declares that the date of everyone's death can be found in the little device, the moment resonates with a profound truth. And Tyson so thoroughly inhabits this misanthrope with his slightly turned-in toes and his awkward attempts at jokes that the character and his quest move from funny to outrageous and finally to deeply moving. Designer Kevin Rigdon's bleak, bare stage, which looks a bit like an auditorium about to be torn down, underscores the frail hope found in this tender play that anyone who's looking for a little bit of meaning in this world should not miss. Through April 20. 615 Texas, 713-220-5700. — LW
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Wit At first glance, Margaret Edson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play could be a downer of colossal proportions: not only does its leading character, Dr. Vivian Bearing, die from ovarian cancer, which we witness with horrid precision and clinical intimacy, but Professor Bearing is also the foremost authority on the 17th-century metaphysical poet John Donne -— "death be not proud," "no man is an island" and other heady, religious thoughts — and throughout the play we are treated to snippets from her probing lectures and random thoughts on Donne's "Holy Sonnets." This has every intention of transforming into the most insufferable of dramas, like something meaningful and good for you from Public Broadcasting. But Edson performs the miraculous: harrowing as it ultimately is, she makes the act of dying entertaining and full of grace. Bearing's only passion in life is Donne; she has no lover, no family, no friends, and is fiercely proud of her immense intellect and cognitive skills. However, these will do her no good as she screams in pain from the treatments meant to cure her. Self-absorbed lovers of research and as dedicated as she to pure knowledge, her doctors dissect her malady with as much unemotional precision as she once used to parse the great Jacobean poet. Neither art nor science, Ms. Edson states with utter felicity and theatrical know-how in her dexterously intelligent and playful play, is of much comfort when one faces death. Everything boils down to a great essence: a kind word or a soothing deed. In Texas Rep's sublime rendition, Pamela Vogel, as Vivian, is show-stoppingly radiant: icy, Olympian, witty and, at the end, all too human as she heads into the light. Edson's play is equally redeeming and triumphant, and must not be missed. Through April 13. 14243 Steubner Airline. 281-583-7573. — DLG.


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A Virginia man was taken into custody after claiming a bomb was on board a plane in Philadelphia Tuesday morning, authorities said.
It was a domestic dispute, investigators said.
A passenger waiting to board a flight from Philadelphia to Norfolk received threatening text messages alluding to a bomb on board that plane, Air Wisconsin spokeswoman Annette Daly said.
No passengers were on board at the time. Airport security took the plane to a remote area where they searched it and found nothing. That plane has been returned into service but the flight was canceled.
Police have not released the man's identity.
Published at 5:30 PM EST on Feb 16, 2010 | Updated at 5:46 PM EST on Feb 16, 2010


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I designed this runner in my EQ program and then I sewed it and gave it to my friends for Christmas
I love it! I'll bet your friends did too!
It is so pretty...great job!
very pretty...
Very nice. I received a runner for Christmas from my mom. I know how much work went into it.
It is wonderful!
what a neat way to use flying geese!
This is wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
This is adorable! I want to make one.
Very nice - will be fun to use in future years and remember what a good friend you are to them.
very, very nice. Thanks for sharing.


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Reining and Reined cowhorses. We train and Show at a the provincial and national level. Lessons from beginner to advanced.
2010 NRCHA Ltd Open Hackamore National Champion
2007 NRHA 3rd Rookie Professional Top Ten
2007 AQHA High point Ltd open rider for Riening/Reined cowhorse. Many more provincial and state titles.
Located at 3159 Rd 181, Staffa, Ont.
Advanced, Beginner, Breaking, Cutting, Lesson, National Show, Money Show, Reining, Show, Working Cattle
If so, you can update this page by editing your company information.


text: The title cut has a bit of the restrained swing of Sonny Rollins, though this is unquestionable a quartet of first-rate world-class musicians working out of their own impressive bag of tricks. The guest spot from Karrin Allyson on 'So in Love' is impressive, though this is clearly not a vocalist's band. There are some truly sublime moments here that rate a high a recommendation. Information at 7807 Caenen Lake, Lenexa, KS 66216.


