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LG Google TV Reviewby Jason Inofuentes on 10/2/2012 9:00 PM EST
- Posted in
- Google TV
- Media Streamer
- Media Player
- Honeycomb
- Android
50 Comments
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tipoo - Tuesday, October 02, 2012 - linkGlad to see a TV review here, a lot of more regular TV review sites skip the objective hard numbers. I'm curious though, sRGB was a standard set for computers, was it not? Does it make a good test for TVs, since they were never the target? Is there no separate standard for them? Reply
cheinonen - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linksRGB and HDTV (Rec. 709) have the exact same primaries and white point. The only difference really is that video uses a smaller range of values (16-235) than RGB (0-255) for video, but it should hit the same color points. sRGB also has a gamma standard while HDTV does not, but HDTV and sRGB are very, very close to each other. Reply
gavincredible - Monday, April 13, 2015 - linkGreat post. For those who live outside US like me, you can access Netflix, Hulu and similar media stations on your Google TV by using UnoTelly or similar tools. Reply
dagamer34 - Tuesday, October 02, 2012 - linkI feel like unlike with smartphones, it's not a technology problem, it's a business problem, and those are a lot harder to fix. We all know how it SHOULD work. It SHOULD be just like Netflix, but with live, recent television. A show has a "live" broadcast with ads at a certain time, then as soon as the show is over, you can watch it on demand on the same service. You should be able to pick up any device to continue watching right at the same point. We should be getting fewer, far more relevant ads because you can do REAL ad targeting based on who is watching, not what they are watch and do away with this fake Nielson crap. I care about TV shows, not TV channels. I should be able to bring up the IMDB info of an episode as it's happening to find actors, writers, directors, etc... all in real time.
I want the TV of the future I was promised, not the crap they currently peddle to us now. Reply
J_Tarasovic - Tuesday, October 02, 2012 - linkAhem!!! The Ceton Q looked promising but it was announced that it was put on hold today. Too bad. Reply
ssj3gohan - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkAnd this is why the TV in its current, and past, form has never appealed to me. As soon as I got to (our country's equivalent to) college, I haven't really watched TV anymore. You can get the experience you're describing on a PC. I've been able to do that for the last 10ish years. Reply
hulawafu77 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkWow, you are truly a hardcore TV watcher. Reading that, almost made me think there was a new profession, TV watching that I was unaware of. Reply
ol1bit - Tuesday, October 02, 2012 - linkI have the Sony Google Tv box, and overall I'd say Goggle TV gets a FAIL.
Using Google Tv, all I get for choices seems to be Netflix or Amazon. It is no where close to MS media center! It can't see or connect to my Silicon Dust dual tuner, can't connect with any media server I have. Can't record shows, can't seem to stream video from the web other than Netflix, amazon, or youtube(yuck). Aka, media center has lots of plug-ins.
Xbox, XMBC, Plex, MS Media center are better. Sure it has android, but you can't download very much for it.
I use it for Netflix and Blu-ray, that's it.
Don't get me wrong I have Android phones, Asus Transformer Prime, and they are wonderful.
Google seems like they have no, zip, zero ideas what to do for a media device! Reply
mr_tawan - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkI have Sony Google TV, and I don't use those NetFlix or Amazon.
I mainly use it for Youtube, a lot of clips don't play properly on the box. Next thing I uses is aVia media player for network player (uPNP and some online service) and local media player. And the other thing I use a lot is Slacker Radio, eventhough I'd prefer TuneIn, it's not available.
I don't really understand why Google choose not to include Music or Video player from the Android into these Google TV. Without these we are drived to 3rd-party app, which is not really many given that GoogleTV does not support NDK (yeah I have to blame those developer for not porting the app entirely to Android).
Google Play is still need to catchup on what on the Android. Currently it provides only app just like Android's one a few years ago. Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkTuneIn is available as a web app. You can find it by heading to the Spotlight app. It's a pretty solid web app, though i would prefer the native app. Cheers.
Jason Reply
EnzoFX - Tuesday, October 02, 2012 - linkNo these solutions aren't revolutions, but isn't it all we need?
A revue seems to be all I need. Skip the provider cable/sat boxes, and all you're left with is a pretty streamlined solution to stream online content. Sure it's all a lot of boxes due, but I like the fact that there's a much more direct support from Google themselves. It works. How often do some other boxes have issues with their own implementations of youtube or netflix, etc.
