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Did you miss the latest happenings in the iOS world throughout the last week? Don't sweat it, we've got you covered here at iOS Music And You. Every Monday we'll be filling you in on the most recent news, new app releases, and the on-site happenings. You can get a taste of everything that's fueling iOS music making and catch yourself up to date. If you want to get your iOS music news fix on a daily basis, LIKE the iOS Music And You Facebook Page!
iOS Music News Around The Internet:
Hopefully you got a chance to check out the latest episode of the iOS Music And You Podcast, which came out this past week; if you missed it, don't delay, you can find it HERE. We featured some music from Jon Rawlinson, better known as Pants Of Death, discussed the Korg iPolysix, and finished our interview with iOS music maker Michael Wadlow. I want to encourage you to subscribe to the iOS Music And You Podcast – it's free and each new episode will be delivered automatically as it arrives. You can subscribe to the podcast in iTunes by going HERE or simply use a podcatcher on your iPhone like Instacast or Downcast. I've been really encouraged by all of your feedback on the podcast, so it's gong to become a regular thing around here – subscribe now so you don't miss an episode!
If you did check out Episode #4 of the podcast, you heard Michael Wadlow discuss his project with guitarist Jack Morefield, Refracted Memory. They both have a great sense of musicality that is very complementary and things are only going to get better in 2013. As the year progresses, they'll be releasing an album and producing more music, so you're going to want to stay informed. You can follow Refracted Memory by hitting LIKE on their Facebook page HERE or subscribing to their YouTube channel HERE. They just released a gorgeous video for their song "Lessons Learned" that really captures the depth and emotion of their music. You can check it out below and be sure to support these wonderful musicians!
We've all got lots of music apps that we absolutely adore, but when it comes down to it, what's the best app ever? That's the question being asking over at the Best App Ever Awards, and they've got a great category that we can all appreciate – Best Musician's App. There's quite a few apps on there that we know and love, including Audiobus, Figure, GarageBand, NanoStudio, and more. Simply go HERE and vote for your favorite. There's also categories for Best Musical Instrument App, Best Music Teaching App, and Best DJ App, where you'll find plenty more favorites like Loopy, iKaossilator, SoundPrism, and more. There's no doubt that we've all got those apps that are near and dear to our hearts, so get out and show your support now!
If you're a fan of the MIDI controller app iFretless Bass, you'll be happy to know that there's a fairly major update on the way that will bring a variety of new features to this already strong app. You're going to get some great new bass samples within the app that will let you grab some strong fretless bass, slap bass, and jazz bass sounds, as well as more. It's nice to see that the folks at Blue Mangoo Software really understand the way the bass works and have integrated some smart articulations into the samples. All of those articulations are going to be available as you trigger other apps with new MIDI in/out capabilities in the update as well. There's also a new X/Y pad that links to CC synth parameters so that you can alter things like filter and such while you play on iFretless. This looks like a very strong update that's going to make a cool app even better. You can check out all the new features of the iFretless Bass update in this very complete video – there's a lot of potential here, so give it a watch!
When a new app hits the market, sometimes its hard to sort out just how useful it will be in the overall scheme of things. There are a lot of great apps out there and only so much money in our pockets, so its nice to see these apps in action before you buy. Fortunately, there's a huge sea of creative people out there that just continue to give us some great examples of new apps in action. We've got a nice SoundCloud clip from SaveAs that features a jam put together on an app we know and love, Animoog, and an app that is new to the scene, Caelestis. With so many synth apps hitting the App Store on a regular basis, it's nice to hear the potential in Caelestis. We've also got a video that puts and old favorite together with a newcomer to the app store; this time Jim McLaren gives us his version of "Take A Bow" from Muse using Magellan and Arpeggionome Pro. As we've come to expect from Jim, we also adds some nice text that gives us a look at the inner workings of Arpeggionome Pro. These are two great examples of fresh apps in action – so check them out and see what you think of Caelestis and Arpeggionome Pro!
Speaking of new apps, an interesting new MIDI controller hit the App Store this week, Sound Wand MIDI. It stands apart from a number of MIDI controller due to its ability to control the more expressive parameters of a performance, things like vibrato, pitchbend, and articulations, alongside note changes. It's an interesting combination and one that's bound to inspire some new musical ventures. It does work a little differently than most MIDI controllers; you have to swing it around in the air, so its something that needs to be seen. We've got a couple of great videos from the developer that show this app in action – the first video has Sound Wand MIDI controlling a distorted guitar sound while the next clip has it triggering a variety of percussion and bass sounds. It's an interesting new twist on things, so give it a look!
While we're talking about Arpeggionome Pro, let's check out some of the potential uses of this app. I've been using it quite a bit this week and I've really enjoyed the capabilities that it delivers for music making. It's a bit pricey though, so some of you may be waiting to hear exactly what it can do. Fortunately, developer Alexandernaut has put together a few SoundCloud clips that let us hear the results of using Arpeggionome Pro. You can hear the app as a trigger for Ableton Live in most of these clips, which is a nice combination. Check them out and then see what you think of Arpeggionome Pro – it's certainly a promising new entry into the iOS music world!
There were a couple of new additions to the Audiobus family this week, bringing an extending list of compatible apps . . . and more musical possibilities. Some of the more intriguing entries this week included some effect slot compatibility and an output slot with a bit of a different purpose. While Echo Pad supported both the input and output slots before this week, this week's update brings the awesome power of this app to the effect slot. This holds a lot of potential, as you can see in the video below from Holderness Media. Secret Base Design added output slot Audiobus support to MIDI Control, letting your capture recordings from other iOS synths. Combine this with Audio Copy & Audio Paste, there's some potential here, as you can see in the video below. Remember, if you want to stay up to date on all the apps gaining Audiobus compatibility, make sure to keep an eye on our regularly updated list of Audiobus compatible apps.
It's always interesting to get some insight into the thoughts and ideas behind the creation of a great music app, especially when its straight from the mouth of the developer. This week over at iOS Musician, Sean Walker did a great interview with the folks behind Sonic Logic, a new app meant for designing your own MIDI control surfaces. It's got some good insight into why the app was created, what the main vision for the app is, and the elements that set it apart. If you're looking to get more info about Sonic Logic, then this is a great interview to check out – you can find it HERE.
We started a tradition of kicking off each week with some inspiring music in 2012 and things are going to just keep on rolling in 2013. First off, we've got a great video jam from SammyJams that puts together the killer sounds of the OP-1 with the sampling genius of the iPad app WerkBench. I love these WerkBench video where a musician starts with a couple of notes and quickly turns things into a pumping groove – Sammy does just that in this video . . . you'll be impressed with the results. Our second bit of music is a SoundCloud clip from Patrick Devaney, better known as Citizen-X; you may have heard Patrick's music on Episode #3 of the podcast. He put together "Perplexed" using the Korg iPolysix, so its a good opportunity to check out what the app can do. Patrick recently created his own Facebook Page to promote his music; if you're digging what you hear, head on over and LIKE his page. It's an encouraging start to 2013, and we're just getting started . . . can't wait to hear what comes next – enjoy!
Recent iOS Music And You Posts:
iOS Music And You Podcast 004: Michael Wadlow Interview (Part 2)
iOS Music Tunes: State Of Grace by Maria Calfa-DePaul
iPad Music App Review: Korg iPolysix
Recently Released Music Apps:
Compasso Synth
Major Music App Updates This Week:
KORG iElectribe Gorillaz Edition


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First of all, hello to all my Celtics friends. After a long and gratifying trip around Europe I am back. I know Debbie Downer34 AKA Clueless34 AKA Bandwagon34 says I'm 20 different posters but I don't worry what he says because everyone knows he does not have any credibility what so ever. Knicks will suffer their first home loss tonight.
PS I have been reading a little from my phone but not posting. DebbieDowner34 is a little disturbed about him being 99.9% of the time wrong and now he makes a prediction and then edits the post and changes it. This is a great example:
The original post red: I think Denver will beat the Lakers tonight.
When the Lakers won he thought no one was reading and he changed it to this:
Re: Blazers vs. Celtics 11/30/12
posted at 11/30/2012 10:00:02 EST
- Fiercest34
- Posts: 15617
- First: 03/24/2011
- Last: 12/08/2012
In response to BCSP's comment:
Now, if Denver can shalack LA then this will be a near perfect night!!!
Just keeping you honest my friend...