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Worldwide carbon dioxide emissions are growing at a much faster rate than scientists had projected, according to a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. One reason for the underestimation: energy use has grown more quickly than many countries' economies. That's not good news for the fight against global warming. Some findings from the report:
8 billion In 2005 nearly 8 billion tons of carbon were pumped into the atmosphere, compared with 6.4 billion tons in 1995.
1.1% CO2 emissions from automobiles, power plants and factories grew at an annual rate of 1.1% during the 1990s.
3% From...


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Snake handling churches have long been a fascination for the public, the majority of whom consider the practice rash and dangerous. The media has also been shedding light on this form of worship by some Christian churches for many years as well.
After the death of the well-known snake-handling pastor Mack Wolford from West Virginia in late May though, the controversial practice is being spotlighted again.
(Related: Should This Photojournalist Have Intervened to Save the Life of a Dying Snake-Handling Pastor?)
With the risks of snake-handling and some states even making the tradition illegal by banning ownership of venomous snakes, Anderson Cooper's 360 went inside some of these churches to find out why they still do it. Watch the clip:
In this report, CNN's Gary Tuchman speaks with 20-year-old Andrew Hamblin, a pastor in an East Tennessee snake-handling Christian church. Snake handling is illegal within the state, so why does Hamblin and others within his church still do it? In the interview, Hamblin acknowledges that if someone were to get bitten and die, "the authorities would probably come in on us and shut us down, but that's why I stress so much to my people to make sure." By this he means, make sure they truly believe they're appointed by God to take up the snakes.
"If it's their point in time to die, there's nothing I can do to prevent it," Hamblin said though.
Some Christian churches use venomous snakes as part of their worship drawing from the the gospel of Mark 16:18, which states "They shall take up serpents…"
When asked how he feels about the life-threatening situation he himself faces when he handles snakes — already being bitten four times in two years — Hamblin said that he thought about it and this is why "it pays to be ready — spiritually."
Earlier this month, WMBF News, an ABC affiliate, also featured Hamblin and his church, the Tabernacle Church of God. Here's more on what he had to say:
"We're not up here throwing snakes across the church house and things like that," explained Pastor Hamblin. "I know the world thinks we're crazy. That's not what I want to share with the world, we're Christian people, we are part of the Pentecostal movement."
Pastor Hamblin said you do not pick up a snake unless the spirit moves you.
"You don't set at home and say, 'When I go to church, I'm gonna sing one song, I'm gonna pray for brother so-and-so. When I get finished praying for brother so-and-so, I'm gonna handle two rattlesnakes and a copperhead. I'm gonna put them up then I'm gonna shout a while and go home.' You don't do that. We're led by the spirit of God," explained Hamblin.
WMBF reports owning venomous snakes within the state is illegal, but Hamblin said that if Bible reading someday became illegal, it doesn't mean people would stop doing it. Hamblin does point out that those under the age of 18 are not allowed to handle the snakes.
Watch WMBF's report:


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Lesson 7 -- fourth quarter 2002
October 13, 2002
© Copyright 2002, Christian Light Publications
Choose justice
As Christians we must always relate to everybody with an impartial moral rightness. That means that regardless of circumstance and personal cost, we will do right to everyone. Justice rejects favoritism and bias. Justice measures its response according to unchanging principles and not according to changing situations and fluctuating whims.
Like most people, we no doubt find it easiest to choose justice for others. While there is a time and place for that, our greater responsibility is to live our own lives in a just manner. So let's consider some situations.
When I am in need. If the check-out scanner overcharges me on an item, I usually don't hesitate to point that out. But what if it rings up a super sale price . . . when the sale ended yesterday? "Wow! Given the way things have been going the last few weeks, this scanner sure helped me out! If I didn't need the money, I would point out their error." No, no! Bending the rules or exceeding the limits when it comes to taxes, laws, regulations, and codes shows similar disregard for justice. Always do what is right and godly, no matter how great the desperation and urgency of your need.
When I have plenty. I knew my visitor had neither potatoes nor beans nor flour nor rice. I also knew that his situation would have been different if he had been more wise in his money management. Another thing I knew was that I had both the means and the supplies to meet the need of his family. A choice for justice would not be, "I'm sorry you're having the problem . . . again. I would help you . . . again . . . if I weren't concerned about interfering with the lessons God is trying to teach you." No! Justice would conclude that my supplies were meant to help meet someone else's need.