Is this not all we need? The app store is the real next hurdle, and it's bound to come, but until then, direct support for the basics, which even a power user must admit is 90% of what they would do with a TV is solid. This with the fact that it will trickle into your tv regardless is a nice icing on the cake for a sweet panel. Which if you think about the market, it's all about getting cheaper panels out. Reply
Guspaz - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkThe problem is that Google TV doesn't even seem to meet the existing requirements, let alone define anything revolutionary. Inability to play SD content properly? That's a pretty fundamental flaw. It sounds like, from the review, anything 16:9 should work fine in "full screen" mode, but anything 4:3 would not work with that (don't want it stretched out), so you end up with a tiny little 4:3 standard def window on a big screen... I don't understand how a media player can fail so utterly at something so basic.
You don't even need an option here. It's video playback. Whatever resolution or aspect ratio it is, stretch it up so that it takes up as much of the screen as possible without cutting anything of. It's what every single video player on the market does, except apparently for this one... Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkTo be clear, that flaw, the awkward stretching of non-16:9 content, is only a problem in the "Media Player" app, which plays local content. Content streamed from the internet is almost always handled by the browser, or a provider's app, and those don't exhibit this behavior. Reply
jjj - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkWeird to see a review for a TV here.
Anyway, the problem with TVs is that everybody thinks of them as TVs and not just screens. It shouldn't be about how we get media content or the UI or the remote or w/e other minor thing most think is the key,we'll manage when it comes to that and those are the easy things (that was me trying to make a point without giving away very specufic ideas ).
Google TV is just named wrong and missunderstood,it's about the internet on that screen,not about media content (even Google after a point went with the idea that it's about media). Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkThe thing is, if it were just about getting the internet on a TV then we should all have slim PC's hooked up to our TV's with wireless keyboards and mice. It's about changing the way content is found. Jeff provided a good description above of what an ideal for current content would be (instant streaming availability the moment a show airs) but that's only half the equation. For content creators and consumers alike, getting the right content to the right viewer is the holy grail. And if you have new content that appeals to people that like certain old content, or that meet some other demographic measure, then you could really score big by finding a way to connect the two. Google's solution was search as a user behavior and then related content as the connector. I search for content, and whether it's available or not, I am presented with a raft of other content that is available and relatable. Reply
Impulses - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - link" Too many cooks stir the pot in the US television industry; and until someone manages to pare that down to a scant few, we're not likely to get the on-demand, always ready, universal experience that this pastime has been aching for. "
Could say the same for the mobile industry (and even the music industry), although it's greatly magnified with TV. I'm hardly a Jobs or Apple fan, but the impact that they had in wrestling some degree of control away from music studios and mobile carriers was huge, I'm not sure if anyone's ever gonna manage the same for TV & movies (Netflix's probably come closest before facing a ton of push back from studios).
Ten years from now we might remember those victories as Job's biggest impact, rather than the success of any one device... And we'll probably still be whining about cable/sat companies, studios, etc. Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - link+1 Reply
antef - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkThanks for writing this great review. Too often "reviews" on tech sites nowadays are just a run-down of the features you could get from looking at the product sheet without any real investigation, totally missing obvious pain points that a real user would see after just a few minutes. I want to hear about the actual experience of using a device, in a person's own words, like an Amazon review, and this article was spot-on. I liked hearing about some of the finer details of the platform since I haven't used it myself but have been wondering for some time if it would be a good fit for me. What I'd like to see is Google upgrade this to Jelly Bean and release a Nexus Google TV device for $99. It could have the potential to be the ultimate connected TV experience. Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkThanks for the feedback.
We'd heard rumblings of a "Nexus Google TV" for a while, and even the possibility that LG might be a partner in such a device. I think what we'll instead see is the disseminated experience I laid out. No longer will there be a vanilla Google TV experience, simply, the tools that make Google TV good will be made available to partners, and they're responsible for building the UI and fleshing out the experience.
