text:
Fewer people prepared to get behind wheel "the morning after"
Stormont Executive press release - Department of the Environment
The Northern Ireland Road Safety Monitor 2013 has been published today.
The report reveals that the proportion of drivers who would drive the morning after consuming a considerable amount of alcohol the night before, has fallen over the year from 30% to less than a quarter (23%). It also reports that the majority of people (69%) oppose drivers taking one drink and driving. However, after one drink around one fifth (22%) of drivers would still get behind the wheel. Both of these finding are similar to last year.
There continues to be overwhelming support for imposing the current set of drink drive penalties on those found exceeding newly proposed limits. For learner and restricted drivers exceeding the new lower limit of 20mg/100ml, 82% of respondents supported imposing the current set of penalties. Although the same lower limit is proposed for professional drivers, this attracted a higher level of support for using existing penalties (88%). For all other drivers, a new lower limit of 50mg/100mls is proposed and just less than nine out of every ten respondents (89%) support the use of existing penalties for drivers caught exceeding this.
Alongside this, the vast majority of respondents considered drink driving (88%) and drug driving (84%) to be offences where police should have the power to seize a vehicle.
Speeding, carelessness on the roads, and drinking and driving are still considered the three main factors in causing injuries or deaths on Northern Ireland's roads cited by 78%, 61% and 59% of respondents respectively.
The survey also gathered information on the level of awareness and effectiveness of DOE road safety advertising campaigns. Individuals views were sought on a number of road safety topics which included mobile phones, drink driving, school buses, pedestrians and fatigue.
Key Points from the Survey are:
· Respondents perceived the three most important factors in causing injuries or deaths on our roads as people speeding (78%), carelessness on the roads (61%), and people driving after drinking (59%).
· The three principal causation factors recorded in police collision data for the actual number of people killed or seriously injured in Northern Ireland for 2012 were excessive speeding having regard to conditions (12%), inattention or attention diverted (9%) and driver/rider impaired by drugs/alcohol (8%).
· When respondents were asked to list the three most important influences in creating an awareness of road safety, 82% of respondents stated that TV advertising was one of the most important factors. Just over a quarter of respondents rated news and documentaries on TV and Radio (26%), penalties for breaking the law (26%) and a friend or relative involved in a collision or near miss (26%).
· More respondents (95%) were aware of the 'Hit Home' campaign than 'Just Because' (73%) and 'Underneath' (85%) television campaigns. Across all campaigns the majority of those aware were positively influenced by them.
· Just over three-quarters (77%) of respondents stated that they were aware of at least one radio campaign. In 2012, the awareness levels of the radio road safety campaigns was 81%, which represents a decline of four percentage points over the year and a more significant 10 percentage points from the 87% awareness level recorded in 2011.
· Over four-fifths (81%) of respondents that were aware of a radio advertising campaign stated that it influenced their behaviour in a positive way in relation to road safety.
· Over a third (36%) of motorists report using a mobile phone while driving, (5% hand held, 28% hands free and 3% sometimes hand held or hands free). The majority of those who would use a mobile whilst driving were aware of risks associated with this behaviour.
· On the whole, drinking and driving was opposed by respondents of this survey with nearly seven in ten (69%) stating that it was not acceptable to drive after one drink and the vast majority (95%) stating it was not acceptable to drive after two drinks.
· Just over a fifth of drivers who drink alcohol (22%) would drive after having one drink and this is similar to the levels reported the last time the question was asked in 2012 (25%).
· Less than a quarter (23%) of drivers who drink alcohol said that they would normally drive the morning after an evening on which they had been drinking four (for women) or five (for men) or more alcoholic drinks, this is lower than the level reported in 2012 (30%).
· A large majority (85%) of all respondents surveyed agreed that the police should be able to stop people at random and breathalyse them for driving under the influence of alcohol which is similar to the response in 2012 (87%).
· Drivers who drink alcohol said the top three penalties which would discourage them from driving if over the legal limit were 'that you might kill or seriously injure someone else' (76%), 'being disqualified for a minimum of 12 months' (63%) and 'that you might kill or seriously injure yourself' (62%).
· Drink driving (88%) and drug driving (84%) were the two most frequently cited circumstances when respondents thought the police should have the power to seize a vehicle.
· The majority of respondents support imposing the existing penalties for those who exceed the proposed new lower blood alcohol limits. For learner and restricted drivers exceeding the new lower limit of 20mg/100ml, 82% of respondents supported imposing the current set of penalties. Although the same lower limit is proposed for professional drivers, this attracted a higher level of support for using existing penalties (88%). For all other drivers a new lower limit of 50mg/100mls is proposed and just less than nine out of every ten respondents (89%) support the use of existing penalties for drivers caught exceeding this.
· Under half (47%) of motorists stated if driving behind a bus that had stopped to let people on or off, they would usually pass the bus; this proportion was reduced to 33% when considering school children only.
· Almost half (47%) of all respondents stated that they would never wear high visibility items if out for a walk.
· The majority (95%) agreed or strongly agreed that pedestrians and drivers have shared responsibility to avoid road traffic collisions involving themselves.
· Over seven in ten (72%) respondents stated that they never cycle; of those that do cycle, nearly half (48%) stated that they never wear a cycle helmet.
· Approaching one quarter of motorists (24%) reported that over the past year there had been occasions when they have felt drowsy when they had been driving, this is similar to the level reported in 2009 (27%).
· Six in ten (60%) respondents who reported to feeling drowsy while driving stated they wound down the window for cold air, this is similar to that reported in 2009 (56%).
Notes to editors:
1. The Northern Ireland Road Safety Monitor 2013 is the latest in a research series into behaviour, attitudes, and awareness of key road safety issues in Northern Ireland. It is commissioned by the Department of the Environment and has been carried out since 1995.
2. In 2002, the survey was revised to reflect changing driving habits and to allow new topics to be explored.
3. The 'Northern Ireland Road Safety Monitor 2013 Report' presents the findings of the 2013 Road Safety Monitor, which was collected as part of the Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey in May/June 2013 and includes questions on mobile phones, drinking and driving, school buses, pedestrians and fatigue.
4. Respondents' awareness of the following TV media campaigns was tested: 'Just Because' (Pedestrian vulnerability); 'Underneath' (motorcyclists) and 'Hit Home' (Anti Drink Driving). Radio campaigns tested were 'A Gift Wish', 'Rules of the Road, 'Be Cycle Aware', 'Blind to You' and 'Something to Reflect on'.
5. Some comparisons have been made with results from previous Road Safety Monitors. It is not always possible to make comparisons with earlier reports due to changes in the wording of questions and/or changes to answer options. Modules within the Road Safety Monitor change on a regular basis.
6. The sample for the survey consisted of a systematic random sample of addresses selected from the Land and Property Services Agency list of private addresses. This is the most up-to-date listing of private households and is made available to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency for research purposes.
7. The results presented in this report are based on sample survey data and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling error. However, any statements in this report regarding differences between groups, such as males and females, are statistically significant at the 5% significance level. This significance level is the criteria for judging whether differences between groups might have arisen by chance.
8. Electronic copies of the 2013 'Northern Ireland Road Safety Monitor' annual report are available at: http://www.doeni.gov.uk/road-safety-monitor-2013-report.pdf
Additional Information
For more information relating to this publication , including additional analysis, breakdowns of data, or alternative formats please contact:
Analytical Services Branch,
Room 6.10,
Clarence Court,
10 - 18 Adelaide Street,
Town Parks
Telephone: (028) 9054 0476
E-mail: email@example.com
Website: http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/information/asb/statistics.htm
Belfast Telegraph Digital

subset: commoncrawl


text:
We are always searching for the perfect kitchen vacuum. Currently our "vacuum wand" is not cutting the mustard nor dicing vegetables too well - if you get what we mean. This Miele isn't cheap at $499 but does look like it has all the settings and power we might need for a long term vacuum relationship.
Miele designed this vacuum to offer the power and quality of its larger vacuums in an exceptionally lightweight, compact design for maximum maneuverability. Choose among six power settings using a rotary dial on the canister, then use the deluxe handle, contoured to offer a comfortable grip, to guide the air-driven turbo brush head. The head gently lifts and removes dirt from low- and medium-pile rugs, while the straight-suction floor tool whisks up dirt on smooth floors. An advanced HEPA filter keeps ambient air clean. For quick access, tools store directly on the machine's telescoping wand. A long 29" cord offers maximum range.
At Williams-Sonoma
Read More in: General News | Kitchens
Share this Article with others:
Related Articles:
Came straight to this page? Visit Kitchen Contraptions for all the latest news.


text:
Star Wars Bloopers : A New Hope
I am a HUGE Star Wars fan. I have been, at a time or two, something of a collector (once turning my walk-in closet into a mini-toy store), a nearly lossless trivia buff, and a solid enough viewer of the original (and better, natch) trilogy to make the claim of 100 viewings of each of the first films. Well, short of turning this into a bragging festival, I will also say that I have noticed many different flubs and gaffs from the entirety of the saga. That being said, I have decided to do a collection of ten goofs from each of the original three films, this one being the first. And so we shall begin with A New Hope. Before I move on with the list here, one has to keep in mind that Lucas's film nearly didn't make it to the screen at all and, as Lucas himself tried to push the envelope visually, it was a gargantuan feat in and of itself. Basically, goofs were going to happen. So, out of the many, many that people have discovered (see the IMDB page for easily 80 plus) here are the best ten with video evidence for all. Enjoy part one, everyone!
Watch as, just when Luke is shown from the view over his left shoulder (our right), you can plainly see, twice, that the Rebel Soldier collective is cardboard cut-outs.
R2 rests, more or less motionless, at the lower right of the screen. However, for some reason, his dome lifts slightly and lowers as if the man (Kenny Baker) inside had to re-adjust himself.
The trio of Stormtroopers capture Leia just after she loads her message into R2. But watch as one of the soldiers disappears into… where?
This is a two-fer: First, the long supposedly metal bar that Leia discovers to brace the moving walls was, at first, no where near her until she NEEDS it! Secondly, later in the scene, as she and Han try to steady the bar, they crush it several times… since it's foam!
It's apparent in this scene that Vader had a bit more to say after speaking to Tarkin. Once the speech is over, he continues to point and gesture basically looking, a bit, like an idiot.
Vader, notorious for choking those who oppose him, drops his victim to the table in disgust. Just before, as Tarkin sits back in his seat, it appears the Empire's chair budget is non existent. Then, as the Admiral slumps back to the table, he shakes the whole set.
Watch as, at least twice during this climactic light saber battle, Obi Wan's blue saber changes to Vader's red, and vice versa.
Just as Yavin moves into range of the Empire's most destructive weapon, the Death Star, the timer is shown counting down in seconds just as the gunner's voice is counting down in minutes. Yavin would have nearly been rubble far sooner.
It immediately becomes evident that the Rebellion couldn't afford decent bras. Even for a princess.
For some reason the Empire can't seem to make doorways big enough for the taller Stormtroopers. What a drag.