When I am wronged. Years ago, a local business cost me many hundreds of dollars due to incomplete vehicle repairs. They never made good on it. Now I'm in charge of a city business directory. I believe justice would have me list them right along with other businesses, and to do so without trying to leverage that into some sort of settlement with or vengeance against them.
I challenge you to take those three examples as lights to illuminate your own opportunities to choose justice. In your relationships and responses, always make sure you choose justice. Not only will you avoid unnecessary grief, you will bring great blessing to the Just One.
"That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" (Deuteronomy 16:20).
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8).
"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight" (Proverbs 11:1).
Responding to injustice against others
Some employers and some government officials treat those beneath them with great injustice. Some laws have unjust effects while some others are unjust laws to begin with. Our duty isn't to rail and rally against such injustices but to find the opportunities to bear the burdens of the victims.
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Is it normal for a christian girl to watch hentai porn
Okay so i'm a christian and i have a bad habit which is hentai porn so is it normal becoz i'm young-ish and i wanna know if its alright becoz its not real porn so i dunno if it counts as a sin. I'm not having sex or anything like that or masturbating, i just watch it because i like the drawing and the storylines, and i've tried 2 watch just anime but i find it boring without the sex...HELP!!!


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Protiviti, a subsidiary of the world's first and the largest specialized staffing firm Robert Half International Inc (RHI - Free Report) , has collaborated with technology services provider Xchanging in order to provide legal and regulatory compliance related services to Southeast Asian customers.
Xchanging provides managed business processes, technology enabled outsourcing and procurement outsourcing services internationally across multiple industries. With the help of Protiviti's consulting services, Xchanging is making efforts to help its customers with regulatory requirements, internal policies and standard operating procedures.
We note that companies are nowadays increasingly focusing on compliance with contracts and procurement policies. With this collaboration, Xchanging will benefit from Protiviti's solid consulting and internal audit services. In addition, Xchanging will enable organizations to prevent financial leakages in the purchase to payment (P2P) process.
Xchanging's customers may also gain from Protiviti's expertise in vendor recovery, data privacy and security solutions. On the other hand, Protiviti will be able to help organizations take a disciplined approach to managing credit, market and operational risks, especially in the procurement process.
Overall we remain encouraged with Robert Half's sound fundamentals. The company is gaining from the growing demand for specialized staffing and consulting services, particularly in the U.S. Permanent placement, information technology staffing and in Protiviti operations of the company are benefiting from improving demand. Further, the improving global economic condition has increased demand for the company's temporary and permanent staffing services and risk consulting and internal audit services.
However, weak staffing demand outside the U.S., especially in Europe, is hurting revenues. Further, we believe that currency headwinds and a tough job scenario, particularly in Europe, are denting the demand for recruitment services.
Robert Half holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other stocks in the business services sector that are performing well and are worth considering include Manpower, Inc. (MAN - Free Report) , Korn/Ferry International (KFY - Free Report) and Stantec Inc (STN - Free Report) , all carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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WASHINGTON, June 20 (UPI) -- Citizens Against Government Waste Friday called for an end to leasing of planes by the Pentagon.
The group "expressed outrage" over the announcement by the Boeing Corp. that it will pursue more lease deals similar to the one recently approved by the Pentagon for 100,767 tankers at a cost of $21 billion.
CAGW President Tom Schatz said: "The possibility that the Pentagon might become more involved in leasing will lead to tens of billions of dollars in hidden costs. In the Boeing tanker lease deal, taxpayers will pay more than $17 billion extra for planes that the government will never own. Lease deals do not 'count' against the Pentagon's annual procurement budget but the spending is real. Additional leases are an irresponsible approach to procurement."
The General Accounting Office and the Congressional Budget Office have stressed leasing incurs more costs than direct purchasing of tanker aircrafts, but several members of Congress are apparently supporting the Boeing deal.


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Coast makes some pretty cool knives (and flashlights and headlamps). I carried their RX312 (or something close to it) for a while and always liked it. I still use it from time to time, but I've switched my EDC over to a utility knife (the Milwaukee Fastback). I just finally accepted the fact that my lifestyle is brutal on a blade and I don't have the time to deal with sharpening. Disposable utility blades are just so simple to deal with.