This is kind of a smart bet. The Samsungs, Sonys and LGs of the world have been building TV's and TV UI's for ages, and love them or hate them, they do have the most experience with them. So, for Google to do all the guess work and try to build a UI themselves is risky, especially when you consider that people have always seen TV's as a long cycle product. Six month UI refreshes work fine on phone's since people swap phones every two years, or less. Same with tablets and other CE products. To a certain extent, even PC's (look at Apple's slow tweaking of OS X). But TV's have glacially moved from dials, to remotes, to on-screen menus, to the Smart TV era. If Google makes a bad bet on a UI and a partner doesn't care to update their product with a newer, better UI, Google ends up with egg on their face (see Android phones). Now, the $99 media box changes that equation pretty radically, but that's not where partners want to be. Margins on TVs and media equipment have gotten crazy thin, and Google TV works best as a content discovery service when it's fully integrated into the experience. So, a $99 box is a compromise for OEMs (super slim margins) and the user (multiple UI's layered atop each other). Reply
antef - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkThanks for the response. I would be disappointed if it played out as you predict, with Google TV's core parts just being offered to partners to integrate into products and create their own experiences with. That's essentially how the Android market works, with the exception that Google does provide Nexus "Google experience" devices, which I prefer to use. It's nice that Android exists for OEMs to create their own ecosystems out of, but I personally don't trust most of their work and would rather use the pure experience straight from Google. Imagine if you had no choice but MotoBlur, Sense, or TouchWiz on phones? That would suck.
You give credit to Samsung's and LG's TV UI experience but I just don't see it. You pointed out yourself all the strangeness with LG's UI on this TV. Samsung just throws everything at the wall to see what sticks. Their TouchWiz UIs are the least elegant Android skin out there, and now with their new TVs they're trying voice, motion sensing, everything. An integrated experience from a company like this will always be a bad experience. Too much ads, and worse, too much of their own content and stores being shoved down our throat. It will never look like a cohesive solution, leaving the door wide open for Apple to come in and do it better.
The $99 box should be EXTREMELY appealing for Google, for the same reason Android is appealing to them: getting more people searching the web and seeing ads. TV is a huge untapped market with lots of people not currently in the smartphone-owning demographic. Google should get hardware into these people's hands as cheaply as possible to get them searching Google, using Chrome, etc. from their couches. The $99 box is also a win for consumers as it lets them swap it out whenever technology advances independently from their TV.
If a Nexus Google TV device doesn't happen I will probably seek out the closest to stock experience at the same price point from a partner. Reply
Mugur - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkXBMC. And if you can launch it with a single button press from the remote, would be even better. :-) Reply
JaredC01 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkYou can install 'third party' apps on the TV, and I happen to have a beta version of XBMC on my Evo 4G LTE... Might have to give it a try. Reply
nathanddrews - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - link+1 to this idea.
The "perfect" HTPC has been with us for a while, I think. A simple, vanilla $350 laptop with SNB (or IVB) inside connected via HDMI and loaded up with XBMC can honestly do just about everything. Toss in a couple XBMC plugins and I'm not sure you can do better. Local, network, or Internet, you've got a single interface to listen to or watch anything you want.
I can't wait until they get Eden-level stability into the Android app. :) Reply
JaredC01 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkI actually have the 55" version of the G2.
On 'the panel' page you state the TV has 2x component inputs. That's incorrect. The TV has a single component input and a single composite input. When using component, you must also use the audio from the composite input cable, which removes the ability to use them both at the same time as well.
Also, you said there's 'no apparent way to change the panel order' which is also incorrect. You cannot REMOVE a panel best I have found, but you can rearrange them. The same is true with the shortcut bar, you can change the arrangement and selection of all the items in the bar side the home, notifications, and apps buttons.
As for the 'Home' shortcut on the app bar, it toggles between full-screen video and the panel layout.
I will also say that you CAN download an alternate launcher from the Play Store, though it's the typical tablet / phone UI and not a Google TV enabled launcher. Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkI've already packaged the unit up for return to LG but if you wouldn't mind filling me in on how to rearrange the panels and the shortcut bar I will add that information in. I dug through the settings and couldn't figure out how.
I did actually try a few launcher's out, including one designed to replace the Google TV launcher, but there wasn't really any value add, and the LG launcher seemed eager to reinstate itself every now and again.
As for the component inputs, you are correct, and I'll update that shortly. Thanks.