text:
Graded stakes winner Andromeda's Hero was represented by his first winner when his son Leadfootxpress scored at Suffolk Downs Aug. 9. Campaigned by trainer Ernest L. Smith, Leadfootxpress got up to win by a neck after trailing by 4 1/2 lengths at the eighth pole. His time for the 5 1/2 furlongs was 1:07.62.
Silvernails Bloodstock is the breeder of New York-bred Leadfootxpress, who is the first foal out of the Storm Boot mare The Other Shoe. The mare's yearling colt and weanling filly are full siblings to Leadfootxpress.
Andromeda's Hero (Fusaichi Pegasus —Marozia, by Storm Bird) stands at Questroyal at Dutchess Views Farm near Claverack, N.Y.


text:
Three of the LPGA's top five golfers are joining the field for the $2.25-million Canadian Pacific Women's Open.
The tournament announced Wednesday that top ranked Stacy Lewis, No. 3 Inbee Park and No. 5 Lexi Thompson as well as No. 12 Paula Creamer are joining the field for the tournament held Aug. 18-24 at London Hunt and Country Club.
The players join a field including two-time defending champion and world No. 2 Lydia Ko as well as 2014 U.S. Women's Open champion and 2010 Canadian Women's Open winner Michelle Wie.
Canadian Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., the No. 2. ranked amateur in the world, headlines a list of Canadians in the tournament. Henderson earned an exemption from her Canadian Women's Tour Ontario victory earlier this summer.
Current LPGA Tour members Lorie Kane of Charlottetown, Rebecca Lee-Bentham of Toronto, Alena Sharp of Hamilton, Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont., and Sue Kim of Langley, B.C., are also confirmed. Additional Canadian and international exemptions will be announced at a later date.


text:
Friday, November 30, 2007
Apple Mail, Courier IMAP redeemed
About a year ago, I wrote about Apple Mail's infuriating habit of falling "offline" when reading mail over IMAP. I've been running the Courier IMAP mailserver on FreeBSD for years, and there's been quite a bit written about Mail not co-operating too well with it. I suppose I went as far as blaming Mail in my previous post, and others have blamed Courier IMAP. On a whim last night, I did two things: upgraded Courier IMAP to 4.2.1,1 (not the latest version, but the latest FreeBSD Port), and increased the MAXPERIP configuration variable (which controls how many simultaneous connections can be made to the IMAP server from a single host) to 20, from the default of 4. Mail and Courier IMAP now Just Work. (Well, Mail hasn't gone "offline" in about 24 hours.) I can't be sure, but I suspect that increasing MAXPERIP alone would have been sufficient.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Leopard Help: borderline unusable
I am by no means the first person to notice this, but Leopard's application "Help" windows are extremely annoying: they are orphaned (they don't show up as an application when cycling with Alt-Tab like they used to), and that doesn't matter anyway because they are stuck to the front of the stack. So I find myself right now trying to read the help for Dashcode, and yet the help window itself is obstructing me from using the very help it provides because it won't move out of the way. I have to minimise it to the Dock to use the application between reading sections of it. Ridiculous.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Spaces is broken
The idea behind Leopard's Spaces feature, while by no means new (according to Wikipedia, 1985 called...) is certainly a good one. Unfortunately, Apple's implementation of virtual desktops is broken. Here's a single, reproducible example:
Henry Story describes how Spaces is "not designed around a person's work habits, but around software components." His article pretty much nails it.
- Ensure Spaces is enabled.
- Open Mail.
- Open Mail's 'Activity' window (Window > Activity).
- Move the main Mail window to a different space, leaving the Activity window where it was opened. (Hit F8, and drag the main Mail window somewhere else.)
- Open something else in the space where Mail's main window now sits—say, a Finder window.
- Hit Alt-Tab and select the Mail application—recall that Mail's main window is right behind whatever you opened in step 5, and note where Spaces sends you.
Henry Story describes how Spaces is "not designed around a person's work habits, but around software components." His article pretty much nails it.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
MacBook Pro problems not "fixed in Leopard"
I've been having ongoing problems with my brand new MacBook Pro. Specifically, I had been hoping that the following two problems would be "fixed in Leopard":
- The entire display will occasionally lock up, and input is ignored from mouse and keyboard. Others have reported that their machines still respond to network login requests, so presumably it's UI-subsystem-related. It has been speculated that the driver for the GeForce 8600M GT cards is faulty, but I don't know if this is correct. It was not fixed in Leopard—it has happened at least twice since I upgraded the machine last week.
- Keypresses are sporadically ignored for no good reason. I seem to find myself constantly going back to repair sentences with missing letters. I'm not an expert typist, but I'm not that bad either. This problem was not fixed in Leopard.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
A ten-year-old from Haywards Heath hopes he's on his path to fame and glory as he stars in a children's programme on the BBC.
Harvey Thorn, who lives with his parents and three siblings, plays a character called Josh in series four and five of Grandpa in My Pocket.
It stars veteran actor James Bolam, known for his television roles in The Likely Lads and more recently New Tricks, as well as his wife Sue Jameson, both of whom also live in West Sussex.
Harvey spent nine weeks in Cardiff last summer filming for nine hours a day and now the show is airing weekdays at 5.25pm on CBeebies.
"The first time it came on me and my dad were very excited," said Harvey.
"It's absolutely crazy because it's just 12 minutes, but that's a whole day's filming."
The young actor, who does acting and dance classes outside of school, said seeing himself on television for the first time was a surreal experience.
"It is really weird," said Harvey. "I thought is that really me? Is this really happening?"
And if Harvey had got his way in the first place, it wouldn't really be happening.
When he auditioned last year he tried to fluff it because he did not want to miss out on a family holiday to Spain.
His mother Dianne, 44 and a curtain-maker, said he 'nearly threw the opportunity away'.
She said: "He tried to sabotage his second audition by fluffing lines of a nursery rhyme as he didn't want the part because it would mean he'd miss out on the family holiday.
"But they chose him in spite of his attempts."
Harvey admitted that when he first heard he had got the part he was a very upset.
He said: "I don't want to sound like a cry baby but I did cry because I just felt nine weeks in Cardiff for nine hours a day working time – this is a big commitment – whoa!
"So I had a little tantrum, but my mum calmed me down, and my mum said it is really good for my career."
Looking back now Harvey is pleased his mum talked him round, and his friends at school are very impressed.
He even has a small fan base from the younger children who watch CBeebies after school.
Harvey is continuing to audition for parts, and he hopes one day to play an action hero or a leading character in a Marvel Comics adaption such as Spiderman.
To hear more from Harvey, and find out what its like to work with James Bolam and Sue Jameson, watch our video.