subset: commoncrawl


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PESWiki.com -- Pure Energy Systems Wiki: Finding and facilitating breakthrough clean energy technologies.
Directory:Patent Resources
From PESWiki
LEGAL NOTICE: PES Network, Inc. and PESWiki are not authorized to dispense legal advice. The information contained herein is not presented as professional counsel, but is presented as a resource for casual consideration.
Patents as a tool or an impediment -- ramifications for free energy technologies. The general patent mentality discourages cooperation, which stymies progress and innovation.
Alternative: Intellectual Passport
- Featured: Tools > Legal > Patent Resources >
Intellectual Passport Bypasses Convoluted Patent Journey - The Intellectual Passport CB is said to provide stronger security than a patent, while being much easier and cheaper to file for international coverage, with no renewal fees, lasting longer, and dating to when the idea can first be proven to have been originated. Best of all, it is not contingent upon the political whims of a patent office, set against exotic modalities. (PESN; March 7, 2011)
- Prior-Art better than Patent - Recommends the use of Prior-Art as a tool for we open source folks who don't trust the PTB. I also recommend the "dead man" technique of sending your idea to many people with instructions to keep hope alive after you are gone. Send it by snail mail or the recipients may be in danger, too. (ByronWine.com; September 19, 2005)
Key Tools
- Google search engine for US patents - Google is now live with a service enabling Internet users to search through the more than seven million patents granted in the United States.
- Patents - Patents as a tool or an impediment -- ramifications for free energy technologies. The general patent mentality discourages cooperation, which stymies progress and innovation. (FreeEnergyNews index page)
- International Patent Lookup
- US Patent Lookup
- FreePatentsOnline.com - Provides fast, easy-to-use access to millions of patents and patent applications. Claims to be the most powerful patent search engine on the web, with an ever-expanding data collection. (Thanks James Ryley, site founder)
- Invention Patenting Group - Independent Inventors and Entrepreneurs Seeking Angel Investors - We provide crowdfunding for your provisional patent applications, design patents, and utility patents, and marketing services including selling your inventions, licensing your patents, and manufacturing products.
- The Peer to Patent Project Blog - The Community Patent Project, supported by IBM, aims to design and pilot an online system for peer review of patents. The Patent system will support a network of experts to advise the Patent Office on prior art as well as to assist with patentability determinations. (SmartMobs.com; Jan. 16, 2006)
- USPTO Announces Program to Accelerate Review of Green Technology - In December, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced a pilot program to accelerate the examination of certain "green" technology patent applications, which will be eligible for special status and given expedited examination, reducing the amount of time required to patent these technologies by an average of one year. (Mintz Levin; December 10, 2009)
First to File
- Featured: Tools > Legal > Patent Resources >
"First to File" -- negative ramifications for free energy advancement - Last September, US Patent law changed from "first to invent" to "first to file", so now patent trolls can hunt down good IP that isn't patented, and take over ownership merely by filing a patent first. It has proven hugely demoralizing to the software industry. It could have similar effect in the energy industry, especially open source. (PESN; August 22, 2012)
Do it Yourself
- To Patent or Not to Patent a Free Energy Technology? - Addressing the question of when to seek for a patent and when not to seek for a patent on "free energy" technology. Lists alternatives for "game-changing" technologies that should not go the patent route. (PESWiki; Oct. 2, 2007)
- Documenting Prior Art - Resources available online and otherwise for documenting a date/time stamp on ideas. Possible resources include: Archive.org, Google cache, YahooGroups, wiki history. (PESWiki)
- Do-It-Yourself Patents - Hugh Loebner has filed 6 patents by himself, thought told that no one should apply for a patent without the help of a lawyer and that any inventor who does so is foolishly risking making a mistake that could cost him or her dearly. (IEEE; 24-28 Apr., 2006)
Patent Directories
- AmazingPatents.com - Six CD sets chock full of amazing patents: Jetpack, Mind Control, Flying Car, UFO, Tesla, Weather Control.
- Encyclopedia of Incredible Patents, Permanent Magnet Propulsion, Permanent Magnet Motors - Conveniently bound and indexed into one encyclopedia; 8½ x 11, comb bound, 230 pp.
- Tesla Coil Builders of Virginia - claim to have perfected the design of Tesla's magnifying transmitter. Video tapes, patents.
- Innovation and Its Discontents: How Our Broken Patent System is Endangering Innovation and Progress, and What to Do About It - Book by Adam B. Jaffe and Josh Lerner describes how the United States patent system has become sand rather than lubricant in the wheels of American progress. (256 pages; 2004)
- Patent Pending in 24 Hours - Nolo Press, a U.S. legal outfit, presents a basic primer on how to quickly, inexpensively, secure provisional filing protection.
... Note that patents must be 'renewed' and be active to be enforceable. ... applicant lots of $$, while providing for the abandonment of lots of patents. ...
- Insights into the Proprietary Syndrome, by Ken MacNeill - Sites the U.S. "secrecy order: Title 35, USC (1952) Sec. 181-188, which enables the patent office to issue a warning to an inventor to prohibit him from publishing or privately pursing his technology.
Open Review
- Open Call From the Patent Office - The government is about to start opening up the process of reviewing patents to the modern font of wisdom: the Internet. The pilot project will not only post patent applications on the Web and invite comments but also use a community rating system designed to push the most respected comments to the top of the file, for serious consideration by the agency's examiners. (Washington Post; Mar. 5, 2007)
- Patent Reviews Via Wiki - [Fortune reports on a pilot program where the patent approval process would be opened to outsiders for review. Reviewers can vote and discuss on different proposals, through say a wiki. (Slashdot; Aug. 16, 2006)
National Security Gag Order
- Featured: Suppression / Legal > Patent Resources >
35 U.S.C. 181: Secrecy of certain inventions and withholding of patent - The U.S. Patent office has a provision that allows them to slap a "national security" gag order on a patent application. Many free energy technologies have been held back through this means. We present a copy of the law, and a list of some breakthrough clean energy technologies thus held back. (PESWiki; Jan. 23, 2010)
- Tools > Patent Resources >
USPTO Announces Launch Date for Fast-Track Patent Processing - The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced that on May 4 they will start accepting requests for prioritized examination of patent applications (for $4,000), allowing inventors and businesses to have their patents processed within 12 months. It currently takes nearly three years to process the average patent. (USPTO; April 4, 2011)
- New Legislation Would Overhaul U.S. Patent System - Patent Reform Act would award patents to people who first file for the patents, instead of those first to invent, it limits damages patent holders can collect in infringement lawsuits, and it creates a new procedure for those questioning the validity of a patent to challenge it after it's been granted. (PC World; Apr. 18, 2007) (See Slashdot discussion)
Patent Skeptics
- Legal > Patent Resources > Skeptics >
Edison's Failed Plot To Hijack Hollywood - Tells how Thomas Edison tried--and failed--to control the early motion picture industry through patents, and how his system, had it worked would have stifled innovation and delayed the Golden Age of Hollywood by decades. Edison assembled representatives of the nation's biggest movie companies and invited them to sign a monopolistic peace treaty. (Wired; Sept. 4, 2010)
- Legal > Patent Resources > Skeptics >
How patents prevent rather than promote adoption of new technologies - Michel Bauwens of the P2P Foundation recently excerpted an article that argues patents might not be the clear-cut technology promotion tool they are hyped up to be. Patents are, at times, a block to technological progress, acting to discourage inventors who have found ways to circumvent the dearly held "natural laws" of thermodynamics and of conservation of energy. (Hasslberger Blog; Sept. 6, 2010)
- Patent Office Reports on Invention Secrecy - Under the Invention Secrecy Act of 1951, the government may impose a secrecy order on patent applications submitted to the Patent Office whenever the disclosure of the inventions described in such applications "might be detrimental to the national security." At the end of Fiscal Year 2006, there were 4,942 secrecy orders in effect, 108 coming in 2006. (ZPEnergy; Oct. 18, 2006)
- U.S. 'National Security' patent absconding - Copy of a notice received for an energy patent that allegedly impinged on U.S. 'national security'. A reason to avoid a U.S. patent for any energy technologies that can make a large difference, and which are not already in the mainstream. (INE)
- Featured / Best Exotic FE: Patents > Downsides / Cold Fusion > Rossi >
Patent Office Forces E-Cat Self-Destruct Capability - To preserve intellectual property and trade secrets, because the patent office is dragging its feet in granting a patent, Andrea Rossi is being forced to design a self destruct mechanism to be built into every E-Cat (Energy Catalyzer) used by the public. This could delay the public (non-industrial) launch of the technology. (PESN and BeforeItsNews; June 7, 2011)
- New Patent Allowances Stifling Innovation and Collaboration - Fortune magazine compares the biotech industry with the computer industry and discusses the effects of the Bayh-Dole amendment, which has allowed universities to make a lot of cash. But in the process innovation and scientific collaboration seem to have been stifled. (Slashdot; Sept. 14, 2005)
- Patents v. State Secrets - A federal appeals court ruling upholds a sweeping interpretation of the "state secrets privilege" that lets the government effectively kill civil lawsuits deemed a threat to national security. (ZPEnergy; Sept. 27, 2005)
- Peer-to-Patent - Samuel Rose proposes a democratic peer review alternative to the patent route, which, he says has turned into a bureaucratic nightmare that stifles innovation and fosters litigation. (SmartMobs; Oct. 6, 2005)
Patent filer beware of industrial espionage
From: "J. H. TONN" <jh17 {at} mail.com> Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 12:44 AM Subject: for what its worth about patents.
Here is what I learned. I once bought a book for someone that greatly discouraged filing certain patents. Some are being stolen right out of the patent office. Case in point Wang computers. He sued IBM (I think) and won 10 million dollars. Dr. Wang said, I will never patent anything again, but put it inside a black box then it will be fairly safe.
Another case was Dr. Moray who came up with a device that looked very much like the transistor, but someone else filed the patent for that a short time later. Stolen from him or the patent office. Maybe we should have a new slogan: /Patent filer beware/ (of industrial espionage).
See also
- Legal - index page
- PESWiki home page
LEGAL NOTICE: PES Network, Inc. and PESWiki are not authorized to dispense legal advice. The information contained herein is not presented as professional counsel, but is presented as a resource for casual consideration.