Jason Reply
JaredC01 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkFor rearranging the panels and the shortcuts you just have to long click on them (long click on the panel name tab for the panels) and it will give you a drag-and-drop rearrangement menu. As for swapping out the icons, it's as easy as hitting the Menu button on the remote (from the Home screen), and selecting "Customize home items". Reply
chavv - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkFor 60$ one can buy Android 4 powered "pc-on-flash"
With hdmi, usb, wifi, sdcard connectivity Reply
yyrkoon - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkDo you actually own one ? If so, have you used it for months ? Years ?
At this price, the reliability comes into question, as well as the origins of the device.
In all honesty I too was thinking the same thing. At the beginning. Then I saw this was a full blown "PC" + screen, in one device. For $60 you're hardly going to get a HDTV along with it.
Yes, I too have seen these devices you speak of. they are more like $70 + for low end dual core AllWinner A10 ARM based systems that are slightly bigger than a USB thumb drive. Also at $70 they do not come with wifi, or a SD card slot. Just USB, and HDMI out. Also, at these prices, these devices are all no name brand devices. From China, where yours truly has no faith in customer relations. If it were Asus, or someone else who cares about their reputation, then this would be a non issue for me.
However, I have read a few user reviews on such devices, The best I have found so far some person bought 3 devices, and was happy with 2, because they 3rd powered up for 5 minutes before dying . . . so yeah. Whatever you like. Reply
yyrkoon - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkAs an aside, I would probably not buy a device like that which is reviewed myself. Let alone for $1000+ USD . . .
Get a rasberry PI, and wait for someone to release a google android TV image for it. Get the proper write tool for given OS, write it to a SD card, Pop in the SD card, viloa. Near instant google TV for $35 USB plus shipping. Plus time invested. Reply
chavv - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkI agree, chinese device...
Yet, for 60$ one can buy rockchip3066 (real dual-core cpu) based device with mali mp4 gpu. With hdmi, sdcard, usb and wifi.
If retail sellers want 100$ for such device without these ports, well they take riska and want profit :) Reply
cjb110 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkHaving recently bought Sony's standalone box, I'd agree. I think its more powerful and better than SmartTV's. But it needs more focus from Google
Chrome is good, but its a different version than now on the tablets/phones, and missing useful things like page sync.
And I know Google/Apple want us to live in clouds, but until they launch all their cloud products worldwide, people need alternatives...so I think Google should have put more effort into allowing people to access content they already have. DLNA/UPNP would have been good.
Also their Play Store is a little to restrictive, the OS is better at handling apps built for other devices than they give it credit for, allowing apps to be installed with a warning would expand the ecosystem instantly. Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkI'll agree across the board on this, though some of it isn't Google's fault. Google doesn't want to be on the hook for providing every aspect of the experience, and one piece they've always left to partners is the DLNA/UPNP component. I'm pretty sure all their devices are capable, but they leave it to the partners to provide an app to handle this content, and most do, eagerly, so that they can rebrand it and confuse the market. By calling it AllPlay or some such, they create FUD that their device will only work with similarly branded devices.
And you're definitely right, the Play Store does have a lot more potential and loosening a few of the filters could go a long way. But then again, look at how many apps these days rely on portrait mode. Or have a very touch centric UI (I'm thinking particularly of touch and drag gestures). It could get really messy. Instead, simply green flagging apps could work, but then you need testers.
Thanks for the comments. Reply
GotThumbs - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkEven Though this is a break from the norm, it is based on current and upcoming technology. Down the road, I see the TV as the main interface for accessing phone, web, and home digital content. Every house will have its own server and devices will link to it for content or management. Items such as coffee makers will be wireless and link to your server for software updates as well as programming.
I have an LG 5700 Smart TV. Even Though it does not use the same Google TV skin, I've found it very easy to watch the movies stored on my server. While the web browsing is sluggish and limited, I think this is a good start and look forward to the next generations of smart TV's that will be more powerful. Adding a touch screen capability for smaller tv's in kitchens would be cool as well.
Overall, I think the concept is good and now it's just a matter of getting up to speed for those of us who will put the technology to use sooner than the general public. Reply
prophet001 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkI know next to nothing about color spaces or monitor calibration.
However, based on your definition of color gamut shouldn't the screen perform better? It looks to me like barely half of the color space is reproduced by this television.
How is that a "good" color gamut? Reply
cheinonen - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkOn the CIELUV chart that Jason uses (which is more accurate than the more common CIE xy chart), the goal isn't to cover the entire gamut, but to correctly align the color points of the TV with the points on the inner triangle (the black lines with + symbols on the points that you can see in the chart).