text:
Engraving Service businesses for sale in Wales
Browse the listings below and refine your search to help you buy Engraving Service businesses for sale in Wales. Alternatively, set up email alerts and/or start a new search. Daltonsbusiness.com is the UK's largest online marketplace of businesses and franchises for sale.
Long established outlet offering excellent range of bespoke services currently run single-handed on 5-day week from secure well fitted parade premises on low rent in high footfall town centre position with good steady year-round trade & HUGE...
Location: Flintshire, Clwyd, Wales
Search categories: Shoe Repairs, Locksmiths, Engraving Service businesses
- L/H Price £74,950
If you're just interested in Engraving Businesses for Sale in Wales click here to set up an email alert and we'll notify you as soon as new Engraving Businesses for Sale in Wales arrive on the market.
Rehearsal Room and Licensed Live Music Business For Sale in Pontypridd,...
REHEARSAL ROOMS AND LICENSED LIVE VENUE. A licensed 100 capacity, fully equipped live venue with 4x fully soundproofed, fully equipped music rehearsal rooms. Consistent customer base. Unique and unusual business opportunity, sadly selling...
Location: Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, Wales
Search categories: Live music venues, Recording Studios, Venue and Conference Businesses
- Asking price £49,500
- Annual T/O £38,000
Popular Cleaning Business in Cardiff
Intelligent Business Transfer are pleased to offer for sale this well-developed business which has gained a solid reputation over the years for providing high quality cleaning services across its local area. Since its inception three...
Location: Barry, South Glamorgan, Wales
Search categories: Cleaning Services, Other Service Businesses, Home Based (Other), Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Businesses, Industrial Cleaning Businesses
- Asking price £76,000
- Annual T/O £72,000
Well Established Picture Framing and Gallery Business
Black Dog Pictures and Framing was established 4 years ago by the owner in this picturesque market town in the Vale of Clwyd. It is situated on a very busy junction, just off the town centre, with handy parking very close by. The business has grown steadily over this period, with plenty of scope for further expansion. It has a good, solid local and regional trade, with customers coming from as far afield as Abergele...
Location: Ruthin, Clwyd, Wales
Search categories: Picture Framing Shops, Picture Framing, Art Galleries, Gift Shops, Art Shops
- F/H Price £118000
- L/H Price £39000
- Annual T/O £48,000
Exciting opportunity to acquire a fully managed well-established and renowned children Day care Nursery located in the City centre of Cardiff. This highly desirable Nursery has an enviable reputation and high occupancy levels. • Registered for 60 children • Fee income £500,000 (2015/2016), strong EBITDA £140,000 and growing • Very sought after and accessible setting, excellent reputation A new 15 year lease will be...
Location: Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales
Search categories: Childrens Day Nurseries, Child Care Businesses, Schools, Recreation centres, Childrens Soft Play Centres
- L/H Price Offers Invited
- Annual T/O £500,000
Popular Carpet & Flooring Store Welshpool
BUSINESS Powys Carpets Ltd is a family run business that was originally established by the current owner in 1970. The business is now reluctantly being sold, due only to our clients wish to take a well-earned retirement. The business...
Location: Welshpool, Powys, Wales
Search categories: Carpet Shops, Interior Design Companies, Flooring Businesses
- L/H Price £25,000
- Turnover £123,099
Village Unisex Hair Salon
BUSINESS Hilton Smythe welcomes to the market Cutting Edge. Our client established this hair salon in 2002. The owner is now looking to sell this village salon, due to the desire to focus on other interests. The business runs as a unisex...
Search categories: Hairdressers Salons
- L/H Price £34,950
- Turnover £57,069
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Training Business For Sale - £35,000 (Offers Invited)...
£35,000 buys part of the assets & goodwill in the Trading Limited Company which relates ONLY to the non-surgical cosmetic training side of the business. Could be grown via a Franchise Structure. The business operates from one Leased (easy-in...
Search categories: Medical / Health businesses, Training & Education Providers, Training Centres
- Asking price £35,000
Powys, T/O £335K, EBITDA £129K, Averaging 100 funerals per year, Minimal competition in the area, Comprehensive service offering, Excellent location with a sought after local reputation, Potential to relocate, Bus Offers Invited
Location: Wales
Search categories: Funeral Directors, Service Businesses, Other Service Businesses
- Offers Invited
- Annual T/O £259,364
Inedpendant Estate and lettings Company
The Business Partnership is pleased to have been appointed as sole selling agent in order to seek a purchaser for this very well positioned business, which has only been made available for sale due to our client wishing to retire. This is a...
Location: Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan, Wales
Search categories: Estate Agents/Letting Agents, Other Service Businesses
- Price on Application
- Annual T/O £310,000
Long Established and Reputable Pet Store
BUSINESS Hilton Smythe welcomes to the market M and L Pets World. The business is one of the leading suppliers of pet and aquatic products in North Wales. They are the largest independent pet retailer in the area, and have been...
Location: Wrexham, Clwyd, Wales
Search categories: Pet Shops, Pet Services
- L/H Price £99,950
- Turnover £378,654


text:
Confederate (CSV)
Peter Hoyle(? - 1862)
Home State: North Carolina
Branch of Service: Infantry
Unit: 49th North Carolina Infantry
Before the Antietam Campaign:
He enlisted 15 March 1862 in Company K, 49th North Carolina Infantry.
In the Antietam Campaign:
He was killed in action on 17 September 1862 at Sharpsburg.
References, Sources, and other notes:
Basic information from Nixon1.
Death Date: 09/17/1862 Death Place: Sharpsburg, MD
1 Nixon, Alfred, and WJ Hoke Camp, UCV, Roster of Confederate Soldiers ... Lincoln County, North Carolina, Lincolnton (NC): Journal Print, 1905, pg. 41 [AotW citation 12279]
« Search for Another Participant


text:
Website is the face of your business. Create stunning and purpose filled websites with us. We specialise in trend based, responsive and CMS websites. Engage your target audience and empower your business to achieve most and more.
We manage your website for you, while you can focus on your business. Dedicated support and maintenance for your websites by professionals. Website creation is an activity while maintenance is a responsibility and we are here to execute for you.
We help businesses to achieve their goals on the web. Our abled professional developers and tech team can clearly understand your needs, draft a base requirement to develop, deploy and deliver the appropriate web application solution.
Develop Creative, Commercial or Enterprise mobile applications for your business with us. We offer Native or HTML5 mobile applications on Android and iOS.
Google, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Top Market Hosting & Cloud Services from IBM, CTRLS, etc offered to you with our special support. We offer Business Solutions on the cloud for businesses of every size.
Simple, Effective and Affordable marketing follow-up system on the cloud – JBCRM
Affordable ERP solution that works for your business – JBERP


text:
The Last Thing God Wants
"Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.' "
- Matthew 25:41
The last thing God wants is for anyone to go to hell. That is why Jesus spoke of it in detail. That is why He warned us about it. And that is why He did everything He could do so that we would not have to be separated from Him for all eternity. Jesus Christ experienced hell on earth so that we would not have to experience it for eternity.
Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven. Jesus entered the darkness so that we might walk in the light. That was the mission of His life. And on the cross, He bore our sin. The cross stands as a reminder that a hellish existence is not the only option for people. It doesn't have to be this way. We can turn around. We can change our eternal address. The gospel is a universal declaration that hell is not God's desire for anyone. Jesus did not say that hell was prepared for people; He said that it was prepared for the devil and his demons (see Matthew 25:41).
If you want to reject the offer of God, if you want to live in your sin and end up in hell in that final day, then you will have no one to blame but yourself. God doesn't want you to go there. But you have a free will. And to get to hell, you will have to effectively step over Jesus because He is blocking the way.
Jesus said, "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it" (Matthew 7:13–14).
Which road are you on today?
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000
Used with Permission


text:
What's New List Serve Post Display
Below is the List Serve Post you selected to display.
arch-ctgs -- Final 2005 Survey Report Posted: 06 Dec 2007 11:26:39
ARB staff have posted the Final 2005 Architectural Coatings Survey Report. It is located at the following website: http://www.arb.ca.gov/coatings/arch/survey/2005/2005survey.htm The cover letter also at this website has more information. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Nyarady at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text: Immediately following the March 11 earthquake in Japan, Davidson led a quick-response team that moved logistical mountains to ensure a smooth flow of repair parts to U.S. dealers. For example, if a customer's car was stranded in a service drive, Toyota's inventory software could automatically fast-track that part order. Davidson, 64, even air-freighted parts from Japan when necessary. It was damage control at its finest.


text:
The Federal Direct Loan Program, which allows college students to borrow money directly from the federal government, has been a notable success in its first year.
Students like it because they get their money faster without filling out reams of confusing and often-redundant forms. Colleges and university administrators like it because it is simple and efficient.


text:
Hi, I have an image and the pixel values range from 0 to 180, represented by jet colorbar range.
However, I would like to differentiate my object in the image with its background by setting the background pixels out of the [0 180] range, such as 500, and make the pixels which have 500 value to be black.
But I do not want it to appear as part of the color bar. How can I go about doing that ??
Any form of help is much appreciated and happy holiday! :)
Axes have color. You could set the color of the axes. Then you can put NaN in the image on any pixel you want to be 'empty'.
Set the 'YLim' property of the colorbar to be the range you want:
surf(peaks); h = colorbar; set(h,'YLim',[2 5]);
Opportunities for recent engineering grads.Apply Today


text:
Looking for high quality but cheap A Line Evening Dresses for your coming party? Our collection is on sale for expressing our gratitude to our new and old customers. eDressit is a fashion store around the world, we have a wide range of evening dresses, party dresses, and prom dresses for you to choose from. Different styles, different colors, and different sizes will definitely fits different body types perfectly. Our evening dresses are made with the high quality fabrics and excellent workmanship, and you can get them at super low prices as we have many sales or promotions sometimes. If you need any special occasion dresses, please come eDressit and select!
Please enter a valid email address.


text:
LOCATION! Beautiful cedar sided 4 bedroom 2 bath home situated on 10 private acres just minutes from Phillips can be yours! This homes main level is open concept with a very large living room featuring cathedral ceilings and a soap stone wood burning fireplace, kitchen with large island and very spacious pantry, and 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The fully finished walk out basement features a beautiful family room, newly remodeled laundry room, jetted garden tub, 1 bedroom, and the master bedroom with enormous walk in closet!! You will have plenty of storage for all your toys with the 2 car attached garage and 2+ car heated detached garage with 8X36 concrete lean- to. Outside also has a fenced in garden and out door wood burner. This truly is a must see!!
Features Residential
|Style: Ranch
|Lake Chain:
|Garage: 4 Car or More, Attached, Detached
|Lake Name:
|Year Built: 0
|River Name:
|Basement Type: Egress Windows, Full Basement, Fully Finished, Laundry Hookups, Walk-out/Hillside
|Water Frontage (feet): 0
|Fin SqFt Total: 3,000
|Lake Size-Acres: 0
|Lot Size: 435600
|High School: PR Phillips
|Site Influence: Driveway, Hillside Home, Hunting, Open Space, Park Setting, Private Setting, Quiet Area, Recreation Nearby, Wooded Area
|School District: Phillips
|Construction: Frame/Stick


text:
Free shipping on all orders
Write Like This
Teaching Real-World Writing Through Modeling and Mentor Texts
To view the accompanying study guide for Write Like This, click here.
Shipping DetailsIn stock. Free ground shipping. No minimum.
About the Author(s)
Table of Contents
To view the accompanying study guide for Write Like This, click here.
If you want to learn how to shoot a basketball, you begin by carefully observing someone who knows how to shoot a basketball. If you want to be a writer, you begin by carefully observing the work of accomplished writers. Recognizing the importance that modeling plays in the learning process, high school ...read more
About the Author(s)
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Moving Writing to the Front Burner
Chapter 2: Express and Reflect
Chapter 3: Inform and Explain
Chapter 4: Evaluate and Judge
Chapter 5: Inquire and Explore
Chapter 6: Analyze and Interpret
Chapter 7: Take a Stand/Propose a Solution
Chapter 8: Polishing the Paper
Chapter 9: The Wizard of Oz Would Have Been a Lousy Writing Teacher