text: The TUL-100 is a lightweight L.E.D. light with pistol grip that offers a choice of flood or sport beams with angles of 60 or 12 degrees respectively. This light has 3 power levels with LED indicator: 100%, 50% and 25%. It also comes with an SOS Emergency mode for additional safety. This light comes with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery and sealed housing. The housing is factory sealed with a rugged anodized aluminum bezel. This light is depth-rated to 300 feet and has a brightness of 1000 Lumens flood and 520 Lumens spot. Burn time for 1000 Lumen Flood/520 Lumen Spot: 60 minutes, 500 Lumen Flood/260 Lumen Spot: 120 minutes, and 250 Lumen Flood/130 Lumen Spot: 240 Minutes.


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You are here: Home > News > Gatwick Rennaisance Hotel
Renaissance Hotel
Early morning flights or twilight check-ins at Gatwick airport can mean an early start and battling traffic while tired. Avoid the associated risks and arrive at check-in refreshed and relaxed after a great nights sleep at a nearby airport hotel. The Gatwick Renaissance Hotel is perfect for a pre-flight stopover and at Airparks we have some amazing low prices this winter.
Prices From 1st November to 16th December 2007:
Room with 8 days parking from only £113
Room with 15 days parking from only £133
The Gatwick Renaissance Hotel is located on the airport close to the North Terminal. Room facilities at this 4 star hotel include air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, colour television with cable channels and movies, in-room tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board along with various business facilities such as high-speed internet access and voice mail.
This hotel offers a high level of leisure facilities including a swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi and sauna available for free along with a solarium, squash courts, masseur and beautician available for a charge. For your dining options the hotel offers The High Flyers Cafe for dinner and The Pavilion Restaurant for breakfast.
Take advantage of our low prices on this convenient and luxurious hotel, book today with Airparks and save!
By: Tony Hill
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Congratulations to the winners of our fantastic Show and Stay competition!
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text: Choosing the right college can be overwhelming. Find Your Fit offers you the opportunity to learn about the college selection and application process, choosing a major, student life and financing your education. Join us to explore Purchase College, hear application tips and tricks from the experts, tour our campus and get your college search off to the right foot.


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A new documentary is making its way through the major cities of the United States. The film, Ghetto Physics: Redefining the Game!, is an intriguing movie about power dynamics.
Its provocative premise tells us what history has demonstrated time and time again: no matter how often the players of "the game of life" change, the game itself remains the same.
The film makes the case that at any given point, one is either an exploiter or an exploitée, either a player or getting played, or in the vernacular of the street one is either "a pimp or a ho", and occasionally one is both at the same time.
And while many people might wince at the politically incorrect analogy, it certainly gets your attention and on so many levels this film is dead on point.
Ghetto Physics is interspersed with footage and words of wisdom from real life pimps and prostitutes juxtaposed against historical events and thought provoking commentary from the likes of KRS-One, Cornel West, Rev. Ishmael Tetteh, Ice-T, and former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney.
While the movie has a much larger metaphysical message, the pimp and ho analogy is used to illuminate how corporations and governments prey upon and exploit the average Joe. Interestingly enough while the movie examines some of the worst exploiters, it neglects to mention one of – if not the – most powerful, deceptive, and predatory industry there is, Big Tobacco.
Big Tobacco is the Mack Daddy of Corporate Pimps
Yes, Big Tobacco is the Mack Daddy of all corporate pimps, in fact they wrote the book on Big Pimping. And thanks to the magical power of their corporate shields, they have even created a new classification, "Teflon Pimps", because it is the one industry, that no matter how often it is sued, taxed, regulated, or maligned, it always manages to come out on top.
Big Tobacco might take a licking, but it always keeps on ticking. Any loss that it even appears to incur is simply passed on to its millions of addicted customers, all the while continuing to use its billions in profits to work the master plan–keep selling its deadly products at all cost.
Big Tobacco is a player's playa; it knows when to come down hard and intimidating with its elite battery of highly paid executives, attorneys, and scientists. And it equally knows when to quietly deflect attention by using/pimping the front groups that they keep on call to do their bidding.
And as Ghetto Physics so poignantly points out, the more things change the more they remain the same. In some instances there is never even a pretense of change. This is no better demonstrated than through the recent revelation that nationally recognized African American organizations submitted letters to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) questioning the proposed ban on the use of menthol in cigarettes.
Over 80% of African American adult smokers, smoke mentholated cigarettes.
When President Barack Obama signed the historic Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in June 2009, he gave the FDA the authority to regulate cigarettes.
One of the provisions of the Act was the banning of all flavors in cigarettes, all flavors, that is, except menthol.
Flavored Cigarettes Get Young People Hooked
Other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry were banned because it was widely "recognized" that these flavors masked the harshness and awful taste of tobacco, and could encourage young people to begin smoking and subsequently become addicted to cigarettes.
And though 95% of young Black smokers begin smoking with mentholated cigarettes, the health and welfare of these young people were not a priority of the legislation.
Menthol's exclusion from the list of banned flavorings prompted seven former Secretaries of Health, including Drs. Joseph Califano and Louis Sullivan to write a joint letter vehemently opposing the exclusion of menthol from the banned flavors.
With Califano going on to say that the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act as written relegated "Black children to the back of the [public health] bus."
Only after a summer of agitation about menthol's exclusion, was an eleventh hour amendment (initiated and co-authored by Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D-V.I.) and the Congressional Black Caucus) added to the legislation that forced menthol to the top of the newly formed FDA Tobacco Product Scientific Advisory Committee's (TPSAC) "to do list."
This brings us to Big Pimping or Big Tobacco at its finest. TPSAC was mandated to investigate and issue a recommendation on whether menthol should be banned like the other flavors. As such TPSAC has been holding public hearings and gathering "scientific" evidence in order to make its decision. It should be noted that no such hearings or "scientific" evidence were deemed necessary to ban the other flavors.
At the hearings Big Tobacco has paraded an all star cast of executives and scientists to provide expert testimony before the TPSAC. The official tobacco industry line is that menthol or no menthol, people will die anyway from smoking, and since the vast majority of Blacks "prefer" menthol it would be unfair to Black smokers to ban menthol.
In a bold move that only a serious player would have the nerve to make, Big Tobacco is actually positioning the menthol question as a civil rights issue, as they infer that Black folks are grown enough to decide how they want to kill themselves and that, while government regulations might protect others, it should not interfere with the free will of Blacks! They also claim that they have no idea why most Blacks smoke menthol cigarettes. But, we know why……


text: Well, to be fair, let me add that it goes both ways; some people believe every thing Fox News says. I guess it all depends on which way you want your slant to lean, right or left. I actually like news that I don't fully agree with, that way I know why I don't agree with them, instead of just going along with everything like sheep.


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Currently reeling from the success of her teen-targeted sci-fi flick "Divergent," Golden Globe-nominated actress Shailene Woodley can now take pleasure in the fact that Gregg Araki's "White Bird in a Blizzard," the indie film in which she starred and that recently premiere at Sundance, has now just been acquired by Magnolia Pictures for all North American rights.
"White Bird in a Blizzard" features Woodley as Kat Connor, an emotionally and sexually repressed teenager in 1988 whose mother mysteriously disappears just as Kat heads for college. The cast includes a slew of notable talent as Christopher Meloni, Shiloh Fernandez, Gabourey Sidibe, Thomas Jane, Angela Bassett and Eva Green as Woodley's troubled mother.
"We are longtime admirers of the singular Gregg Araki, who brings his unique vision to this funny, sexy and haunting film," said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. "Shailene Woodley truly shines with a bold and fearless performance that showcases the depth of her talent." The film is a Why Not Productions/Desperate Pictures/Orange Studio/Wild Bunch co-production. Magnolia aims to release the movie later this year.