While the TV might have a larger native color gamut than the HDTV/sRGB target, HDTV content doesn't support that larger gamut, so if it were to use it, you would actually be seeing colors that are incorrect and distorted from the intended targets. This is what you can actually see with some OLED screens on phones, as they produce a much larger gamut than the sRGB standard, but don't have the capability to correctly map sRGB content to their correct locations.
So in an ideal world, we would cover the entire NTSC gamut (which is what the full CIELUV color area represents), but we don't have content that can use that, or display technology that can display all of it, so we use a subset of it. The important thing is to map to that subset correctly, as otherwise colors appear distorted and unnaturally bright and vivid. Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - link+1 to Chris, our resident displays expert. Thanks. Reply
prophet001 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkGreat explanation. Thank you very much :) Reply
org - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkI have despaired of getting a capable, polished local media/streaming box that I just have to plug. I have now an HTPC but it is not satisfactory for all the things I want.
I preordered the OUYA, that should get close to want I want once I install XBMC on it.A controller will probably not be as good as a good remote control, but it will be definitely better than a bad one. And as an extra, I can play games on it. Not that into Android games, but a SNES emulator would be awesome. I can even play PC games with a desktop streaming solution like Splashtop. Maybe install a tv tuner on my file server and use Plex Server + XBMC...
I'm actually pretty excited! Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkThis, though, is why things like Google TV are such risky ventures. They need to make it truly plug and play so that it gets wide acceptance. But if it requires lots of tweaks on the user's part then it'll never spread. Plex and XBMC and even Windows Media Center are all great products, that require quite a bit from their users to work perfectly. It's the list of necessary user behaviors that has to be pared down for success. Good luck with the OUYA, though; let us know how it works out.
Jason Reply
cjs150 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkThe end result should be a system (whether standalone or as part of a TV I do not care) which plays everything whether stored on a NAS, streamed from the internet, DVD/Blu-ray or just ordinary TV - ideally you would throw cable into this as well but I have given up on cable companies ever seeing any sense.
My perfect end result connects through high end AV equipment to deliver 5:1 surround sound and has one remote control for all.
Google TV is a long, long way from that but I have to accept that what I, as a geek, am willing to accept and what the average person wants are likely to be different. I can put up with separate boxes, funny file naming conventions etc. The average person wants something that just works - if it looks pretty as well that is a bonus.
Apart from any optical drive, it is already relatively easy to build a system that is completely silent, capable of ripping all CD/DVD and Blu-ray on to storage, will transmit 1 or 2 HD streams that are very nearly identical to watching directly from a Blu-ray player. Sound quality is good, TV capture (apart from cable) has been pretty good for years.
The problems with such a system are (a) software and (b) remote control.
The software issue revolve around lack of compatability with file formats, the ability to play blu-rays, file naming conventions to name just the big areas. I like both XBMC and WMC, both have strengths and weaknesses but neither are ideal because neither really take into account how we will consume media in the future. Simple example, I want to watch a movie: it might be on a blu ray disc, it might be stored locally on a hard drive or on NAS or I might stream from Netflix, Amazon or one of several other providers or I might simply want to browse the web. I should be able to effortless move through the various options. Currently that is not easy unless you want to spent some time setting up the system and coding.
Remote controls are interesting. Both Sony and now LG have come up with something that has a lot of potential to act both as a traditional RC as well as a keyboard for web browsing etc. To really become very useful they need to look at the Logitech Harmony range of RC with the "Activities" where one button starts a macro to do a whole series of things - but improve on the Logitech software so that there is real intelligence (i.e. remember that the TV is on so do not try and switch it on when moving from one activity to another). Ultimately (and this is already in development but still very early days) we need to move to using an Ipad or Android tablet as a remote where lots more information can be presented.
Long winded post I know. I like what Google and LG are trying to do, but this is barely even a beta product and far too immature to adopt now Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkGreat points, though I take issue with the tablet-as-remote concept. That's a lot of baggage and the technology exists to make a smart remote that is aware of device states. If all your components (source, display, receiver) are connected via HDMI 1.4 and use CEC for command and status, and Bluetooth is used as the protocol for communicating with the remote, then you could have a Logitech-like remote with macros that can modify the macro on the fly to reflect current states. Trouble is, not everyone implements CEC.