text:
International Journal of Photoenergy
Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 567426, 7 pages
Photoelectrocatalytic Performance of Benzoic Acid on Nanotube Array Electrodes
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Received 4 February 2013; Revised 22 April 2013; Accepted 22 April 2013
Academic Editor: Jiaguo Yu
Copyright © 2013 Hongchong Chen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The photoelectrocatalytic performance of benzoic acid on TiO2 nanotube array electrodes was investigated. A thin-cell was used to discuss the effect of the bias voltage, illumination intensity, and electrolyte concentration on the photoelectrocatalytic degradation efficiency of benzoic acid. The photogenerated current-time (I-t) profiles were found to be related to the adsorption and the degradation process. The relationship between the initial concentration and the photocurrent peaks () fits the Langmuir-type adsorption model, thus confirming that the adsorption of benzoic acid on TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) was single monolayer adsorption. At low concentrations, the I-t profiles simply decay after the initial transient peak due to the sufficient holes on the TNAs which would oxidize the benzoic acid quickly. However, the I-t profiles varied with increasing benzoic acid concentrations because the rate of diffusion in the bulk solution and the degradation of the intermediate products affect the photoelectrocatalysis on the electrode surface.
1. Introduction
For nearly three decades, the photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of organic substances on wide-bandgap semiconductive TiO2 nanomaterials have drawn considerable attention because of their high photocatalytic efficiency, nontoxicity, nonphotocorrosiveness, favorable biological and chemical inertness, and low cost [1–5]. However, conventional TiO2 nanoparticles also exhibit defects such as a high electron-hole recombination rate, low photocatalytic degradation efficiency, and difficult follow-up process [6].
To overcome these defects, considerable effort has been devoted to improving the photocatalytic ability of TiO2 catalysts, including the synthesis of new TiO2 structures [7–11]. TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) have gained attention and have been successfully applied to the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of a variety of organic pollutants because of their peculiar architecture, large surface area, high adsorption capacity, easy teleportation, and highly efficient degradation of organics [12–15].
Traditional studies on the photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds were mainly performed in bulk reactors, wherein the pollutant concentration was repeatedly determined over a certain period via absorption spectrophotometry [16–18]. However, this method limits the in-depth investigation of the reaction mechanism because of the relatively large body solution and long diffusion channel [19]. The use of a thin-cell with a small-volume cavity facilitated the study of the adsorption characteristics of organic substances and their interactions with the catalyst because of the subsequent increase in the ratio of the photoanode area to the organic solution volume. These studies led to the rapid completion of the exhaustive redox reaction [19, 20].
Benzoic acid was typical aromatic ring acid compound. It was the most commonly used food preservative and antibacterial agent [21]. It was also extensively used in the printing and dyeing industry (as a mordant of dyeing and printing) as well as in the pharmaceutical (as the intermediate) [22], steel (as an antirust agent) [23], and other industries [24]. In addition, benzoic acid is the intermediate metabolic product of various aromatic compounds and also the degradation intermediate product of many complex refractory organics [25]. However, few reports on the photoelectrocatalytic performance of benzoic acid compounds have been released.
In this paper, the photoelectrocatalytic performance of benzoic acid on TNA electrodes was investigated using a thin-cell reactor. The adsorption properties, microcosmic degradation process, and reaction characterization of benzoic acid on TNAs were investigated by analyzing the change in the photogenerated current-time (-) profiles. The result of this study provides a solid foundation for future research into the reaction mechanism and reaction kinetics of aromatic organic compounds on TNA electrode surfaces.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Materials
Titanium sheets (0.25 mm thick, 99.9% purity) were purchased from Sumitomo Chemical (Japan). Unless otherwise indicated, reagents were obtained from Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Company and were used as received. High-purity deionised water was used in the preparation of all solutions.
2.2. Preparation of TiO2 Nanotube Array Electrode
The preparing method of TiO2 nanotube array electrodes has been published in our previous work [18]. Hence, only key points of the fabrication process were summarized here. The electrolyte contain 0.1 mol/L NaF, 1 mol/L NaHSO4 and 0.2 mol/L trisodium citrate, also with NaOH added to adjust the pH. The TiO2 nanotube array electrodes are prepared under constant stirring for 4 h. After anodization, the as-prepared sample was washed with high-purity deionized water and dried at room temperature. Then it was annealed in a laboratory muffle furnace at 500°C to crystallize in the air ambience. X-ray diffraction (Bruker, D8 ADVANCE, Germany) analysis showed that the crystal structure of TNA is anatase [18].
2.3. Apparatus and Methods
All experiments were performed at room temperature in a three-electrode electrochemical cell with a quartz window (0.82 cm2). The thickness of the spacer was 0.1 mm, which defined the cell volume of 8.2 μL. The structure of thin-cell reactor has been reported in our previous paper [18]. The TiO2 nanotube array electrode was used as a working electrode; a saturated Ag/AgCl electrode and a platinum foil were used as the reference and the counter electrodes, respectively. Also 2 mol/L NaNO3 was chosen as the supporting electrolyte in the experiment. The supply bias and work current are controlled by a CHI (CH Instrument, Inc., CHI601d, USA) electrochemical analyzer; 2W LED UV lamp (365 nm) was chosen as UV light source. The light intensity in experiment was measured by UV-A ultraviolet irradiator.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. The Photocurrent-Time Profile Property and Net Charge Determined in Thin-Cell
In the photoelectrochemical reaction, the oxidation of organic compounds at the electrodes can be represented by the following electrode reaction equation: where X represents the halogen atom. The numbers of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and halogen atoms in the organic compound are represented by , , , , and .
Faraday's law can be used to quantify the concentration by measuring the charge passed if the organics is completely oxidized. That is, where is the photocurrent from the oxidation of the organics and is the time elapsed upon illumination; is the direct measure of net charge of the organics; is the number of electrons transferred and is the concentration of the organics, while the volume (V) and the Faraday constant (F) are known constants.
Figure 1 shows a set of typical photocurrent-time profiles in the exhaustive mode in thin-cell at the fixed applied bias potential of 2.5 V. Figures 1(c) and 1(d) show the photocurrent response of a blank solution of 2.0 mol/L NaNO3 and a 2.0 mol/L NaNO3 solution containing 0.4 mmol/L benzoic acid in a thin-cell in the absence of illumination (electrocatalytic performances). The results show that there is no photocurrent under dark conditions which indicate that the benzoic acid in thin-cell cannot be oxidized. Figure 1(a) shows the typical photocurrent response of a blank solution of 2.0 mol/L NaNO3 under the illumination conditions (7.9 mW/cm2). The even photocurrent () observed for the blank solution originated from the stable oxidation of water. Figure 1(b) shows the photocurrent response of a 2.0 mol/L NaNO3 solution containing 0.4 mmol/L benzoic acid in a thin-cell under the same illumination (7.9 mW/cm2). The total photocurrent () observed for the benzoic acid solution was the total of two different components: one originates from the photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of benzoic acid, whereas the other was from water oxidation, which was the same as (Figure 1(a)). When the decreases to the level of , the oxidation of organics was finished. Hence, the processes of the photoelectrochemical reaction in thin-cell were described by the change of I-t profile.
The net charge which originated from the oxidation of organics was defined as , which can be obtained by subtracting from . The net charge which obtained by (2) was defined as . Because the change of net charge is directly related to concentration of organics during the photoelectrochemical reaction. The degradation efficiency (DE) of the photoelectrochemical reaction can be defined as the ratio of to , which can be used in describing the property of thin-cell.
According to (1), the stoichiometric oxidation of benzoic acid can be represented as That is, if the complete mineralisation of benzoic acid has been achieved, 1 mol of benzoic acid requires 30 mol of electrons. The relationship between the net charge and the concentration should be written as follows with the cell volume, μL, being used: Hence, the of 0.2 mmol/L, 0.4 mmol/L, and 0.8 mmol/L were 0.00474 mC, and 0.00948 mC, 0.01896 mC.
3.2. Effect of Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation on Benzoic Acid
3.2.1. Effect of the Bias Voltage
The cyclic voltammograms of a 2.0 mol/L NaNO3 solution is shown in Figure 2. The photocurrent increases with the bias voltage, indicating that the bias voltage can improve the electronic transmission performance of TNAs in the thin-cell. This increase may affect the photoelectrocatalytic degradation efficiency of benzoic acid. In the low-bias voltage range (<2 V), the photocurrent rapidly increases with the bias voltage, thus demonstrating that the photogenerated electrons cannot be completely exported to the external circuit. When the bias voltage is between 2 and 4 V, the photocurrent appears in a saturated platform, indicating that the photogenerated electrons have been completely exported and that the recombination of electrons and holes has been restricted. After the platform becomes saturated (>4 V), the photocurrent again increases with the bias voltage and can cause the water molecules to decompose when the bias voltage reaches the oxygen evolution potential of the TNA electrode. The results in Figure 3 support this view.
Figure 3 shows the photocurrent-time profile of benzoic acid (0.4 mmol/L) degradation at different bias voltages and under 7.9 mW/cm2 ultraviolet (UV) illuminations. As show in Figure 3, when the bias voltage is below 3 V, the degradation time of benzoic acid decreased as the bias voltage increased. This was indicated that the increase in the bias voltage can also improve the degradation rate of benzoic acid on TNAs. However, the photocurrent curve continuously increases when the bias voltage is 4 V, which leads to failure in identifying the reaction termination using a computer. This result indicates that the degradation of benzoic acid is significantly perturbed by the water decomposition when the bias voltage is too high.
Table 1 shows the value and degradation efficiency (DE) of benzoic acid under different bias voltages. When the bias voltage is below 2 V, the DE of benzoic acid increases with the bias voltage, indicating that the application of a bias voltage can enhance the photoelectrocatalytic capability of TNAs for benzoic acid. When the bias voltage is set between 2 and 3 V, the degradation efficiency of benzoic acid exceeds 99.5%, indicating that the benzoic acid is completely degraded. The value remains stable in this condition, indicating that the value of is related only to the transferred electronics during the photoelectrocatalytic oxidation. Therefore, the bias voltage should be set within the electrochemical window (2 V to 3 V).
3.2.2. Effect of Light Intensity
Figure 4 shows the photocurrent responses of a 2 mol/L NaNO3 blank solution containing benzoic acid (0.4 mmol/L) under different light intensities. The more intense the light, the shorter the time for complete degradation, indicating that an increase in the intensity of light is conducive to promoting the photoelectrocatalytic degradation rate.
Figure 4 shows that the photocurrent increases with the light intensity, indicating that the increases of light intensity can improve the electronic transmission performance of TNAs. The photocurrent-time curve shapes vary with the light intensity, demonstrating that the light intensity affects the photoelectrocatalysis of benzoic acid on TNAs.
Table 2 shows that the and degradation efficiency of 0.8 mmol/L benzoic acid increase with the light intensity when the light intensity is below 5.53 mW/cm2. This result indicates that benzoic acid is not completely mineralized because of the insufficient light intensity not inducing enough electron-hole pairs of TNAs in the thin-cell.
However, the of benzoic acid at low concentrations (0.2 and 0.4 mmol/L) and at 0.8 mmol/L under sufficient light intensity (above 5.53 mW/cm2) remain comparatively constant, confirming that is not related to the light intensity but is associated with the transferred electrons in the photoelectric catalytic oxidation when benzoic acid is completely mineralized.
3.2.3. Effect of Electrolyte Concentration
The transfer of electrons in the thin-cell reactor was affected by the electrolyte solution. The voltammograms of 0.4 mmol/L benzoic acid with different NaNO3 concentrations under light (7.9 mW/cm2) are shown in Figure 5. The photocurrent rapidly increases with the voltage when the NaNO3 concentration is below 1 mol/L, indicating that the photoinduced electrons are not completely exported to the external circuit. When the concentration exceeds 1.5 mol/L, the photocurrent exhibits a saturated platform, indicating that the photogenerated electrons are completely exported and that the recombination of electrons and holes is restricted. The higher the electrolyte concentration, the stronger the conductivity.
Table 3 shows that gradually increases with the electrolyte concentration and is lower than when the NaNO3 electrolyte concentration is below 1 mol/L. These results indicate that benzoic acid cannot be completely degraded because of the insufficient number of hole on TNAs. When the NaNO3 electrolyte concentration exceeds 1.5 mol/L, remains stable and close to , indicating that benzoic acid has been completely degraded because of the sufficient number of holes in this condition.
3.3. Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation Property and Mechanism of Benzoic Acid
The photocurrent response profiles of benzoic acid for seven different concentrations in the thin-cell reactor are shown in Figure 6. A comparison between and shows that the different concentrations of benzoic acid have all been completely degraded in a photoelectrocatalytic manner.
The relationship between the initial organic concentrations and was used to analyze the adsorption properties of benzoic acid on TNAs because the value corresponds to the initial degradation rate according to the principle of photoelectric catalysis. Figure 6(a) shows that the peak photocurrent () increases with . At low organic concentrations, is proportional to , possibly because of the photohole capture process during benzoic acid mineralization. However, as the benzoic acid concentration increases to a certain level, photohole generation becomes the rate-limiting step, and the increase in begins to slow down.
The relationship between and was simulated using a computer as follows:
The data (4) fit the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. These results confirm that the adsorption behavior of benzoic acid on the TNAs is that of a monolayer adsorption.
The photocurrent response profiles of benzoic acid at seven different concentrations are shown in Figure 6. The degradation I-t profiles all show decay to a stable value. However, this decay varies with increasing concentrations, thereby illustrating the disparities in the photoelectrocatalytic process as well as the mechanism of benzoic acid degradation at different concentrations.
At low concentrations (0 mmol/L to 0.02 mmol/L), the transient photocurrent rapidly reaches its peak at the initial stage because of the rapid degradation of the benzoic acid originally adsorbed on the TNA surface. The photocurrent then begins to decrease because of benzoic acid mineralization. After a certain period, the photocurrent finally reaches a stable value and overlaps with . This result indicates that the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of benzoic acid in the thin-cell reactor is complete.
When the benzoic acid concentration reaches an intermediate level (0.07 mmol/L to 0.1 mmol/L), the curve continues increasing after the initial peak, possibly because of the degradation of the intermediates. Figure 6(a) shows that the adsorption of the electrode surface has not reached saturation at that point, indicating that the number of photogenerated holes on the electrode surface is sufficient. Thus, the rapid oxidation of intermediate products, which can be more easily oxidized than benzoic acid, may have caused the current to increase.
As the concentration increases to levels above 0.2 mmol/L (0.1 mmol/L, e.g.), the profiles can be divided into five major processes: a rapid increase to the transient photocurrent spikes, a continuous increase, a rapid decrease, a reincrease, and a decrease to a stable value. Meanwhile, Figure 6(a) shows that the adsorption on the TNAs has reached saturation, indicating that the holes on the TNA electrode surface cannot oxidate all benzoic acid on the TNAs simultaneously. This photoelectrocatalytic process can be explained as follows. In the initial stage, the benzoic acid molecule on the surface of the TNA electrode is rapidly oxidized, and the photocurrent rapidly reaches the initial peak. After the first oxidization, the resting benzoic acid absorbed on the TNA surface at elevated concentrations as well as the intermediate products is oxidized, which results in the continuous increase of the curve for benzoic acid after the initial peak. The benzoic acid concentration cannot be supplemented in time because the rate of adsorption may be slower than the speed of degradation. Therefore, the optical current rapidly decreases. After a certain period, the area covered by the benzoic acid absorbents begins to increase, which results in a re-increase in the current. Afterward, the benzoic acid concentration decreases, which results in the decrease in the photocurrent. These findings indicate that when the benzoic acid concentration is high, the diffusion of benzoic acid in the bulk solution of the reactor as well as the degradation of intermediate products from benzoic acid decomposition would affect the photoelectrocatalysis on the electrode surface.
4. Conclusions
The photoelectrocatalytic performance of benzoic acid on the TiO2 nanotube array electrode was investigated using a thin-cell reactor. The adsorption, degradation rate, and reaction characteristics of benzoic acid degradation were discussed by analyzing the changes in the photogenerated I-t profiles. The result of this paper provides a solid foundation for future research into the degradation characteristics, reaction mechanism, and reaction kinetics of aromatic organic compounds on the TNA electrode surface.
The project was supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863) (2009AA063003), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 20 677039), and R&D Foundation of Shanghai Jiaotong University. The authors are for support of XRD lab in Instrumental Analysis Center of SJTU.
- J. H. Carey, J. Lawrence, and H. M. Tosine, "Photodechlorination of PCB's in the presence of titanium dioxide in aqueous suspensions," Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, vol. 16, no. 6, pp. 697–701, 1976. View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- D. H. Kim and M. A. Anderson, "Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of formic acid using a porous TiO2 thin-film electrode," Environmental Science and Technology, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 479–483, 1994. View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- X. Z. Li, H. L. Liu, P. T. Yue, and Y. P. Sun, "Photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of rose Bengal in aqueous solution using a Ti/TiO2 mesh electrode," Environmental Science and Technology, vol. 34, no. 20, pp. 4401–4406, 2000. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- H. L. Liu, D. Zhou, X. Z. Li, and P. T. Yue, "Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of Rose Bengal," Journal of Environmental Sciences, vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 595–599, 2003. View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- S. Dezhl, C. Sheng, J. S. Chung, D. Xiaodong, and Z. Zhibin, "Photocatalytic degradation of toluene using a novel flow reactor with Fe-doped TiO2 catalyst on porous nickel sheets," Photochemistry and Photobiology, vol. 81, no. 2, pp. 352–357, 2005. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- J. Bai, J. H. Li, Y. B. Liu, B. X. Zhou, and W. M. Cai, "A new glass substrate photoelectrocatalytic electrode for efficient visible-light hydrogen production: CdS sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays," Applied Catalysis B, vol. 95, no. 3-4, pp. 408–413, 2010. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- Y. X. Li, Y. Xiang, S. Q. Peng, X. W. Wang, and L. Zhou, "Modification of Zr-doped titania nanotube arrays by urea pyrolysis for enhanced visible-light photo electrochemical H2 generation," Electrochimica Acta, vol. 87, no. 1, pp. 794–800, 2013. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar
- D. W. Gong, C. A. Grimes, O. K. Varghese et al., "Titanium oxide nanotube arrays prepared by anodic oxidation," Journal of Materials Research, vol. 16, no. 12, pp. 3331–3334, 2001. View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- Z. H. Xu and J. G. Yu, "Visible-light-induced photoelectrochemical behaviors of Fe-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays," Nanoscale, vol. 3, no. 8, pp. 3138–3144, 2011. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar
- G. P. Dai, J. G. Yu, and G. Liu, "Synthesis and enhanced visible-light photoelectrocatalytic activity of p-N junction BiOI/TiO2 nanotube arrays," Journal of Physical Chemistry C, vol. 115, no. 15, pp. 7339–7346, 2011. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- Z. H. Xu, J. G. Yu, and G. Liu, "Enhancement of ethanol electrooxidation on plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanotube arrays," Electrochemistry Communications, vol. 13, no. 11, pp. 1260–1263, 2011. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar
- W. B. Zhang, T. C. An, X. M. Xiao et al., "Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of reactive brilliant orange K-R in a new continuous flow photoelectrocatalytic reactor," Applied Catalysis A, vol. 255, no. 2, pp. 221–229, 2003. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- T. An, G. Li, X. Zhu, J. Fu, G. Sheng, and Z. Kun, "Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of oxalic acid in aqueous phase with a novel three-dimensional electrode-hollow quartz tube photoelectrocatalytic reactor," Applied Catalysis A, vol. 279, no. 1-2, pp. 247–256, 2005. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- Q. Q. Meng, J. G. Wang, Q. Xie, H. Q. Dong, and X. N. Li, "Water splitting on TiO2 nanotube arrays," Catalysis Today, vol. 165, no. 1, pp. 145–149, 2011. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- C. H. Wang, X. T. Zhang, C. L. Shao et al., "Rutile TiO2 nanowires on anatase TiO2 nanofibers: a branched heterostructured photocatalysts via interface-assisted fabrication approach," Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 363, no. 1, pp. 157–164, 2011. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar
- L. Gu, F. Y. Song, and N. W. Zhu, "An innovative electrochemical degradation of 1-diazo-2-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid in the presence of Bi2Fe4O9," Applied Catalysis B, vol. 110, no. 2, pp. 186–194, 2011. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar
- J. Krýsa, G. Waldner, H. Měšt'ánková, J. Jirkovský, and G. Grabner, "Photocatalytic degradation of model organic pollutants on an immobilized particulate TiO2 layer. Roles of adsorption processes and mechanistic complexity," Applied Catalysis B, vol. 64, no. 3-4, pp. 290–301, 2006. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- X. J. Yu, Y. Q. Wang, Z. L. Li, S. Bai, and D. Sun, "Study on deactivated mechanism and regeneration methods of TiO2 during photocatalytic benzoic acid," Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 433–437, 2006. View at Google Scholar
- Q. Zheng, B. X. Zhou, J. Bai et al., "Self-organized TiO2 nanotube array sensor for the determination of chemical oxygen demand," Advanced Materials, vol. 20, no. 5, pp. 1044–1049, 2008. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- J. L. Zhang, B. X. Zhou, Q. Zheng et al., "Photoelectrocatalytic COD determination method using highly ordered TiO2 nanotube array," Water Research, vol. 43, no. 7, pp. 1986–1992, 2009. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- D. S. Ling, H. Y. Xie, Y. Z. He, W. E. Gan, and Y. Gao, "Determination of preservatives by integrative coupling method of headspace liquid-phase microextraction and capillary zone electrophoresis," Journal of Chromatography A, vol. 1217, no. 49, pp. 7807–7811, 2010. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- A. Ali, S. S. Somayeh, and S. Abbas, "Synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of 2-(phenylthio) benzoylarylhydrazone derivatives servicesIranian," Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 727–731, 2011. View at Google Scholar
- Z. M. Chen, P. Lu, Y. L. Su, and M. He, "Preparation and performance evaluation of water-based rust inhibitor for iron and steel," Materials Prodection, vol. 44, no. 6, pp. 58–59, 2011. View at Google Scholar
- T. Jyothi and C. AKe, "Rasmuson Particle engineering of benzoic acid by spherical agglomeration," European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, vol. 45, no. 5, pp. 657–667, 2012. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar
- C. G. Silva and J. L. Faria, "Photocatalytic oxidation of benzene derivatives in aqueous suspensions: synergic effect induced by the introduction of carbon nanotubes in a TiO2 matrix," Applied Catalysis B, vol. 101, no. 1-2, pp. 81–89, 2010. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus