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Valve to showcase portal-like VR game
At the Game Developers Conference next week
Valve has sent a brief notification that it plans to unveil a series of free virtual reality "experiments", called The Lab at the upcoming Game Developers Conference, GDC16 that starts next week in San Francisco..
HTC Vive to cost €899 in the EU
Official price, starts selling February 29
HTC has revealed the last piece of its VR strategy and explained how much it plans to sell Vive VR glasses outside the US.
Valve releases SteamVR Performance Test benchmark
Test if your PC is VR-ready
Valve has released a free benchmark on Steam that is not meant for virtual reality headsets but rather tests the performance of your system and check if it can handle SteamVR and virtual reality, the SteamVR Performance Test benchmark.
Valve officially launches Steam Hardware
Steam Machines, Controller and Link are ready
Valve has officially announced the launch of its Steam Hardware in the US, Canada, the UK and Europe.
Valve's Steam Machine in the Shops in November
This time they are serious
Valve has confrimed the general availability of its first batch of Steam Machines and hardware accessories.
HTC Vive VR glasses need to be wired to PC
But lasers, controllers to get wireless in final
HTC has showcased its Re Vive VR glasses that they are bringing to market with Valve, the creator of Half Life and the steam game distribution. We knew that Valve has been working on a VR headset for a while, but we didn't see them partnering with HTC.
Valve adds all Steam Machines to Steam Store
Coming in November
Although the first batch of Steam Machines is expected in November, some manufacturers have already announced their own versions and Valve has now added a full list of Steam Machines, including specifications and prices, over at its Steam site.
Valve Steam Controller now official
Coming in November for $50
Valve has officially revealed the final design of the Steam Controller, which will go on sale in November with a price tag of $49.99.
Valve develops its own Intel graphics driver for Linux
It will be open sourced
Valve has developed its own Intel Vulkan GPU graphics driver for Linux that they intend to open-source.
HTC Vive VR Valve demo runs on GTX 980
It can run AMD too
We still hope that there is a chance that we can see the HTC Vive demo in Barcelona at the Mobile World Congress, but we have a slim chance, right next to hell freezing over.


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May 24, 2016
FSU student Sevag Davidian was killed in a crash, and now his friend, Keith Schmalz, is on trial, accused of killing him while driving drunk.
Twenty-two-year-old Keith Schmalz is accused of being behind the wheel the night his brand new SUV went airborne and crashed into six parked cars.
The accident in August 2003 took the life of longtime friend Sevag Davidian. OFC Timothy Hartley was the first officer on scene and the first to find Davidian.
OFC Timothy Hartley of the FSU Police Department says, "He was face down, unresponsive, his breathing was labored and he was also bleeding from the head."
Prosecutors say they have Schmalz on tape admitting he was driving that night. Tests show his blood alcohol level at more than twice the legal limit, but Schmalz's attorney says no one, not even two friends who survived the crash, can swear Schmalz was behind the wheel. He suggested a friend who staggered away from the crash scene may have been driving.
Richard Smith, Schmalz's attorney, says, "What will become clear during the testimony in this trial is that there is no law enforcement officer who can tell you who was driving that night."
Pictures of the crash scene showing Schmalz's SUV atop another car may have had the biggest impact on jurors, but it was a picture of his dead friend that seemed to have the biggest impact on Keith Schmalz.
The two friends who survived the crash are expected to testify. The trial will continue Friday.
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Ranked #1 Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report
MyPatients provides referring primary care providers with secure access to their patients' information.
Boston Children's has launched the world's 1st program dedicated to offering hand transplants to children who qualify.
Innovation insider is a semi-monthly e-newsletter analyzes innovations at Boston Children's, other academic medical centers and from industry.
Read the latest blog by a Boston Children's doctor, clinician or staff member.
There are many ways you can help children and their families get the care they need.
A dislocated patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) pops out from its normal position. This can occur as the result of force or, more often, is related to a developmental condition that leads to an improper alignment of the kneecap with the thighbone (femur). This is sometimes called "unstable kneecap."
If your child is physically active and participates in contact sports and other activities, he or she may be more prone to having a dislocated patella. While our team of doctors is committed to helping stabilize and re-strengthen your child's knee, they're also interested in helping active young people prevent these injuries in the first place. Past efforts included a sports clinic to teach young athletes about how to take proper care of their knees.
The future of pediatrics will be forged by thinking differently, breaking paradigms and joining together in a shared vision of tackling the toughest challenges before us."


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Latest Headlines
Cooler than average temperatures this week.
A company said it has faced challenges since seeking approval to put a care ...
The No. 24 Arkansas baseball team (21-13) raced out to an early lead Wednesday ...
Due to the threat of inclement weather, Arkansas baseball's series opener with ...
Santa Clara, CA (Sports Network) - Shea Salinas scored in the 15th minute and
the San Jose Earthquakes held on for a nervy 1-0 win over the Philadelphia
Union at Buck Shaw Stadium on Sunday.
The victory extends San Jose's home unbeaten streak to 13 games, and it gives
the club three vital points as last season's Supporters' Shield winners
continue to push for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, has failed to win any of its last four matches, and
has managed to score just one goal in that span.
Salinas brought the match to life in the 15th minute with a nice piece of
individual skill as he got on the other end of a chipped pass from Sam Cronin,
took a touch, and then volleyed the ball back across the face of goal past
Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath from a tight angle.
The Union failed to trouble San Jose netminder Jon Busch in the first half,
but he was fortunate to see a driven ball from Keon Daniel strike the post in
the 49th minute.
San Jose's Rafael Baca was then sent off in the 57th for a poor challenge on
Union forward Conor Casey, which gave the visitors an opportunity to push more
men forward.
Substitute Aaron Wheeler turned a header on goal from 12 yards, but it was
straight at Busch, while the post came to the 'keeper's rescue again six
minutes from time.
A corner kick was swung into the six-yard box for Sheanon Williams, and his
glancing header struck the far post.
The final chance for the Union to salvage a point came in stoppage time when
Michael Farfan saw his close-range shot saved at the near post by Busch,
preserving the win.
The Sports Network


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Talk about owing some big bucks. Right now, the federal government is in the hole for around $14 trillion - roughly $46,000 for every American citizen.
If you think that has something to do with the rush to invest in gold, you're absolutely right. Investors have been flocking to precious metals like gold because they're nervous. Many see gold as a safe haven from the potential hazards of our ballooning debt, particularly inflation.
TUTORIAL: Investor's Guide to Inflation
Inflation Fears
Our indebtedness could trigger severe inflation as the government continually prints more money to help cover what it owes. With the printing presses working overtime, the money supply may enlarge to the point that our currency begins to rapidly lose value.
Severe inflation hasn't developed yet. But if it did, gold investors figure they'd be ready because the value of the yellow metal tends to rise with inflation. They also believe they'd be as prepared as possible for the worst case scenario: inflation that's so bad that the dollar becomes virtually worthless. In that situation, they reason gold would be a valuable alternative currency. (Since the beginning of time, gold has had a special place in history. For more, see A Holistic Approach To Trading Gold.)
Credit Rating Downgrades
Other events have heightened investors' concern, making them want gold all the more. For example, credit rating agency Standard & Poors (S&P) recently downgraded its outlook for the U.S. government to negative. That means S&P is considering reducing the government's credit rating from AAA, the highest possible, for the first time ever. Such a thing was once considered inconceivable because the U.S. has been considered the safest, most reliable borrower in the world for so long.
In addition, the debt crises in Greece, Portugal, Spain and Ireland are making many investors anxious. So are other troubles such as political unrest in the Middle East and northern Africa, and the economic and environmental aftereffects of the recent earthquakes in Japan. (For more, see A Look At Government Bonds And National Debt.)
Moreover, Bill Gross, a renowned investor who runs the world's largest bond mutual fund (PIMCO Total Return), has publicly declared his bearishness on the U.S. and repeatedly warned of the inflationary impact of America's deficit spending habits. This is not just bluster, as he has sold all of his fund's investments in U.S. government-related debt. That's like Warren Buffett saying he won't hold U.S. stocks anymore.
The Right Strategy?
Given America's debt situation and the current economic climate, piling into gold might seem like a no-brainer. But it isn't quite that simple.
Whether or not gold is a good investment right now depends on who you believe - those like Gross who say high inflation is likely or those like Buffett who have faith in the U.S. and say it'll resolve its debt troubles. If you're in the former camp, holding a lot of gold would seem entirely reasonable. In the setting of high inflation, gold would likely gain value even though its price is already near record highs.
But if your long-term outlook on the U.S. is bullish like Buffett's, you might be better off making gold a very small portion of your investment portfolio or excluding it altogether. If the U.S. is prospering and stocks are doing well, investors might feel much less of a need for a safe haven like gold. In that case, it may not gain all that much value in the long term. If things really turned around and the economy picked up sharply, the price of gold just might go way down and stay there for many years. (For more, see Gold: The Other Currency.)
The Bottom Line
Gold's a tough call right now because it's not clear which direction the U.S. is headed. Since nobody can predict the future, consider a strategy financial advisors have long recommended - diversification. Make gold and other precious metals part of an overall portfolio that includes a variety of other types of investments. That way, you'll benefit if gold does well. If it doesn't, you'll have plenty of other investments to pick up the slack. (For more, see Precious Metals: A Golden Opportunity?)