I entirely agree that the ideal would be for a single interface to be able to query the full range of possible content options, and I think Google has a great first step towards that. Though it's a clunky affair, their access to EPG's and ability to adjust cable set-top boxes through IR blasters (and someday, hopefully, CEC) means that from their search you can do this with cable content along side streaming video options. That local storage component is still missing, and though it's a big one for those of us that have terabytes of storage devoted to movies, we are the most minor of minorities. The vast television audience mostly watches . . . television. So, for Google to put up the effort to implement a protocol for indexing and searching your media server (and to do so in a the many countless ways that your server may be configured) is not really worth it. Sad, though.
Jason Reply
will2 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkThe last 2 posts cover what I would like to see in an intelligent Multimedia/computer system, but with 1 major difference: Instead of assuming every home wants a TV with integrated tuner - a fine concept before it was seen screens could be used for other things - but which necessarily dedicates, if not limits, part of the box to a narrow form of media consumption, I would prefer the display to be just a Monitor with just numerous HDMI, USB, & Wireless connections, where the consumer is free to buy either a USB tuner with BT4 Remote for traditional 1 room viewing (cost little different from tradional TV), or next up, a small 'pendroid+WiFi' or HTPC/XBMC where, if the user wants to view TV or compute, from different parts of the home, where only additional Monitrs need be purchased (a great saving over buying a standalone TV for multiple rooms). That way, the owner is not tied to any mode of consumption, (can buy TV Tuner, or Internet feed, or Cable) and where makers can focus developments on providing a UI that allows integration of all of these flexible configurations in an easy to use mannner. A BT4 remote, that improves on the model of the Boxee Box mini-double-sided keyboard, so all you need in the room you are working in is a Wireless Display and the smart keyboard remote. If integration is done right, this should work for non-technical consumers also - so big market potential. Any problems with this idea ? Reply
Sureshot324 - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkI have a similar remote for my HTPC (Wiimote style with a thumb keyboard) and IMO it's the best system for controlling a PC/media center from the couch. I use keyboard shortcuts for a lot of things like play/pause. Reply
zeiker - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkOn my wishlist is a device (right now it's an HTPC /HTLT with video playback software) with 5.1 digital sound output, HDMI 1080p output and capabilities to stream internet content as well as BluRay, DVDs and - .iso files of DVDs and BRDs. Trying NAS devices, streaming routers, DLNA devices, it just isn't happening with what I see available.
Therefore my current optimum solution (for all things video) is a discrete BRD player and HTLT and pull the net content from the laptop and mpgs and .iso files from a NAS through the laptop to the TV via Cyberlink playback software.
Anyone know of a better implementation out there? Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkI'm actually pretty solidly against consolidation of functions in lots of cases. The best disc player, are just disc players. The best streamers, are mainly just streamers. I think we'd all love to have something that played all of those, and any other content you wanted, and did so well; but I don't see it happening, just as I don't really see it happening without compromises in the tablet space. Want a reader? An e-ink device is your best bet. Want a gaming device? Pretty solid on some SoC's, but with a dedicated handheld you know the games will work, and how well they'll work. Want a productivity device? Tablet's might be good for that, but how much more convenient for writing is a tablet than, say, a MacBook Air?
Point is, maybe you're living in a good place if you have a good streamer, and a good BR player. Reply
smartthanyou - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkA few quibbles...
HD did not require a federal program for the digital tuner box. The box was for the switch to digital signals and to free up the analog spectrum. HD was part of what was being broadcast digitally, but the main reason was to free up the spectrum so the Feds could auction it off. And the program was BS to begin with. Just a waist of money, people should have been forced to buy their own box if they needed it.
The AppleTV was always meant as device for people buying into the iTunes/Apple universe. It was never meant as the next big thing.
Finally, it will never matter what hardware and software comes out, the only way we are every going to get a fundamental change in our television viewing is if there is massive change of heart with the content producers. In other words, it won't happen anytime soon.
With corporate consolidation, the companies involved just want to protect/grow profits. They don't want massive change, just massive piles of cash.