text:
VETERAN marksman Heidar Helguson has warned that no one at Cardiff City should start getting carried away just yet.
Malky Mackay's Bluebirds maintained their place at the top of the Championship with an excellent 4-1 victory away at Blackburn on Friday night.
It was a result and performance at the home at one of the early favourites to bounce back to the Premier League that had many experts purring over Cardiff and tipping the Bluebirds to finally seize promotion themselves.
With 16 points from the last 18 on offer, Cardiff are indeed in a rich vein of form going into the hectic festive fixture schedule. But Icelander Helguson, who arrived at Cardiff from QPR in the summer, said nothing had been achieved yet and that no one at the club should get ahead of themselves as the Championship campaign approaches the half-way point.
And Helguson knows a thing or two about getting out of the Championship, having been a regular member of the Rangers side which stormed up to the Premier League back in 2011.
"We are top of the league and we just about have been up there since day one," said the 35-year-old striker.
"We just need to keep performing the way we are right now and see where that takes us.
"Obviously everyone knows that our aim is to play in the Premier League, but it is early doors now still. There's loads and loads of games still to be played, we must not get ahead of ourselves.
"There's a lot of games coming up now in a short period of time over Christmas and, as long as we perform the way we did against Blackburn, then we are not going to have any worries.
"If we perform like that I think a lot of teams won't fancy playing against us."
Indeed Blackburn were put firmly to the sword with goals from skipper Mark Hudson, Craig Bellamy, Joe Mason and Kim Bo-Kyung doing the damage.
Although Rovers did drew level with a strike from Josh King and the home side also squandered a great chance to push ahead when Mauro Formica blazed over from close range, The Bluebirds had proved vulnerable on the road earlier in the season throwing away leads before, but they have steadied the ship in their last away outings with a win at Barnsley and a battling draw at Derby proceeding victory at Ewood Park.
However, Helguson believes his side's away form is now back on the straight and narrow.
"Blackburn was probably the best away performance we have had so far," added Helguson.
"We thoroughly deserved the win and by that margin as well.
"We did not really feel too concerned when they drew level because up to that point they had not really created anything.
"To be fair we had controlled the game. There was not that much pressure on us.
"Not as much pressure as there has been in previous away games when we have conceded.
"The confidence at those times had gone a bit down.
"It is easy to lose confidence when you are losing leads game after game, but we seem to have settled down away from home which is really good and against Blackburn we were not that worried.
"It was good to get the second goal and the third and the fourth of course!
"Seven points from the last three away games, and they were difficult away games, makes me think that the away form thing has been put to bed now."
On the personal front, Helguson said he is enjoying his time in the Welsh capital where extra responsibility has been put on his shoulders due to the long-term injury of fellow Cardiff frontman Nicky Maynard.
The retired Icelandic international has responded with eight goals so far and plenty of assists indeed – he had a hand in three of the Bluebirds' goals on Friday.
"I'm enjoying it at Cardiff very much so far," added Helguson.
"I've been pleased to be able to score a few goals, but, if I'm not scoring and I'm playing reasonably well, then I'm pretty happy.
"I don't set myself any targets for goals, that is not my way.
"To score is it really, score as many as I can.
"I would like to have scored against Blackburn, but to be helping others score and playing my part in the team is just as important and enjoyable for me."