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Staff Report
Published Jan. 29, 2014
BlueChoice HealthPlan Medicaid's request to expand its Medicaid managed care coverage to include Georgetown, Greenwood and McCormick counties has won approval from the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
With the expansion into the three counties, BlueChoice HealthPlan Medicaid now operates in all 46 counties of South Carolina.
Effective Jan. 1 of this year, Medicaid-eligible residents of Georgetown, Greenwood and McCormick counties may select BlueChoice HealthPlan Medicaid as an option for traditional Medicaid services, the Columbia-based insurance company said. The plan also offers wellness programs and a 24-hour nurse line.
The agreement also allows for the addition of 430 health care providers in the three counties to the statewide network of preferred providers. Self Regional Healthcare, Georgetown Memorial Hospital and Waccamaw Community Hospital are also included in the network.
More than 9,000 health care providers and 52 hospitals are part of the plan's statewide network.
The state agency serves as the administrator of South Carolina's Medicaid managed care program. Residents who establish Medicaid eligibility with the agency may elect to receive their benefits through a managed care plan offered by a private company.
"BlueChoice HealthPlan Medicaid has worked hard to develop a network of quality health care providers," said Scott Graves, president and COO of BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina. "As a South Carolina-based company, we're especially pleased to be able to offer our plans statewide now."


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- Rangers Report - http://rangers.lohudblogs.com -
Guest bloggers, week 1 (new update)
Posted By On July 15, 2010 @ 10:36 am In Uncategorized | 188 Comments
I want to thank all of those who volunteered to blog during my vacation. Overwhelmed by the response. Obviously we can't fit all of them in, but we will have a few more weeks to fill before the season begins.
I've got Josh Thomson, 26, scheduled for Tuesday, July 27, and I'm waiting to hear from a few extra potential special guests. Not sure if any of them will want to do it. So at this point, let's just schedule the first week.
Mitch Beck, who covers the Wolf Pack in his Howlings blog [1], is going to get us up to date on the kids who might be competing for jobs at training camp. That will be Wednesday.
Again, I will still be around and will pop in if there's important news.
Just a reminder to the guest bloggers. Please let me know that you are OK with this schedule, and please remember to try to keep the posts relatively succinct (that means short). Eight-10-12 paragraphs ought to be plenty. If you want to go shorter or a little longer we can live with that, too.
I need your post the night before it is scheduled to run, OK? So e-mail it to me at email@example.com.
Here's the first week:
Monday, July 19: cwgatti.
Tuesday, July 20: miked.
Wednesday, July 21: Mitch Beck/Howlings blog [1].
Thursday, July 22: Ranger 909.
Friday, July 23: The White Plains Batman.
Saturday, July 24: Joekuh.
Sunday, July 25: Cynar.
I'll put up a schedule for the following week around Wednesday.
Meanwhile, did you guys see this great news?! [2]
AFTERNOON UPDATE, 4:45 P.M.: Steve Zipay is reporting that Michael Sauer has accepted his qualifying offer.
Article printed from Rangers Report: http://rangers.lohudblogs.com
URL to article: http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/2010/07/15/guest-bloggers-week-1/
URLs in this post:
[1] Mitch Beck, who covers the Wolf Pack in his Howlings blog: http://www.howlings.net/
[2] Meanwhile, did you guys see this great news?!: http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/they_re_back_PZVN8lcKHQYVIYx3xAJRtM
Click here to print.