As consumers, we could force change by simply walking away from their products, but we refuse to do that. We complain, gripe and bitch about the evil media producers and corporations while we hand over our money. Reply
JasonInofuentes - Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - linkThe HD switch did require federal programs to coordinate, and the tuner box was part of it, and a response to the actually flagging rate at which consumers were upgrading equipment. That issue was somewhat isolated to more rural areas that were underserved by big cable, but the tuner program was a part of it. One reason why the tuner program ended being such a flop, though, was that TV companies saw that demand had become rabid for their products and rapidly lowered prices to compete. And that's how we ended up with so much attention being devoted to 3D and now Smart TV's. Set manufacturer's need to be able to raise their margins to be profitable. Adding $50 in compute components to make your TV "smart" and providing some tag along services is cheap, and allows you to add a lot more than $50 to your price tag. Reply
Kracer - Thursday, October 04, 2012 - linkIt seems that every technology space is crappy until Apple comes and does what us geeks want in a closed ecosystem so that everyone likes it.
It happened with PCs, MP3s, Smartphones and tablets.
And after Apple comes along and moves things to where they should be we have to wait again for a proper open eco-system learns from Apple.
It happened with PCs, Smartphones and Android tablets just need the apps.
So until Apple comes along and gives everyone a kick up the back-side, we are stuck with customizing XBMC to kingdom come. Reply
JasonInofuentes - Friday, October 05, 2012 - linkI think Apple has a certain undue influence, or perhaps 'undue' is to strong a word there. But there I think PC's should be left out of your list. The greatest innovations were in the openness of the Apple ecosystem and the ability for developers to extend the functionality of the OS through add-ons like Growl. It's only recently that Apple has opted to close their desktop ecosystem, and I think it's to the detriment of developers, even if it is to the benefit of Apple's pocketbooks.
And note, Apple has thrown in with the Apple TV with just the structure you're talking about. And that has largely been a draw. It sells well, but it isn't a revenue driver. Nor is it, I suspect, a big iTunes revenue driver. Reply
Kracer - Saturday, October 06, 2012 - linkOn the Apple TV;I was thinking about the all so rumoured iTV or Apple television or whatever. Reply


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Subjects taught at LSE | Services and divisions (administration)
All research groups | Research subject areas
International Relations is the study of an international system composed of territorial states which acknowledge no superior authority over matters which they consider of vital interest. It analyses the nature of this system -- the rules and forces governing the behaviour of states, the factors that lead to military conflict or peaceful co-operation, and the current trends towards both a more integrated and a more fragmented world.
The joint honours BSc International Relations and History is offered by the Department of International History in conjunction with the Department of International Relations.
Please click through to each individual course number and the indicative reading section for each course is towards the bottom of each page.
Please note that the degree regulations and course structures are only updated in the summer of each year, and until that happens the links will point to the current year's information.
The following information is only accessible from within the School on an LSE network computer or with an LSE username and password:
Further information about the application process may be obtained from LSE's Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Use of this website is subject to, and implies acceptance of, its Terms of use (including Copyright and intellectual property, Privacy and data protection and Accessibility). The London School of Economics and Political Science is a School of the University of London. It is a charity and is incorporated in England as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Acts (Reg no. 70527).The registered office address of the School is: The London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK; Tel: +44 (0)20 7405 7686

subset: commoncrawl


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Crumbs Bake Shop - Artie Lange Cupcake
It's hard to pass up a cupcake as delicious as Crumbs, so you might as well go for this signature treat and support a good cause. Created exclusively by Artie Lange of the Howard Stern Show, this cupcake features vanilla sponge cake with chocolate buttercream filling and Crumbs signature vanilla frosting topped with a layer of chocolate fondant and then finished with chocolate and vanilla sprinkles around the edge. A portion of the proceeds go the benefit LifeBeat an AIDS/HIV awareness program working in collaboration with the music industry to reach youth.


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You're standing on the surface of Mars. You look down and marvel at the detail, then up to the horizon, following the ridge of mountains around to your left. You jump: the Mars Rover is right behind your left shoulder, taller than you are, one of its cameras slanted to the side and looking like a pet robot waiting for an order.
This isn't some gamer version of Mars. It's the real thing. Every rock, in clear 3D. In front of you stands the bronze avatar of a scientist ready to talk about the experiments you're going to perform.
Microsoft has lacked the "wow" factor for some time. It's been left to Google, Apple and Facebook, with its acquisition of virtual reality company Oculus, to set the standards in technical daring and creative ambition.