text:
NCUA Offers Technical Assistance Grants
Low-income credit unions can apply for technical assistance grants through the NCUA's Community Development Revolving Loan Fund, the agency announced Tuesday.
Congress appropriated $1.25 million for the CDRLF program and the agency is adding $500,000. The funds can be used for:
- Improving the credit union's overall operation and financial condition.
- Financial education and financial literacy programs.
- Delivering new services or expanding existing services.
- Training programs for staff members.
- Student internship and job creation programs.
- Ensuring the continued viability of a credit union experiencing unplanned costs.
- Programs to help credit union members prepare their tax returns.
The agency is accepting CDRLF grant applications through its Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives. More information on the program, including applications and deadlines, is online.


text:
For many fans of the Savannah Asian Festival, the food is a highlight.
The hot, fresh and authentic Asian cuisine is so popular, it often sells out before the festival ends. This year's festival will boast its own food correspondent in Orchid Paulmeier, a finalist on the Food Network's "Next Food Network Star" Season 7, who will go around and sample the various cuisines.
"I'll be interviewing vendors and seeing what they have to offer, asking about the restaurant or group they're with," says the bubbly Paulmeier, who owns a popular restaurant on Hilton Head Island called One Hot Mama's American Grille. "I'm going to be the foodie reporter.
"I wanted to be involved in the Asian Festival," Paulmeier says. "We don't have anything like it yet on the island."
The 17th Annual Savannah Asian Festival takes place June 23 at the Civic Center. The City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs and the Savannah Asian Festival Planning Committee work together to present the festival. Admission is free.
Cuisine from several local restaurants will be sold, including regional favorites from Korea, China, Japan, the Philippines, India, Thailand and more. An estimated 60,000 people attend the festival each year.
In addition to food, there will be live stage performances, including drumming by the Matsuriza Taiko, dancing by Indo Americans of Savannah and the Liang Acrobatic & Comedy Show, which appeared on the hit TV show "America's Got Talent."
Paulmeier will visit the various food vendors during the breaks between acts.
"I'm trying to get people to walk around and try the food," she says. "The food is so good, and this is a great way to try all the flavors.
"I want to learn more about what they're cooking and translate that. Some people are afraid to try new flavors and I'll get them to try."
The daughter of Filipino immigrants, Paulmeier learned about cooking from her grandmother, who moved from the Philippines when Paulmeier was 8. "There's always that old tale of watching your grandmother or mom cook," she says.
Born and reared in Chicago, Paulmeier moved to the Lowcountry as a newlywed. She and her husband, Mike, who owns and operates a personal training business, have three children — Decker, 12, Maile, 10, and Zoe, 9.
After college and an internship in Hilton Head, Paulmeier went back to Chicago. "I thought I'd get a big girl's job in the city, but I missed the pace here," she says. "I liked the weather. We ended up moving here, and our families started moving down, too."
Determined to have her own restaurant by the age of 30, Paulmeier opened One Hot Mama's with the help of friends and family. "I have a great support team," she says.
"My in-laws moved here when our babies were born," Paulmeier says. "My brother and sister moved here from Chicago to help me. I have really good people working with me."
The restaurant is known for its barbecue and pulled pork. "I never meant for us to be a big wing place, but we are," Paulmeier says. "I started winning competitions with wings, and it's our calling card, for sure."
In 2012, she released a signature line of barbecue sauces under the One Hot Mama's label. Both the Perfect 10 and One Hot Asian sauces were featured as part of the Southern Women's Shows Celebrity Cooking Stage.
The third time she auditioned for "Next Food Network Star," Paulmeier was accepted as a contestant. "We filmed during the winter of 2011, and it aired last summer," she says. "It was definitely a lifetime experience."
It also boosted business at the restaurant. Paulmeier had to hire 18 addition staff to handle the load of customers.
"People are always coming in to take pictures and ask for autographs, and they really remember the show," she says. "I'm lucky it's a popular show."
The experience was such a positive one, Paulmeier would like to have her own cooking show. "I'm keeping in touch with the Food Network and the Cooking Channel to keep my name out there," she says. "I started a new restaurant show on the local cable channel. It's a work in progress."
What: 17th Annual Savannah Asian Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 23
Where: Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
Cost: Admission, performances and parking are free
(times are approximate)
11 a.m. Opening ceremony and parade of flags
11:30 a.m. Lee's Taekwondo martial arts demonstrations
11:55 a.m. Indo Americans of Savannah
12:20 p.m. Matsuriza Taiko drummers
12:45 p.m. Sanggar Lestari Indonesian performing group
1:10 p.m. Liang Acrobatic & Comedy Show
1:45 p.m. Sampaguita dance troupe
2:10 p.m. Children of Polynesia
2:35 p.m. Chien Hong School of Kung Fu
3 p.m. Thailand dance group
3:25 p.m. Matsuriza Taiko drummers
4 p.m. Liang Acrobatic & Comedy Show