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Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a Program & Application Process
Why should I study overseas?
When should I go?
Can I go abroad for more than one semester? Is there a maximum?
Am I required to go to a location where I can get major/minor credit?
How early can I start applying? When are applications due?
Can I apply to more than one program?
What is the "Two-Step Application Process"?
Where can I get passport photos taken for my application?
Is the study abroad application process competitive?
Does the Office of Overseas Studies offer summer programs abroad?
Is there a minimum required GPA?
Can only certain majors study abroad?
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
My program requires two semesters of a college-level language — what does this mean?
Where can I find a list of the courses that count for my major/minor abroad?
Will all the courses that I take be awarded USC credit?
Isn't there a limit on the number of units I can transfer to USC?
Can I earn credit for my major/minor on a USC Dornsife study abroad program?
Can I take General Education courses abroad?
I heard that you take classes on a Credit/No Credit basis — is that true? Will those courses still count toward my major? What about transcripts?
How do I obtain credit for my overseas internship?
Can I participate in programs not offered by USC and still receive credit?
Overseas Travel and Housing
Does USC arrange my travel?
What kind of travel documents will I need?
What are the overseas living arrangements?
I live in USC housing. What should I do about my contract through the housing office if I go abroad?
Costs & Financial Aid
Can I afford to study abroad?
Can I use my financial aid to go overseas?
Are there any scholarships available? What about working abroad?
May I talk to an alumnus of the program?
I still have a lot of questions. What should I do next?
Choosing a Program & Application Process
Why should I study overseas?
There are numerous benefits to studying abroad, both academic and personal. On an academic level, you will become a more well-rounded student by taking courses not offered on campus, or those similar to on-campus courses with a different academic context. You can also develop new intellectual pursuits, improve both your foreign language and English communication skills, or begin a new language. You will become more self-reliant and resourceful, make new friends, learn about your heritage or gain new perspectives on your identity, and delve into local arts, culture, cuisine, and sports. You will also make your resume more attractive to future employers because you will improve your interpersonal skills, and you can even gain international internship or volunteer experience.
When should I go?
Most programs require students to have at least sophomore standing upon commencement of the program; some programs require junior status. Transfer students may study overseas upon completion of two semesters at USC. Most programs are open for both semester and year-long study, but some are only available in the spring or require attendance for a full year. Think about your degree plan and speak to your advisor when deciding what would be the best time for you.
Can I go abroad for more than one semester? Is there a maximum?
Yes! Many students choose this option. Some go to the same program for a full year to really immerse themselves deeply in their host country's culture. Others go to two different locations to have two different experiences. While we encourage students to decide whether they want to go for a semester or year when they apply, most programs allow you to apply for a semester and then extend if you want to stay. You may study abroad for a maximum of two semesters on programs through our office.
Am I required to go to a location where I can get major/minor credit?
No. While there are some programs that are only open to certain majors and some that require you to take courses for major credit, you can go abroad for elective credit if you choose.
How early can I start applying?
Applications are due the semester prior to studying and are available at the Office of Overseas Studies at the beginning of the semester in which they are due. For some programs, applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted prior to the deadline. In the case of all other programs, applications will not be processed until after the deadline and early submission will not affect chances of admission.
For application deadlines, click here.
Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes, but only if one of the programs is competitive. If you can't decide between several programs, study abroad advisors are happy to meet with you to help you narrow down your choice.
What is the "Two-Step Application Process"?
Approval for participation in one of USC's study abroad programs is a two-step process. Most programs require both a USC application and a secondary program specific application. All applicants are reviewed by the Office of Overseas Studies and, if approved, their application is sent to the respective study abroad program. The criteria for selection differ from program to program. Being accepted by the Office of Overseas Studies does not guarantee acceptance to a program and the competitiveness of some programs may vary depending on the number of applicants from colleges outside of USC.
Where can I get passport photos taken?
Passport photos can be obtained at any of the following locations:
USCard Services
Triple A at Washington & Figueroa (for AAA member only)
Quik-Pix (located on Vermont)
US Post Office
Are the study abroad programs competitive?
Some programs are more competitive than others, due to higher GPA requirements or enrollment limits. While it is rare that students are not able to participate in the program of their choice, we do advise students applying to competitive programs to choose a backup as well.
Does the Office of Overseas Studies offer summer programs abroad?
No. Several schools and academic departments at USC operate their own summer programs overseas, for which students may receive USC credit. Program requirements vary. For information about the USC faculty-led, problem-based learning programs called Problems Without Passports.
Is there a minimum required GPA?
Yes. Students need at least a 3.0 cumulative USC GPA to study abroad through the Office of Overseas Studies. Some programs have a higher GPA requirement due their academic rigor.
Can only certain majors study abroad?
No. Many of our programs are open to all students regardless of major. There are some exceptions, however, so be sure to carefully read through the eligibility requirements listed at the top of each program's page.
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
No. The Office of Overseas Studies administers some programs with no language requirement whatsoever. In addition, many other programs have language requirements of as few as two semesters. Our website has individual program pages with information regarding specific requirements.
My program requires two semesters of a college-level language - what does this mean?
Two semesters of college-level language is equivalent to having completed the second semester course in that language. You can also meet this requirement by taking the placement test and placing out of second semester. Note that the placement test results are only valid for one year. For information, contact the Language Center.
Where can I find a list of the courses that count for my major/minor abroad?
The Office of Overseas Studies does not keep a list of USC equivalents for all courses offered on every study abroad program. Instead, students must look at the online course catalog for their chosen program and ask their academic advisor whether major/ minor credit will be granted for individual courses. Many departments keep lists of courses that have been pre-approved. If a course you want to take has not been pre-approved, your advisor may ask for a syllabus or course description to evaluate the content. Syllabi and course descriptions can often be found online; if you cannot find them contact the Office of Overseas Studies.
Will all the courses that I take be awarded USC credit?
Usually. All courses taken through an Office of Overseas Studies program that are in an undergraduate area of study offered at USC will be granted USC credit and will count toward the 64-unit residency requirement. Examples of courses that would not be granted USC credit would be Global Tourism or Gaming Industry Management, which are areas of study not offered at USC.
Isn't there a limit on the number of units I can transfer to USC?
The units that you earn on a USC-approved study abroad program (and that are eligible for USC credit) are considered to be taken "in residence" and will count toward the 64-unit residency requirement. They are not "transfer" units. You can check the Programs pages on this website to see how many USC units you can earn on each program.
Can I earn credit for my major/minor on a USC Dornsife study abroad program?
Yes, if your major or minor is in the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences or many of USC's other undergraduate schools. The Office of Overseas Studies offers 50 semester and year-long programs all over the world; there are probably several locations that would suit your interests and allow you to graduate on time! As part of the application process, you are required meet with your academic advisor, who pre-approves the courses you plan to take.
* Note: students with a major in the Marshall School of Business or the Annenberg School for Communication must participate in a study abroad program through Marshall or Annenberg in order to receive major credit. Other USC pre-professional schools may not award major credit for programs offered through the College. However, all undergraduates are welcome to participate in College programs for double major, minor or elective credit.
Can I take General Education courses abroad?
Students are not allowed to fulfill GE, Writing, or Diversity requirements on a study abroad program.
I heard that you take classes on a Credit/No Credit basis - is that true? Will those courses still count toward my major? What about transcripts?
With the exception of USC Paris and USC Madrid, all of the courses you take abroad will appear on your USC transcript as Credit/No Credit and will not affect your GPA. As long as your courses have been approved by your academic advisor, they will count toward your major or minor.
Most students who study abroad receive a copy of their transcript, which contains letter grades. If you are planning to apply to graduate school, you may be required to submit this transcript - so getting good grades is still important!
How do I obtain credit for my overseas internship?
In order to receive credit for an overseas internship it is important to follow USC guidelines. Note that credit for internships is never guaranteed.
Can I participate in programs not offered by USC and still receive credit?
Rarely. To do so, students must file a request for exception to residency, which is initiated with their academic advisor and must gain approval from the department chair, school Dean and Office of Degree Progress. Exceptions are not readily granted. A student must have a strong academic rationale and support from his or her major department. Personal reasons, program location, and avoidance of GPA or language requirements are not sufficient rationale for exception.
If an exception to residency is granted, the student is normally approved to transfer in 8 units of credit. USC financial aid and scholarships will not apply to programs not sponsored by USC however, and units are NOT guaranteed to be transferable. In addition, units transferred from non-USC programs are considered regular transfer units and do not count toward the 64 units required to be taken while in residency at USC.
Overseas Travel and Housing
Does USC arrange my travel?
No. Some programs are operated in cooperation with other universities or organizations, and group flights may be available. Many of the programs offer excursions with pre-arranged transportation during the term.
What kind of travel documents will I need?
All students studying abroad must have a passport, which should be valid for at least six months beyond the last day of their program. Before departing the US, you will also need to obtain a student visa from your host country's consulate. Visa procedures are different for each country, and processing times can take as little as one day or as long as three months. Note that most consulates keep your passport while processing your visa, so you will not be able to travel outside of the US during that time. International students should keep in mind that visa procedures may differ from those of their US-citizen counterparts. Once you have decided on a destination, look at the country's consular website and familiarize yourself with student visa requirements.
What are the overseas living arrangements?
Living arrangements vary between programs. Housing options include dormitories (either with dining halls or cooking facilities), homestays, apartments (with other Americans, native citizens, or other foreign students), group homes, or shared cabins in the case of the Field Studies programs.
I live in USC housing. What should I do about my housing contract if I go abroad?
Students should be careful to distinguish between "university-owned" and "university-managed" housing.
If you are in housing that is "Managed by USC" (for example Tuscany Apts. or other properties where your lease is with a company such as Westar), you are typically on a 12-month lease and cannot be released from one semester of your lease while you study abroad.
Students who live in housing that is both "owned and managed by USC" rather than only "managed by USC" and are accepted to participate in a USC-approved semester study abroad program are eligible to be released from their university housing contract for the semester they are away provided they meet all deadlines set by USC Housing. Such students are eligible to particpate in the USC Housing Renewal (UHR) process; however, there is no absolute guarantee that students will be able to reenter university housing upon return from an overseas program. Students in USC housing who go on a year-long study abroad program are not eligible for UHR.
For students in non-university housing, it is their responsibility to make housing arrangements both before and after studying overseas. The Office of Overseas Studies maintains a message board for students leaving for and returning from overseas. Many students post available apartment rentals on this site, and others post when they need to find a roommate. This is often an effective way to find someone to sub-lease an apartment, or find housing for when you return from overseas. You can view this message board on the Students section of this website.
Cost & Financial Aid
Can I afford to study abroad?
Yes! Many students fear that studying abroad will be too expensive. But there are programs for a wide range of budgets, with some costing considerably less than a semester at USC. The key is to be flexible about where you study abroad. If you would like to find out estimated program costs, please see the Programs pages on this website.
Can I use my financial aid to go overseas?
Yes. USC financial aid including loans, grants, and scholarships are applicable to USC-sponsored overseas studies programs. Financial aid packages are reevaluated in consideration of the cost of a specific program, and aid packages are adjusted according to the modified cost of attendance.
In cases where the semester overseas is projected to be less expensive than an on-campus semester, the estimated family contribution (EFC) will be maintained and the aid package will be reduced. If a program is projected to be more than an on-campus semester, the student and family may be eligible for additional loans in the amount of the price differential.
Are there any scholarships available? What about working abroad?
Scholarships are available for certain overseas programs. Detailed financial aid and scholarship information is available on the Office of Overseas Studies scholarships web page. Generally, there are many more scholarships available for study abroad in non-Western or developing countries. Scholarships for study in Europe and Australia are quite limited. Students can work part time in the UK and Australia only.
Can I talk to an alumnus of the program?
Program evaluations from previous participants are available in the Office of Overseas Studies. These evaluations detail student perceptions of academics, housing, costs and experiences. Most students who fill out an evaluation include their email address so future students can contact them.
I still have a lot of questions. What should I do next?
If you've narrowed down your study abroad options to a few programs, stop by our office to learn more about each program individually. Our office houses student evaluations, course catalogues, course syllabi, brochures, videos, and travel books to help get you started. You can also set up an appointment with a study abroad advisor who can help assess your individual needs and decide which program is best for you. Please call us at 213-740-3636 for more information.
Videosmore videos >
Study Abroad 101: USC Dornsife
An overview of USC Dornsife study abroad options, support services, and advice on choosing the right program for you.Video by Overseas Studies


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Siân E. Lindley, Richard Harper, Dave Randall, Maxine Glancy, and Nicola Smyth
September 2009
SenseCam is an automatic wearable camera, often seen as a tool for the creation of digital memories. In this paper, we report findings from a field trial in which SenseCams were worn by household members over the course of a week. In interviews with these users, it became apparent that the way in which SenseCam images were played back, the manner of which might be described as a stilted movie, affected the values that were realised within them. The time-lapse nature of the image stream led participants to romanticise the mundane and find sentimentality in unexpected places, and was particularly effective at portraying personality and play. In so doing, SenseCam images enlivened the visual recording of everyday scenes. These values influenced what the participants sought to capture and view, and have implications for technologies that might support lifelogging or the development of user-generated content.
|Publication type
|Published in
|Proceedings of the 11th international conference on Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services


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Web's Largest listing of crowdsourcing and crowdfunding events
2,968 crowdsourcing and crowdfunding sites
After artist, engineer, and TED Fellow Salvatore Iaconesi was diagnosed with brain cancer he turned to crowdsourcing to find a cure, launching an open source initiative earlier this week.
By 'cure,' Iaconesi is looking for more than just a way to remove the tumor from his brain. He uploaded a video to YouTube asking for his friends, fans, and complete strangers to heal not only his body, but also his spirit.
Anybody who wants to participate can go to Iaconesi's website and download a horde of (some very personal) data about his health. Using this information, individuals can come up with a cure – Iaconesi himself suggests "a video, an artwork, a map, a text, a poem, a game, or… a solution for my health problem." He will post all the cures on his web page with the hope that others suffering from cancer, or other ailments, will also be able to benefit from them.
It's been a few days since Iaconesi posted his YouTube appeal to the crowd, and today, Iaconesi released a brief update, thanking all contributors and promising to put up the first set of cures in the near future. Watch the video below, and stay tuned for the cures to go up on his site.
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About JARED-M-YB95
kinda skinny, very cynical veiws about life. shy, favortie colors are black, white, and green in that order. favorite car is the 1967 shelby gt 500. Native American (meskwaki to be exact). i keep to myself most times. kinda smart. proud loner. mentally flexible, has glasses. Did forget to mention that i have ADHD. This means i look at the TV and listen to you and notice the squirrel at the same time. Favorite movie is Fight club
WARNING: adderall may be addictive and cause:---
Heart Attack and Stroke
Decreased Growth in Children
Psychosis and Violent Behavior
Urinary Tract Infection