But anyway, Coast recently developed a very interesting item that they refer to as the LK375 Light Knife ($52). It's basically a combo between a ...wait for it... wait for it... wait for it... flashlight and a knife. It's a great pairing, kind of like chocolate and peanut butter, eggs and bacon, or Ashton and Demi. Coast was nice enough to send me a sample so that I could check it out.
Seems like every time I sit down to write a post about some tool of mine that has persevered through a long life of hard work and abuse, it's a Makita (check out my collection of old Makita circ saws here). This time, I'm giving a much needed call-out to my old Makita Belt Sander.
A while back I reveled in reviewed the Hardcore Hammers Naturalist Hatchet. I loved it for it's....everything. Late last year, they sent along their newest hatchet, the Ultimate Survivalist for me to try out. And try out I did. Over and over and over. This new version polishes up some of the functionality of the older one and adds a few things. It also has a head that is nearly indestructible and holds an edge for a long time, which is really what you want if you're out in the middle of nowhere relying on your tools.
There's a special ball of rage deep in my belly that I reserve for halogen work lights. How a tool that is so irritating in all ways has become a job site standard ranks right up there with the Easter Island heads for total depth of mystery. They're bright, yes, but beyond that, pure torture. "Whoa, the housing is like a million degrees...what's that smell, oh, a burning moth...let it cool down for an hour before you change the bulb...make sure to wear gloves so you don't get any oil on the bulb...where's your screwdriver to open up the cage?...Oh those little ceramic bulb ends are pulverized in the sockets?...right, why don't you just pick up a new one the next time you're at the lumber yard."
Since exactly none of you have been wondering why this site has slowly evolved into a ghost ship, I'll raise my hand, call on myself, and give an answer.
Most importantly, I've been wrapping up my renovation (yes, still...). I just looked at the first permit the other day (the renovation has two separate permits) and saw the issue date of November 2011. Yeah, that's a while ago. It's been a slog. I've been in full donkey mode for four years...building cabinets, framing, tiling, window restoration, flooring, painting, oh man, it's been a lot. Yesterday, I had the final electrical inspection and soon it will be time for the big kahuna building inspector to come through. If everything passes OK, I'll likely head to the nearest saloon for 2-4 months or maybe Tijuana. Once the "decompression" phase ends, I'm looking to get back to regular posting here at the site.
But along with the renovation, I have been keeping up with quite a bit of writing. A number of tool-ish reviews that I've done have been posted up at Tools of the Trade. If you're into tools, ToTT should really be one of your first stops. There is a lot of great coverage over there. Recently, I reviewed the new Makita 8-1/2-inch Compound Slider. It's a great little tool and if you want an easily portable slider, this should be one of the first saws you look at. I thought there were a couple small drawbacks, but they pale in comparison to all of the goodness that this tool brings to the table.
I also did a piece on my three favorite work gloves; one for general construction, one for demo and digging, and one for cold weather. When I first started in construction, I thought the fingerless framer gloves were totally silly, but over time I've completely bought into the concept. And now with all the use of touch screens, it's nice to not have to keep taking the gloves on and off all the time. The Kleins are a great representation of the design.
The StoneBreaker Rancher gloves deserve a special call out too. I have a hard time explaining to people how nice these gloves are. Most leather work gloves look like floppy Fozzie Bear hands, but the StoneBreakers are so form-fitting that they really fit like a...well....glove.
The RoboReel Air was another interesting item I reviewed for ToTT. It's a pneumatic hose with and electric recoil. It's all very similar to the RoboReel Electric that I covered here a while back. It's pricey for sure, but really handy to have.
Over at Fine Homebuilding I covered a similar item, the PneuPower Recoiler. It's also a retractable hose system, but this one is manual with a hand crank on the body of the tool.
If I were to choose between the two, it's tough to say which I'd go with. The Recoiler can get tangled up from time to time, but it's also less than half the price of the RoboReel and much easier to lug around. It also has 100' of hose while the RoboReel has 50. But still, the RoboReel winds up with the push of a button.