text:
Motorist 'parks' his Bentley in the side of a shed at Newport hotel
This was the dramatic scene after a luxury car smashed into a hotel in Newport, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
The motorist escaped injury, but the Bentley convertible suffered extensive dents.
The car appeared to have been driven through wooden panels at the side of the building, but some bricks were also damaged in the drama.
The accident happened in the car park of the Royal Victoria Hotel in St Mary's Street.
Dave Armour, owner of the Royal Victoria Hotel, said: "I was away at the time so I don't know exactly what happened.
"I just came back and it was all boarded up.
"It seems a bit odd. It seems like the driver reversed into the building and then gone forward and had another go.
"I've asked the brewery to come out and have a look at it. Until then I don't know how much it will cost."
The building damaged by the car is a storage shed used by the hotel.
The accident happened at around 10.30pm last Friday, but the picture of the scene only emerged today.
The car was left embedded in the building overnight because of fears the building could be made unstable.
Firefighters from Newport also attended the scene but were not required to free anyone from the vehicle.
A spokeswoman for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said the car took out part of the main support of the building and firefighters were required to make it safe.
The damaged building has been boarded up with remains cordoned off by police tape.
The crash happened just hours after 1,000 people were in the area for the Old Tyme Market.
Police say there were no reports of any injuries to the motorist.
Most Read
Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.


text:
Image copyright:
Please sign in to comment. Don't have a profile? Join now! Joining is absolutely free and no personal information is required.
At least the tracks are still there, so we can hope they will be used again. It is so sad to see abandoned rail routes where the tracks have been removed - something I believe we'll come to regret.


text:
It comes after five former energy regulators said the watchdog may be responsible for rising bills due to the poor structure of its regulation since 2008.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently investigating the energy sector after Ofgem said households are paying too much for gas and electricity.
The former regulators told the CMA that Ofgem played a part in weakened competition in the energy market.
They said that intervention by Ofgem has reduced the number of deals on offer, meaning "customers are less interested in shopping around".
But in a statement, the watchdog said: "Many of the current problems with retail competition in the energy market were showing before 2008 and the regulatory and policy environment has changed significantly since then.
"Our reforms to make the market simpler, fairer and clearer for consumers have been in place since earlier this year with the aim of tackling some of the issues affecting competition."
But while the CMA conducts its review of the energy sector, former regulators including Stephen Littlechild and Sir Callum McCarthy expressed concerns over its independence.
Ofgem said: "Referring the energy market to the CMA will help to ensure that no stone is left unturned to make sure that competition is bearing down as hard as possible on prices.
"We consider it essential that their review is independent so it can answer pressing questions and provide remedies to make the market work better for consumers.
"While it's up to the CMA to decide which features of the market to investigate, we have made it clear that we would fully expect them to look at the regulatory framework and the actions we have taken to intensify competition and protect consumers."


text:
Thu., Nov. 10, 2005, 4:41 p.m.
Whatever Happened To — Brandi?
Competence and a maturing political machine turned out moderate and liberal voters in Boise on Tuesday. City Councilwoman Maryanne Jordan swamped religious activist Brandi Swindell, as voters chose centrism and experience for the grinding work of transportation planning, managing growth, shielding neighborhoods and saving open space. Swindell tried to make the Ten Commandments our signature symbol, but Boiseans are more interested in their broader quality of life than a single stone monument -- Dan Popkey/Statesman here.
Green Libertarian: "Oh yeah, didn't see it mentioned here, but since we talked about her picture and ill-fated campaign here awhile ago, thought I'd mention, the fundi-Babe from Boise went down 70-30."
DFO: If all fundies were this soft on the eyes, GreenL, their wouldn't be a lot of atheists out there.
You must be logged in to post comments. Please log in here or click the comment box below for options.comments powered by Disqus


text:
This News Wrap-Up Brought To You By:
PolicySoft's Accounting Department Templates
- PCAOB Adopts Amendments to Interim Auditing Standards
- House Votes to Bar IRS From Outsourcing Tax Collection
- NASD Examines Disclosure in 529 Plan Sales
- Democrats, Unions Hail Vote Against New Overtime Rules
- GAO: Consolidated Financial Statements Need Improvements
- Ernst and Young Settles $12M Over Billing Charge
- Former Executive Joins Most Wanted List
- IRS Hits AmeriDebt with $15 Million Claim
- Top Tech Companies Offer Solution to Stock Options
- Crackdown on Back Taxes Spurs Banks to Consider Settlements
- Enron Sells Pipelines, Uses Proceeds to Fund Pension Plans
- Court Paves Way for Oracle-PeopleSoft Deal
Check out the News Page for this week's news and more.
Introducing PPC's e-Practice Aids powered by Microsoft(R) Word and Excel. PPC e-Practice Aids(TM) work with leading paperless engagement software or with Word and Excel alone. PPC's e-Practice Aids include value added productivity features that save completion and review time. Experience improved productivity and convenience, immediately! Click here for more information or call our e-tool specialists now at 888-823-3676.
If you've forgotten your AccountingWEB.com login details, we can send you a reminder.
When I was getting ready for work this morning, I was watching an interview with a group of people who ignored official warnings to evacuate from the path of Hurricane Ivan and they told a harrowing story of panic and fear. Later, on my way in to work, I was listening to National Public Radio and they were discussing the results of a recent survey indicating a majority of Americans would not heed the warnings of government officials in case of a dirty bomb or biological terrorist attack because they weren't sure that the government had all the right answers.
What struck me about these reports is that a lot of money is being spent to develop very detailed plans, but the best plan in the world is useless unless you have the trust, faith, buy-in and commitment of the people who need to follow the plan. Think of your own organization. Whether it is an overall strategic plan, a business plan, a marketing plan or a disaster plan, the best plan in the world means nothing unless people are prepared to follow it and be held accountable to it.
For those of you who have invested the time and money to put extensive plans in place, consider how well they are being executed. Are the players following the game plan? Have they bought in to the concepts underlying the plan? If left on their own will they follow the plan as it was developed? A thoughtful group presentation and a critical review of your firm's plans with the people you are counting on to carry them out could help expose flaws that would inhibit them from carrying out your well-thought-out plan. This type of meeting might just ensure that you actually arrive at your target. Something to think
Michael Platt
Founder, AccountingWEB, Inc.
[email protected]
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board this week adopted amendments to its interim standards that conform the text of the interim standards to the requirements of PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 2.
The House of Representatives took a strong step this week in support of America's taxpayers by voting to keep their private and sensitive tax information out of the hands of debt collectors.
It was reported that earlier this week as many as 20 securities firms were under examination by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) for possible fee and disclosure issues involved with the sale of popular "529 plans."
PolicySoft's Accounting Department Templates
We are pleased to bring you tools that can help systematize the accounting department of a small company, corporate business or a public accounting firm. Over 200 accounting department policy templates, written in Microsoft Word format by PolicySoft, are available individually or in groups for immediate download.
Find out more today at!
Democrats were joined by 22 Republicans Thursday to block new overtime regulations that critics say would deny overtime pay for at least six million workers.
This week the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued 25 recommendations to address internal control weaknesses uncovered during the fiscal 2003 audit of the consolidated financial statements for the U.S. government.
- E&Y Settles Billing Case for $12 Million
- Former Executive Joins Most Wanted List
- IRS Hits AmeriDebt with $15 Million Claim
- Top Tech Companies Offer Solution to Stock Options
- Crackdown on Back Taxes Spurs Banks to Consider Settlements
- Enron Sells Pipelines, Uses Proceeds to Fund Pension Plans
- Court Paves Way for Oracle-PeopleSoft Deal
See a sampling of this week's featured content below. Subscribe today for only $49/year and gain access to the Premium Content Archives. If you've forgotten your login details, we can send you a reminder.
- Employees Need Soft Skills - Good Manners Matter
- How Smart Leaders Reach Out
- Articulating the Values of Your Professional Service Firm
- From the Archives: Ex-Con Tells How Auditors Fail to Help Clients Guard Against Fraud
If you've forgotten your login details, we can send you a reminder.
- Company is Seeking Permission to Sue E&Y Over Merger
- New IRS e-service Revolutionizes Transcript Delivery
- Former CEO Gets 9 Years in Prison, $3.5M Fine
- Court Orders Hearing on IRS Whistle-blower Case
- IRS Puts Charities, Family Foundations Under Microscope
The AccountingWEB Premium Subscription! Expert insight on managing an accounting practice, growing your business, professional development and personal improvement is just a click away for AccountingWEB Premium subscribers. Find out more today.
Let AccountingWEB help your organization customize a marketing campaign for your products and services. Make sure you book your ad campaign in advance! Get your message in front of our audience of accounting and finance professionals today. Our team can help you uncover promotional opportunities that are right for you.
Your Personal Membership Information
Take a moment today to ensure that we have accurate, up-to-date information in our records. Just go to your Profile Page and login to update your information today! If you've forgotten your AccountingWEB.com login details, we'll send you a reminder.
Premium Subscriber Information
Access to the growing library of the latest insights, ideas and tools is available for only $49 a year. Subscribe today!
Copyright © 2004 AccountingWEB, Inc.
All rights reserved.
"To inform, to enrich, to enlighten, to entertain."
Contact AccountingWEB, Inc.
P.O. Box 68748, Indianapolis IN 46268
Contact Us


text:
Rat Squirrel House Gets a Dumpster
149 Kane Street, or the Rat Squirrel House as it is affectionately known, has gotten a lot of attention on the blogs in recent years, even making it into Curbed's list of the 11 Most Frightening Buildings last year. More recently (in June), Bococaland spied peope carting out "some nasty old junk." And just this morning a tipster snapped this photo of the dumpster being delivered. There is currently both a Full Vacate Order and Stop Work Order on the property, though it looks like a permit was issued for remedial repairs back in April. This could mean progress, people! GMAP