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According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, one in every six Americans has foot problems. Wearing properly-fitting shoes is the first step toward preventing problems of the foot and ankle. The most important factor to remember is to avoid wearing shoes that force your foot to conform to the shape of your shoes.
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Methadone: Elkhart's Leading Overdose
While the rest of Indiana has seen a spike in heroine overdoses, Elkhart County is seeing the synthetic version.
John White, the Elkhart County Coroner, says he is seeing methadone take the lead in overdose deaths, making a trend that is not slowing.
White says that it is the "number one problem drug in this county."
There have been 49 deaths in Elkhart Co. since 2007 in which a methadone overdose was either a prominent or sole cause of death.
Methadone is unique and dangerous due to its long half-life (how long the drug remains in your system) of eight to 59 hours. The effects felt only last a few hours. Consumers will often feel the drug isn't working and take more, when the previous half-life still has yet to wear off.
"They may not feel the effects of the drug, but their body still feels the effects of the drug," says White.
The overlap can be deadly. When too much of the drug is taken, it can cause respiratory and cardiac depression, causing the user to go into a coma and die.
Police officers will often carry a drug called narcan, which can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. Narcan does not reverse the effect of heroin's synthetic cousin methadone. Once an overdose occurs, there is no way to reverse the symptoms, even with emergency treatment.
White fears doctors haven't sat people down and made them understand the potential risk of the drug.
He also is worried that on-the-street methadone is being confused with methamphetamine, which is a drug that gives the user energy. Methadone will slow the user down. If someone takes methadone and expects the "upper" high of methamphetamine, they can easily take more, thinking the drug isn't working. By then it is often too late.
About the Drug
The drug has often been used as a means to dissuade heroin addicts and act as a monitored replacement. It has been noted for being almost as addictive as heroin.
Methadone that is administered as a replacement for heroin addiction by rehabilitation clinics, but is highly monitored when it is administered.
White is seeing overdoses from those who have a prescription (40 percent of overdoses) and from those who are obtaining it on the street (60 percent).
Prescriptions for methadone cannot be overextended, said White. Unlike other non-narcotic medications the limit that is listed on the bottle instructions is exactly what you can take without being in danger.
Developing a tolerance for methadone is fairly easy, and doctors bear this in mind when writing prescriptions. What is a correct dose for one person could kill another.
Around the State
Indiana has seen a huge uptick in heroin related deaths, trafficking and busts in the last few years. Elkhart County has — to White's surprise — not felt the same effects as the rest of the state. He speculates Elkhart is just far enough east from the Chicago pipeline to not be a draw for those moving the product, often leaving dealings and addictions in the wake.
White has only had two heroin overdoses during the last two years. In neighboring St. Joseph County coroner, Randy Magdalinski, has seen a drastic decrease in methadone related deaths in the past two years.
According to White, it comes in waves for Elkhart. They will go two or three months and not have a methadone death, and then they will have several all at once. He thinks it's correlated to the availability of the drug on street corner and on the black market.