I've also been doing plenty of work over at TheSweethome.com. If you've never checked it out, I highly recommend doing so. It's a site that really strives to recommend the best gear that fits the needs of most normal people. They've got comprehensive articles on all kinds of homegoods from bath tissue to rice cookers to air conditioners (check the sister site TheWirecutter.com for digital gear like cameras, tvs, and computers). I've written a lot of the tool guides, such as...The Best Hammer, The Best Utility Knife, and The Best Adjustable Pliers and plenty of others. I've also done some yard gear like The Best Lawnmower and The Best Leaf Blower) and a few oddballs that ended up being completely fascinating to research...The Best Picture Hanger, The Best Duct Tape.
I have to admit that the name "Vampliers" was a little off-putting at first. It sort of sends the vibe of, "yeah, the tool doesn't have much going for it, so we gave it an interesting name." Turns out, that's not the case at all. The Vampliers are, in fact, a unique, useful and interesting variation of a set of linesman pliers. The fact that they're very well made only adds to the goodness.
The Powerstrike Framing Hammer is easily the strangest hammer I've ever seen. With it's exposed welds, its nuts and bolts vibe, and the hollow metal handle, there is nothing about it that says "normal operating procedure." They sent me a couple to check out and I've been pounding on them for at least a month now. They're great too, maybe not perfect, but really nice.
[I updated the piece with more info on the handles]
The other day Irwin sent over a sample of their new line of cutting pliers and man o man, are they nice. Really nice. They ain't cheap, but they're slick.
We first saw these a while back when Stu from ToolGuyd mentioned them, noting that they're manufactured by NWS. NWS is a German company and beyond the message board tool junkies, they don't have much presence in the US. Everything I've ever read about them has been positive but I've honestly never even held one of their tools until now. That apparently was a mistake.
I'm no pro tile guy, but in my recent/current/never-ending renovation I've tiled four bathroom floors, two tub surrounds, a shower, a kitchen backsplash, and 500 sq/ft of basement floor. So I've come to understand a a decent amount about tiling. Of all this accumulated knowledge, one of the most annoying things I've learned is that trowels are very, very difficult to store.
Klein recently sent us a sample of their new Coaxial Cable Cutter and after taking it down to the basement and doing some serious slicing and dicing with our A/V wiring, we're pretty impressed with it, more than we were expecting to be.


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Lebanon banks' 2012 growth hinges on regional changes
The turmoil in Syria, which is weighing on Lebanese banks operating there, will have minimal impact on banks because the affiliates account for a small percentage of profits, Nassib Ghobril, head of Economic Research at Byblos Bank said
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When the financial crisis ravaged the global economy in 2009, Lebanon's banking sector profited from relative domestic political stability to achieve record-high growth. However, 2011, unlike any year in the past decade, has put the country's resilient banking sector under pressure on three fronts simultaneously.
For the first time in many years, the banking sector, which is three times bigger than the Lebanese economy, is faced with a global financial slowdown and internal political uncertainty, as well as regional unrest, particularly in Lebanon's larger neighbor Syria. The slow growth trend of the banking sector in 2011 will continue at least through the first half of 2012 and may see an improvement in the second half of the year if the gloomy regional picture brightens, banking officials told The Daily Star.
Nassib Ghobril, head of Economic Research at Byblos Bank, said that he expected the same trend of slow growth in deposits and profits to continue in 2012, mainly due to domestic political uncertainty in Lebanon and turmoil in Syria. "I don't see the trend changing from 2011 if the situation in Lebanon and Syria remains the same," Ghobril said.
For the first nine months of 2011, assets, deposits and profits all grew but at rates lower than those of 2010. The total assets of the Lebanese alpha banks – the 12 banks with deposits in excess of $2 billion – stood at $143 billion, a 6 percent year-to-date growth compared to the 11 percent growth in 2010 and 22 percent in 2009. Ghobril's viewpoint on 2012 prospects for growth in the banking sector was shared by Joe Sarrouh, adviser to Fransabank's chairman, who added that the second half of 2012 could see an improvement if the situation stabilized in Syria. "I believe the second half of next year will witness far more stability because we will have a clearer picture about the situation in Syria and the eurozone crisis," Sarrouh said.