text:
Kickstarter Interview: Comic ConQuest: Rise of the Hoarder will have you step in the role you've always fantasized about
If you've ever been to, heard about, or even seen a picture of a comic convention, you've seen cosplayers in their natural habitat. These men and women have perfected the art of creating costumes to replicate an outfit from characters in comic books, movies, television shows, anime, and video games. The amount of craftsmanship and raw skill that goes into creating these costumes, accessories, and hair styles is absolutely phenomenal. Take a moment and think of the unrealistic and unbelievable outfits that some of your favorite animated characters – yeah, people actually make those.
Attendees piece together whatever's lying around to make a makeshift outfit/armor and go defeat the evil that has ruined the con. Suddenly, road cones, football helmets, scrap metal, and whatever else you can find becomes the armor of legend. This is the premise of Comic ConQuest: Rise of the Hoarder. Deck your character out in comic book, sci fi, or fantasy duds and go to town on evil. Don't go alone, though; build your party, mix genres, collect loot, upgrade, and level up!
Comic ConQuest is a tactical, party-based RPG game. This free-to-play title will be available on web, iOS, and Android platforms early 2014. The developers, Sleepy Giant, are boasting regularly scheduled monthly updates to keep things fresh and balanced. On top of all this, seven of the world's greatest professional cosplayers have been working with the team and will be in the game as characters you can add to your party. Their massive knowledge of the art of cosplay and extensive geek knowledge pushed this project in a powerful direction.
I can tell you're interested. That's great! Currently, Comic ConQuest: Rise of the Hoarder is on Kickstarter and is ripe for your backing. I had the privilege to ask some questions to the Sleepy Giant team about Comic ConQuest. Jeff Matsuda (Executive Producer and Featured Artist), Daniel Witenberg (Product Development Director), and Mike Ryan (Design Director) all teamed up to answer these questions. Check out their Kickstarter page, check the game out, read the interview below, and support the project!
What exactly is Comic ConQuest?
Jeff: Comic Conquest: Rise of the Hoarder is a party-based, tactical RPG. You fight your way through an apocalyptic con, picking up loot and smashing enemies with weapons like an inflatable Mario mallet before they smash you.
Where did the idea for Comic ConQuest stem from? How long have you had a project like this in mind?
Jeff: I've actually had an idea like this bouncing in my head since the first con I attended many years ago. I would see all these cosplayers waking around brandishing enormous axes - swords as big as my oldest son - and think to myself, if a fight broke out in here, it would be awesome. The actual idea was proposed to me in my first meeting with Sleepy Giant. They showed me the concepts for a role-playing game set inside of a con, and I gushed for a bit. Then I signed on before they could say "just kidding."
What games inspired you for this project? What art styles inspired you?
Jeff: There are so many art styles that I respect, and I feel we've brought many of them to this project. I've been in comics, animation, movies and games for over 18 years, and some of each have been crammed into this game. My own art style is a mix of so many things - Japanese shows like Kamen Rider, Mazinger, Gatchaman, Western comics influences like Michael Golden, Mike Mignola, Alex Toth, Bruce Timm, Joe Mad and Claire Wendling. In this project, we're injecting all the things I learned from comics - aspects of the characters that we've all loved since we first bought comics from the 7-11 on the corner, or back in the day when we waited in lines around theaters that were barely bigger than our living rooms.
Do you plan on adding multiplayer elements? If so, in what ways?
Daniel: Right now the game isn't really multiplayer, but you can use your friends' characters in your squad, which will give advantages (over using a stranger's characters). However, we are talking about some additions to the game that will allow players to put together a squad of characters and play against each other in PvP arenas, which will be a lot of fun. We'll be able to do that even sooner if our Kickstarter really takes off, so every pledge helps!
Mike: We originally wanted to include multiplayer in the initial release of the game, with both cooperative and competitive modes. In order to keep things achievable in a sane amount of time (and money), however, we trimmed back to focus on making this a great single-player game. Having said that, the game's asynchronous co-op mode is critical to the design: You basically borrow characters from other players in the community to fill out your party (and other players borrow yours). Down the road, we still hope to add a PvP mode (or several) to the game, but first things first!
Will there be cross-platform play across PC, iOS, and Android?
Daniel: Indeed there will be. Once you've got a game account, you can play on any device on which the game has been installed, and you can pick up right where you left off on another device.
How was the experience of working with top cosplayers? Did their knowledge help with the development?
Jeff: Working with our all-star cosplayer team has been incredible. Their passion and skills are only equaled by their insane geek knowledge. I had many 3-hour conversations/design sessions with each of them, and they embarrassed me in the area of nerd-dom in which I had once thought I could teach a class. I eventually had to ask one of them to stop referencing certain games, cause I was tired of admitting I never played them. I'm a huge nerd, and was beat down by far superior nerds.
These girls were just a tremendous joy to work with; they are great designers and passionate fans. I couldn't have asked for a better bunch to work with. Their input definitely informed us in our design process. Since we designed new characters together with the girls, you'll be seeing their influence in the game.
Will you customize all your characters or just your main? Can you combine genres and have a Sci-Fi character mixed with a fantasy character?
Daniel: Yup, you'll be able to fully customize all of your characters, and you'll also be able to mix and match freely. In fact, there will be secret cross-genre combos that will really power up your character, and will give the game a fun twist - imagine playing a sci-fi viking with a sonic screwdriver...
Mike: Oh yes, you can customize all of your own characters with any combination of gear and weapons you acquire in the game. So you can absolutely have a sci-fi/fantasy mix, maybe with a fancy pair of spandex super hero tights to complete the look!
Could you explain the gear upgrading system? Will your characters have levels?
Mike: Yup, the characters do have levels and you do gain experience points from completing quests. Also, each class has a unique skill tree, so that you can customize your character build as you level up. The gear is designed along fairly traditional RPG lines, with certain types of gear providing bonuses to certain classes, but wearable or usable by all. So a space marine might do extra damage with the Rare Plasma Rifle you just found, but your wizard can use it too.
If Comic ConQuest is free to play, what sort of business model will you be using?
Mike: The short answer is: We're still in early development so we're not sure what the business model will be. Creating a quality game is an iterative process. When we design a game, we consider a number of business models, searching for the one that will get the game into the hands of as many gamers as possible.We're committed to making this a fun gaming experience, and staying flexible during the development stage enables us to make the best design choices based on player feedback.Originally we were contemplating a free-to-play model. As a design principle, we do not endorse what's commonly known as a "pay-to-win" game design (in other words, granting the highest in-game powers to the players that spend the most money). We don't even like playing games like that ourselves and certainly would find no gratification in building one. We promise you that this game will not be one of those.
Any plans to add Comic ConQuest to Steam Greenlight down the line?
Daniel: We are considering how to approach the Steam platform, and we'll have a more definitive answer to this question very soon.
Historian, teacher, writer, gamer, cheat master, and tech guru: follow on Twitter @AndrewC_GZ


text:
McPherson joins Choice Financial
Choice Financial has announced the addition of Staci McPherson as customer service representative at its West Fargo location at 210 Sheyenne Street.
McPherson currently attends North Dakota State University, Fargo, focusing on a major in interior design and a minor in business. She has previous work experience at Tall Towers Aviation and YMCA Camp Cormorant, and is also involved in community organizations including Students Today Leaders Forever and Our Savior's Lutheran Church.


text:
Aram Ponta Negra Hotel
Select your stay dates to check availability
Aram Ponta Negra Hotel
About the hotel
Property Location
With a stay at Aram Ponta Negra Hotel in Natal (Ponta Negra), you'll be convenient to Ponta Negra and Frasqueirao Stadium. This hotel is within close proximity of Artesanato Villarte Shops and Praia Shopping.
Make yourself at home in one of the 70 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include blackout drapes/curtains, housekeeping is provided daily, and cribs/infant beds can be requested.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Take in the views from a terrace and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access and a television in the lobby.
Take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). While enjoying a refreshing dip in the hotel pool, you can order your favorite drink at the poolside bar.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Hotel Facilities
- Number of floors - 3
- 24-hour front desk
- Luggage storage
- 24-hour business center
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Children's pool
- Terrace
- Elevator/lift
- Total number of rooms - 70
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Free WiFi
- Television in lobby
- Free self parking
- Laundry facilities
- Free breakfast
- Pool umbrellas
- Poolside bar
- One meeting room
- Number of outdoor pools - 2
- Pool sun loungers
Room Facilities
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
- Private bathroom
- Climate control
- Free toiletries
- Shower only
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Daily housekeeping
- Hair dryer (on request)
- Air conditioning
- Cable TV service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Room service (limited hours)
- Rollaway/extra beds available
Hotel Policy
Know Before You Go
- Parents or a legal guardian traveling with children under 18 years must present the child's birth certificate and an identity card with photo (passport, for example) at the check-in. For international travels from Brazil, if just one of the parents is traveling with the child, she/he must present – in addition to the child's certificate of birth and identity card with photo – a letter authorizing the trip signed by the other parent with a notarial certification of signature. In case the parents or the legal guardian, as applicable, cannot or are unwilling to give this authorization, a judicial authorization is required. People who intend to travel to Brazil with children must consult with the Brazilian consulate before traveling for more information.
- A fee for a mandatory Christmas Eve gala dinner is included in the total price displayed for stays on 24 December.
- A fee for a mandatory New Year's Eve gala dinner is included in the total price displayed for stays on 31 December.
- Children 7 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
- Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
Mandatory Fees and Taxes
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the hotel:
- A 10 percent city/local tax will be charged
- Tourism fee: BRL 1.0 per accommodation, per night
The charges below are included in your overall room price:
- New Year's Eve gala dinner fee
- Christmas Eve gala dinner fee
We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.
Renovations and Closures
During renovations, the hotel will make every effort to minimize noise and disturbance.