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Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat each scored their
first NHL goals to help the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the visiting Carolina
Hurricanes, 4-1.
Teddy Purcell and Nate Thompson supplied the other goals for the Lightning,
who snapped a five-game losing streak at home with a third straight win over
their Southeast Division rivals.
Tampa Bay goaltender Mathieu Garon made 21 saves. All three of his wins
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Edit Article
How to Build Near Infrared Goggles
Never winning at night capture the flag? Trying to find out what's going on in that shed in the woods? Need a safe way to go urban exploring at night? For the spy in all of us, this how to will teach you how to make a good night vision device that only a few decades ago was unheard of.
This article has been tagged as a stub.
That means it's off to a good start, but still has room to grow into a more helpful resource. Until the article reaches its full potential, it will be hidden from search results. Can you help it flourish? If you think the article offers complete and accurate instructions, feel free to remove this tag.
1Paint the goggles black, inside and out, except for the lenses. Use painters tape to keep the lens free of spray paint. Let the goggles dry between inside and outside coats.
2Trace the lens of the goggles onto both theatrical photo gels, one 'Congo Blue' and one 'Primary Red'. The combination of these 2 filters will create a low-pass filter, because red blocks blue light and blue blocks red light, but both of them pass through the infra-red light.
3Cut the shapes out carefully and glue them to the inside of the lenses. This may require some trimming. First stick the red shape on and on top of that the blue shape so that in order you should have goggles,red,blue.
4Take six infra red LEDs and solder three in series (the positive lead of the first LED should branch down to the positive lead of the next LED where it is soldered until this arrangement is leads down to the last LED with the power leads. Both leads should do such.) Repeat with the other three LEDs.
5Secure the two LED arrangements to the sides of the goggles and solder some longer wires to the positive and negative leads of the LEDs
6Run the wires from the outside to the inside of the goggles and tape them to the proper contacts of a battery. I would recommend a AA for each pair, but this depends on the power consumption for the LEDs. Make sure you read the spec sheets on your LEDs!
7If you want, install a switch between one the battery and one of the contacts on both sides so that you don't waste power. This step is recommended.
Community Q&A
Ask a Question
- These goggles do not let you see true infra-red light, only near infra-red light.
- Human eyes can't detect infra-red light.
- On a bright sunny day you can see the infra-red without the LEDs, but don't look into the sun! you'll burn your eyes in a second!
- Don't do anything illegal (trespassing, stalking, etc.)
Things You'll Need
- Goggles (soldering goggles with removable lenses work best)
- 6 200 mW IR LEDs
- Soldering gun
- Theatrical gels (Congo blue LEE C181, and primary red ROSCO 27/LEE C106 )
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Español: hacer gafas casi infrarrojas, Русский: сделать почти инфракрасные очки, Português: Construir Óculos com Visão em Infravermelho Próximo
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Wakefield Food Pantry readying for its Jan. 2 opening
Located adjacent to the town's public works yard at 1500 Wakefield Road, the new 2,000-square foot pantry was made possible through grants, matching funds and donations - including more than $80,000 worth of in-kind donations of labor, supplies and discounts, according to pantry volunteer Denny Miller, the project's general contractor.
Pantry President Janet Miller and other volunteers were at the pantry on Wednesday, working on the interior, installing ceiling tiles and wrapping up loose ends. Earlier that morning, members of Boy Scout Troop 198 moved the food from the pantry's former home - a small space it shared with the Parks and Recreation Department in Sanbornville - to the new building. Miller said the Scouts volunteered to restock the new shelves as well.
Janet Miller said community support for the pantry has been "just unbelievable." After voters at the March 2012 town meeting approved leasing the land for the pantry building, the planning board reviewed and approved the proposal for a one-acre of town-owned land. From there, the site had to be cleared and logged, stumped and leveled, she said. By August the foundation was laid and the metal building arrived on a flatbed truck.
The Millers credited many volunteers and donors for their support, including local builder and planning board member Tom Dube, who did all the site and septic work for the project. Local artist Ron Fountain donated more than $8,000 in proceeds from his art show to the pantry earlier this fall, and Ossipee Aggregates donated the gravel for the lot. In September, St. John's Episcopal Church sponsored an "Arff Walk" and raised $4,500 for the pantry. Communications equipment specialist Clayton Randall of Randall Telecommunications Services donated the telephone and communications system to the pantry - and installed it for free.
And even when the new pantry building was in the idea stages, an anonymous benefactor offered to match up to $100,000 in donations for the pantry. Miller said the benefactor wants to remain anonymous, at least for now.
"This is a good building made even better by the volunteers and professionals who gave their time and talent, not to mention all the cash donations that have been designated for our building fund," said pantry Treasurer Howie Knight, husband of volunteer Pam Knight, who died this summer. A plaque honoring her spirit and legacy hangs in the new pantry's reception area.
The days and hours of operation remain the same, Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The building is staffed each Tuesday from approximately 8:30-10 a.m. with volunteers stocking shelves and processing produce for the Wednesday session.
Donations of food or cash may be brought to the pantry during those hours. The pantry plans to install a donation box outside the building so that anyone donating nonperishables could drop off food, even when the pantry is not open. Anyone needing more information may call the pantry at 522-3094 or Janet Miller at 522-5058.
The new pantry features a roomy and bright waiting area with a small section dedicated to children's books. The distribution area adjoins the food warehouse, where the food is picked for each client while moving along a long counter. It is expected that this layout will allow for a much more efficient selection process and will reduce waiting time for recipients. The pantry is serving approximately 60 families a week, a 35 percent increase over the year before, according to Janet Miller.
Labor-saving elements include a carton flow rack in the warehouse picking area. This 10-foot-long, 5-foot-deep rack is slanted in the front with rollers on the shelves allowing for stocking shelves from the rear and having product move forward with less effort. An expandable conveyor will allow for rapid and efficient unloading of trucks and a 5-foot long U-boat platform truck will be used to move items into the food area.
"For the volunteers, we designed an efficient workspace, which also prevents injuries and saves energy," said DJ Walkey, operations manager.
To celebrate the opening of the pantry, there will be a community Open House on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the new building, 1500 Wakefield Road, Wakefield. The dedication ceremony, led by local clergy, will be at 1:30.
Janet Miller said a separate volunteer appreciation event will be held for all the people who helped over the years to achieve the pantry's goals.
"Our mission is to have a hunger-free community," said Janet Miller.
- - - - - - - -
Larissa Mulkern may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Big Brother 11: A New Target
July 14, 2009 07:48 PM by Ryan Haidet
Move over Jessie. Just when it seemed nobody could be more of a tool, Russell steps in to save the day. In tonight's episode of Big Brother 11, Russell brought on so much drama and fighting that I'm actually starting to root for former Meathead Master Jessie. I can't believe I actually just typed that. Only three episodes into the season and the personalities have already started to clash.
Tears & Comfort
After the first Nomination Ceremony, Lydia was devastated about being targeted for elimination. She went back to the pool room and started sobbing as several other houseguests tried to comfort her. Lydia said she felt like Jessie had judged her off of her appearance and that was the reason he placed her on the chopping block. But Jordan, Jeff and Kevin tried to convince her that she would be safe in the game.
Cue Chima.
Standing just outside of their discussion, Chima overheard the group's comforting statements, which had her worried since nobody had tried to console her.
This is the prime reason it's never a good idea to volunteer yourself to be nominated as a pawn. Never. Period.
Ooey, Gooey Zits
When it came time to pick the players for the Veto Competition, Lydia said in a confessional that she didn't want the Athletes to be selected since they were the group that wanted her out in the first place. So when the random draw took place, every single member of the Athlete clique was chosen to participate. Irony, huh Lydia?
The group gathered in the backyard where there was a huge face on the ground with loads of acne. They had 10 minutes to pop the pimples and pull out lettered tiles from inside the gooey mess. They then had to use those tiles to spell out a long word. The contestant with the longest word would win the Golden Power Of Veto. Chima felt like she was perfect for this competition because of her extensive vocabulary as a freelance writer. Lydia was focused and said she was hoping to get enough letters to spell "civilization," which is the longest word she could think of right then.
After the smelly, nasty, slippery challenge was over, everybody revealed their words. Jessie had tried to spell "continuously," but instead he spelled it "continously." A+ for effort!
If that wasn't good enough, Natalie scored big time with her fabulous four-letter word "last." Whew. At least she spelled it right.
Chima revealed she had started to spell "superficiality" but didn't complete it in time.
Russell took the lead after successfully spelling "shotgun."
Next up was Jeff who created a whole new word "tectronics." Wow. I like ya, Jeff. But seriously?
It all came down to Lydia. She had tried for "civilization," but couldn't complete the word. That meant Russell took the first Power Of Veto. If that wasn't bad enough, Russell then decided to give himself a new nickname — Shotgun Russell the Love Muscle.
Athletes Argue
Russell felt like Jeff was a complete moron who intentionally threw the Veto Competition. So he sparked a big argument in an attempt to embarrass Jeff. It all started when Russell walked around the house poking fun at Jeff's new word he tried to create in the competition. Jeff tried to defend himself, but Russell kept on going.
Unbelievable. A huge fight over spelling broke out. After Russell got things rolling, he left the argument and went back inside the house. Naturally, the battle continued outside between Jeff and Natalie. The Athletic clique has already started falling apart.
Lydia Works Her Magic Massage Skills
Lydia was desperate to get off the nomination block, so she went off and started giving a massage to Russell. As she asked for safety, Russell told her that Natalie was really the person behind her nomination.
Moments later, Lydia was upstairs in the Head Of Household bedroom trying to work on Jessie. That's when Natalie walked in and Lydia called her out. There was no denial on Natalie's part, which brought a weird connection between the group. After trying to convince the Athletes that she shouldn't be sent packing, Lydia brought up Braden and Jeff as potential targets.
After their chat with Lydia, Russell went up to the HOH bedroom. Jessie said that back dooring Braden would be a genius idea so they could get a power player out of the game early. But when Ronnie got wind of the new plan, he went and told some of the other people and warned Braden.
Russell caught on quickly, though. He noticed a change in Braden's attitude and suspected the secret plan had been spoiled. So Russell asked Ronnie if he was the person responsible for the leak. Now, Ronnie is absolutely a very likable player, but he is an awful liar. He looked nervous and intimated as he lied to Russell's face about the situation.
Of course, Russell didn't buy his story one bit.
Russell Saves Lydia
In a not-so-shocking move at the Veto Ceremony, Russell used his power to remove Lydia from the chopping block. Jessie then stood and nominated Braden for eviction. Amazing. The guy who has done nothing negative in the house yet has become the new target. Crazy how things change in the Big Brother house.
But here's the interesting part. It seems more people will be on Braden's side when it comes to the vote than Chima's. Maybe the first pawn of the season will be speaking with Julie Chen outside of the house sooner than she expected.
Who will be the first person evicted from the Big Brother 11 house? Find out this Thursday night.
Images by Sonja Flemming/CBS.
For moreentertainment news and celebrity gossip, visit oursister site SheKnows.com!
Reality TV Magazine is your source for Big Brother 11 news. Discuss the Big Brother cast and events in the house on our Big Brother message board. For other great Big Brother 10 news, you can check our SirLinksAlot: Big Brother 11.
Check out more information on all the Big Brother 11 contestants.
Topics: Big Brother, CBS Reality TV Shows |
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One Response to "Big Brother 11: A New Target"
jmgbritton Says:
July 15th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I absolutely agree. I cannot stand Russell. I am finding myself root for just about anyone as long as they get him our. He is such a jerk.


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Starting in 2007, Symantec has been quietly building a virtualization solutions portfolio through a string of acquisitions:
- January 2007: Altiris - application virtualization
- April 2008: AppStream - application virtualization
- August 2008: nSuite - connection broker
In Spring 2009, Symantec plans to release an integrated and enhanced suite of products from its acquisitions in the Symantec Endpoint Virtualization Suite which will compete with:
- Citrix XenDesktop and Citrix XenApp
- Microsoft MED-V and Microsoft App-V
- VMware View and VMware Thinstall
Despite its efforts, Symantec is missing a key component in its offering to take on Citrix, Microsoft and VMware: a virtualization platform with comprehensive management and automation capabilities. Citrix knew the importance of not solely relying on third-party virtualization platforms, acquiring XenSource in 2007. And although $500 million seems like a big investment (it is) strategically Citrix is well-positioned to offer a complete, integrated virtualization stack to enterprise customers with Citrix XenServer, Citrix XenDesktop and Citrix XenApp, accompanied by management applications offered in Citrix Essentials and from Citrix partners such as Marathon Technologies.
So what can Symantec do to bolster its virtualization offering? Will there be a window of opportunity for the software giant to offer customers an end-to-end solution from the desktop to the data center or will it continue to simply partner with Citrix, Microsoft and VMware?
Enter Parallels. While Parallels has taken its time to build a bare-metal hypervisor, the company knew that it could not bring a second rate product to market given the fierce competition. So instead of launching Parallels Server prematurely, Parallels continued to build and refine a virtualization offering that is technologically superior to anything currently available on the market:
- Hybrid OS and hypervisor virtualization solution with integrated management and automation
- Memory over-commit (currently available only in VMware ESX) for higher consolidation ratios
- Live migration for OS containers (no downtime) and virtual machines (short downtime) without shared storage requirement (comparable to VMotion and Storage VMotion from VMware)
- Data protection with live backups and snapshots
There is more...
- Comprehensive storage support for SAN, iSCSI and NAS
- Built on top of high-performance, scalable and proven Parallels Virtuozzo Containers kernel that is deployed on more than 50,000 servers world-wide
- P2V and V2V migration tools with support for converting OS containers to virtual machines
- It also looks like there may be a hardware abstraction layer (similar to VMware ESX) that would allow migrations across heterogeneous servers (not possible with Xen or Hyper-V)
To top this off, Parallels already has market-leading virtualization products for desktops: Parallels Workstation and Parallels Desktop for MAC (with over one million copies sold world-wide).
So why should Symantec (and other vendors such as Oracle) take notice? Because with a single acquisition, it would be possible to obtain superior virtualization technology for desktops and servers with integrated automation and management. Furthermore, while other virtualization vendors are talking about cloud computing, Parallels is probably best positioned to be a leader in this space because it already owns dominant mind and market share in the hosting market. In other words Parallels has leapfrogged all the other vendors.
Parallels may be late to the party with its bare-metal hypervisor but it is going to crash the party once it arrives, and certainly turn some heads. And with Parallels channel partners already using Lanamark Suite for delivering virtualization services to drive Parallels virtualization products to enterprise customers, Parallels will be unstoppable.