Deposits only grew by 5 percent year to date, standing at $118 billion, compared to the 2010 rate of 12 percent and the 2009 rate of 24 percent. However, Ghobril saw no risk of deposit outflows from Lebanon, which he said took place only following shock events such as the assassination of statesman Rafik Hariri in February 2005, the July 2006 Israeli war against Lebanon and the collapse of Prime Minister Saad Hariri's Cabinet in January 2011.
The 2005 assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister was followed by 5 percent in deposit outflows, 3 percent after the July 2006 war and $1.1 billion following the collapse of Saad Hariri's Cabinet. Rather than fearing deposit outflows, which usually flow back in soon after a shock event, banking officials told The Daily Star that if Lebanon managed to maintain relative political stability, it might even attract foreign deposits due to the European Union sovereign debt crisis and low interest rates.
"International banks are being downgraded, the sovereign debt crisis is not resolved ... the world isn't fine for individuals to take their money outside for very low interest rates. On the contrary, I think if you put political tension aside ... we will be able to attract deposits," Sarrouh said. Profits grew by a marginal 1 percent to reach $1.2 billion in comparison to a stunning 25 percent increase in profits in 2010 and 18 percent in 2009.
The turmoil in Syria, which is weighing on Lebanese banks operating there, will have minimal impact on banks because the affiliates account for a small percentage of profits, Ghobril said. "Overall, the profits of Lebanese banks from branches abroad are not sizable," he added. Ghobril said that Lebanese banks operating in Syria would continue to see a decline in their assets and deposits unless a positive unexpected development takes place.
The three largest Lebanese banks with branches in Syria, BEMO, Bank of Syria and Overseas – an affiliate of BLOM bank – and Audi Syria, saw their assets fall by an average of 24 percent and deposits drop an average of 29 percent through the first three quarters of 2011. Sarrouh said the current circumstances require conservative approaches to risk management but added that banks would still meet financial opportunities with a positive attitude. "Lebanese banks have tremendous experience in crisis management internally and externally ... the Central Bank is closely observing risk-management measures and I think provisions taken so far are satisfactory," Sarrouh said.
The deteriorating situation in Syria was the major reason behind international rating agency Moody's decision to downgrade Lebanon's banking sector outlook from stable to negative earlier this month, citing the banks' asset and loan exposures to Syria and other countries witnessing unrest. Some bankers said privately that Lebanese lenders operating in Syria have provided billions of dollars in loans to the private sector, although the ratio of default so far had not been too alarming.
Lebanon recently distanced its economic sector from that of Syria after the Arab League, the U.S. and European countries imposed sanctions on the assets of some high-ranking Syrian officials. Lebanese Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh recently denied that Syria's government or its national bank had any assets in Lebanese banking institutions.
The banking sector has also felt the effects of the U.S. crackdown on Hezbollah's financial operations after the U.S. Treasury Department in February designated Lebanese Canadian Bank as a "financial institution of prime money laundering concern."
LCB was accused of laundering hundreds of millions of dollars for a Lebanese-Colombian drug baron with links to Hezbollah, which Washington has designated as a terrorist group. Societe Generale eventually bought LCB for an estimated $500 million.
Moody's also noted slower economic growth in the first half of 2011 with the GDP sinking to less than 2 percent, as well as the banking system's high exposure to Lebanon's sovereign debt. Lebanese banks are the main subscribers to government treasury bills and Eurobonds, which make these banks more vulnerable to default risk in the future, especially if the state fails to seriously tackle the debt and budget deficit problem.
According to the Association of Banks in Lebanon, claims by commercial banks on the public sector stand at $30 billion as of the end of August and at $39 billion on the private sector. On the upside, the banking system has a strong liquidity buffer and resilient depositor base.
The sector retains a relatively stable funding structure driven by customer deposits, which account for approximately 90 percent, Ghobril said, downplaying any impact by the European crisis on Lebanon. While some say Lebanon is likely to see pressure to reduce interest rates on the Lebanese pound to support the budget, Sarrouh said he expected interest rates to remain the same. However, Alain Wanna, the assistant general manager and head of Finance & Administration and Financial Markets at Byblos Bank, said covering the cost of customer deposits has become very expensive for most commercial banks, especially since the yields on government treasury bills are relatively low.
"Lebanese pound treasury bills are trading in the secondary market at 50 to 75 basis points above the primary market. That is why banks prefer to buy from secondary markets as opposed to the primary," said Wanna. "Most banks were buying the seven-year Treasury bill because the yield was around 7 percent. "But to buy bonds with a 6 percent yield while some banks are still paying on deposits around 7.5 percent ... it isn't logical. I don't know how it will be fixed," he added.
As for the level of dollarization, which stands at 68 percent, Sarrouh said he expected the level to stay unchanged given strong confidence in the Lebanese pound with a large base of resident bank deposits.
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Saudi Arabia's highest Islamic cleric 'bans' chess and claims game spreads 'enmity and hatred'
'I guess they don't appreciate games that aim to topple the king'
Saudi Arabia's highest religious cleric has declared chess "haram", meaning it is forbidden for Muslims, while claiming the game shows "enmity and hatred".
Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin-Abdullah al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti, made the proclamation while taking questions during his weekly television show.
"The game of chess is a waste of time and an opportunity to squander money. It causes enmity and hatred between people," he said, according to a translation by Middle East Eye.
Abdullah reportedly compared it to a pre-Islamic Arabian game called "maisir" which was forbidden by the Koran.
His fatwa does not constitute a ban in the Wahhabi state as it does not carry the force of law, but it was provoking debate in the country today.
Musa Bin Thaily, who presides over the Saudi Chess Association's law committee, said the planned chess tournament in Mecca would be going ahead on Friday.
Pointing out that the Grand Mufti's proclamation is old, with a YouTube video showing it put online last month, he referenced a previous fatwa that banned chess being used for profit, gambling or interrupting prayers and other religious duties.
"Many things are said to be illegal and religiously banned in #Saudi," Mr Thaily wrote on Twitter, sharing photos of United Arab Emirates dignitaries at Saudi Chess Association events.
"The Saudi Chess Association has put great efforts in chess popularity and will continue holding events everywhere unless forced otherwise."
Read more
Saudi cleric 'issues religious edict banning all-you-can-eat buffets'
He noted that many religious bans are not enforced in Saudi Arabia, adding that "religious society banned public music festivals but they're everywhere".
But Mr Thaily did raise concerns that the fatwa gave authorities "a window to be taken as justification" to cancel or disrupt events.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's supreme Shia religious authority, previously issued a fatwa saying chess is forbidden "in all circumstances", even if a computer rather than real pieces are used and no bets are placed.
Iran banned chess-playing in public and declared it haram after the Islamic Revolution in 1979 but Ayatollah Khomeni repealed the ban nine years later. The game was also proscribed the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Nigel Short, a British chess grandmaster, told the BBC a crackdown in Saudi Arabia would be a "great tragedy".
"I don't consider chess to be a threat to society," he added. "It's not something that is so depraved as to corrupt morals."
The proclamation has provoked ridicule on Twitter, where many commentators pointed out that the issue "isn't black and white".
"I heard a news item about Saudi Arabia banning chess," wrote satirical blogger Karl Sharro. "I guess they don't appreciate games that aim to topple the king."
Saudi Arabian clerics have previously issued fatwas attempting to ban all-you-can-eat buffets, Pokemon and the building of snowmen.
Independent News Service
Related Content
- Saudi cleric 'issues religious edict banning all-you-can-eat buffets'
- Computer teaches itself chess in 24 hours, attains international master level without being told the rules
- Video: Chess champ Garry Kasparov attacked by flying 'penis'


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Through Feb. 15 at Stage West, 821 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth. $35; discounts available. 817-784-9378. stagewest.org.
It was a shock 10 years ago when Avenue Q wrested the Tony Award for best musical from Wicked, partly because of Avenue Q's obscenities, puppet-on-puppet sex, jokes on racism and one story about a puppet agonizing over coming out of the closet. Now, thanks to changing sensibilities and terrific performances such as the ones you'll find in the Theatre Three production at Stage West, the sweetness has become increasingly clear — and irresistible.
Through Jan. 26 at the Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson. $20-$35; discounts available. 972-744-4650. eisemanncenter.com.
Someone has killed the star of a new Broadway-bound show, but who? Playwright-producer-star Kurt Kleinmann sprinkles suspicion and jokes as liberally as Peter Pan does fairy dust, but everyone plays second fiddle to Pegasus Theatre's signature "Living Black & White" style in this silly parody of melodramatic black-and-white murder mysteries from the 1930s and '40s. The good news is that the effects are spectacular. Arrive early to hear singers Patrick Detloff and Sarah Powell croon sweet ditties before the show and stick around afterward to take pictures with the heavily made-up cast.


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|SalesVantage.com >> Article Archives >> Web Development >> Make Your Customers Love Your Web site
Leveraging your Web site entails more effort than using a Web site design service to build you a site. To utilize your site, you must devote time and energy.
The look of your Web site
Immediately, browsers will judge your site based on its look. The old adage states, "you can't judge a book by its cover," but browsers certainly judge the value and resourcefulness of a site by its look.
Keep away from the following mistakes:
Flash presentations may look snazzy, but they are often nothing but opportunities for Web designers to exhibit bravado. The truth is that flash makes your page look too busy and makes it slower to load. If it is necessary to incorporate animation, provide the browser with the choice to view a demo rather than directly integrating flash into your pages.
It is about them and not about you
A great mistake made by many Web site owners is making the site about their company, their services, their products, etc. Yes, you can inform the public of all three with your site, but by thinking like a consumer and not a seller.
Your site's duty is to serve your customers. Your site needs to call out to your browser's needs and desires. Position your goods and services as solutions.
Your site should efficiently establish itself as an entity that understands your customer's predicament while offering the comfort of informing them of a resolution.
Make company information supplement copy geared towards your consumers' interests.
Keep it clean
Do not be hesitant to host many pages. Do not attempt to fit pictures and descriptions of many products within a limited space. You want your Web pages to flow and be inviting to customers. Avoid clutter and celebrate spacing.
Categorize your products; separate them logically so it is easy for users to find what they are looking for.
Provide supplemental information
Customers will want to know specifics about your products and services. First, let them know how they can advantage from them, and then describe them in detail.
Offer supporting information about your company as well, taking the shape of the 'about us' page, case studies, and testimonials from current and former clients.
Make it easy
Make your site easily navigable. Include a site menu and a sub menu for each section.
You want to make sales, so make it easy for customers to make a purchase. Include a description of the purchase process or include a demo. Most consumers are now perceptive about purchasing off the Web; you may only need noticeable checkout buttons.
What if the customer has a question, have you clearly displayed your contact information? Too many Web sites hide their 'contact' button towards the bottom; do not be one of them.
Kenneth C. Wisnefski is the president of VendorSeek.com, an online business to business marketplace that connects business consumers with pre-approved vendors in over 150 different categories. VendorSeek.com has over 5,000 vendors in their Approved Vendor Network and processes close to 10,000 requests per month from businesses of all sizes.
More articles by Ken Wisnefski
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Hello guys!
I hope that everyone is in an amazing mood and has smiles on their faces and if not, I will try to make you smile. Big thank to everyone who supported me on the forums and thank you for reading this article!
I recently finished my new work "Steam Traveler" and I will now tell you and even show how I did this project. I hope it will be funny, interestingly and, most importantly, useful.
It's very, very strange, but for some reason I knew before I started that I was going to do a train – it was kind of like déjà vu. A few months back, I was with my friends at an old plant near a railway, in search of industrial pictures and maybe some new ideas. A not so great situation happened at the plant - we met a covey of large street dogs. Well,
no, not really – the covey of large street dogs met us. These dogs had strayed onto the factory site in search of food and their hungry look obviously told us, "Boys, it is time to sit down on a boat and cast off!"
The look on my friends' faces reminded me of the look of fresh chicken, which is going to be prepared for the New Year table. Strange, but it's in exactly those kind of extreme situations that new potential and new possibilities are discovered. I learned that I was better than Spiderman at jumping out of broken windows and climbing through a two meter brick wall, which I would never have been able to climb over. I was luckier than some of my friends and even had the time to take a couple of pictures of quite a good training, which was passing near the factory.
This event is possibly what pushed me to bring this work to life, but one thing the experience definitely taught me is that you need to wear armor when you enter the industrial world! My biggest regret was that the pictures I took weren't really enough. Here are a couple of pictures of some interesting industrial themes (Fig.01 – Fig.03).
Because I hadn't managed to take enough pictures myself, it became necessary to search for new material and new ideas on the internet.