Not any more. With HoloLens, the "mixed reality" headset it unveiled on Wednesday, Microsoft is suddenly a contender in one of the most exciting races in the tech world: to mix the real and virtual worlds in ways that transform both.


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Timeshares: Dream Vacation or Money Pit?
How would you like to have a wonderful vacation in a beautiful location at a reasonable price? Would you like to repeat that vacation every year? That's the pitch timeshare sales people use to convince consumers to purchase billions of dollars worth of timeshares each year. In this article we'll discuss what a timeshare is and what owners can expect for their money.
What it is
Timeshares are based on the concept of fractional ownership in a property. For example, if you purchase one week at a timeshare condominium each year, you own 1/52 portion of the unit. If you purchase one month, you own 1/12 of the unit. Other buyers purchase the remaining fractions.
There are two general schemes:
- Deeded – You purchase an ownership interest in the property.
- Non-Deeded – You lease the right to use the property for a specific amount of time each year for a preset number of years.
From there, the various ownership structures become more complex. You can purchase a fixed week, which means that you own the right to use the unit during the same week each year, or you can purchase a floating week, which generally gives you the right to use the property during a predetermined period of time. Some properties operate on points systems. These are often referred to as "vacation clubs." With these, you purchase a specific number of points that can be redeemed at a variety of destinations. Some plans let you "bank" unused points.
Cost varies by:
- Unit size
- Location
- Deed
- Brand
- Time period purchased (December vs. August at a ski resort)
Timeshare properties can often feature larger and more luxurious accommodations than standard hotels and are generally located in desirable places.
Words of Caution
When you are standing in a beautiful condominium overlooking the perfect beach and sparkling blue water, it is easy to succumb to the sales pitch. Remember, timeshare salespeople are in the business of selling. But just because they tell you that you are getting a great deal, doesn't mean that you really are. Before you buy, take some time to research the property and talk to other timeshare owners. Don't make your decision in haste and never let the salespeople rush you.
Trading May Not Be Easy
Points-based systems come with no guarantees. Just because the salesperson tells you it's easy to trade your week for another week or your property for another property, doesn't mean it will be easy. If you own a week in Hawaii, would you be willing to trade it for a trip to the blistering hot Las Vegas desert in August? If you wouldn't, chances are no one else will either. It's also important to remember that everybody wants to travel to the same places and on the same weeks that you do. The desirability factor aside, trading often results in an additional fee.
Fees and Charges
In addition to the monthly loan payment, which comes with a high interest rate when financed through the timeshare company, the annual maintenance fee will also set you back a few hundred dollars a year. Also, if the property needs a new roof or a new sewage line, a "one-time" assessment will be levied. Some properties also charge miscellaneous fees, such as a "publications" fee if you want to view other properties that may be available for trade, and additional fees if they help you sell your property.
While a lifetime of vacations sounds great, will the management company that sold you the timeshare be around three decades from now? If you are considering a timeshare in a foreign country, you must also understand the laws and know what the result will be if the timeshare management company closes.
Another major consideration is your health. That condo on the ski slopes may look great today, but five years from now when you are caring for a baby or are suffering from a herniated disk, your days on the slopes may be over, but the bills for the timeshare will continue. It's also worth considering that your desire to hop on a plane may wane as fuel costs rise, airport security becomes more onerous and the aging process makes you less tolerant of travel.
What it Isn't
A timeshare is not an investment. Investments are designed to appreciate in value, generate income, or do both. A timeshare is unlikely to do either, despite what the salesperson says. The huge volume of used timeshares on the market, the appeal of buying new versus used, and the marketing muscle of the firms selling new timeshares all work against the idea that you will make a profit reselling your used timeshare. Thus, selling for a profit is an uphill battle considering you need to convince someone to pay more for a used unit and factor in all the fees you paid over the years.
The very nature of the sales process should be a hint about the reality of the issue. Have you ever heard of a mutual fund, municipal bond or any other investment that offered you a free weekend in Miami just for giving the product a try? A timeshare is not an investment, it's a vacation. It's also an illiquid asset that is likely to lose value over time. Ultimately, timeshares are like swimming pools, if you buy one, do so because you love the idea of owning it, not because you expect to make a profit.
If you do take the plunge, remember that you are buying a repeatable vacation. Just as spending $3,000 on a trip to an exotic beach is not an investment; neither is spending $10,000 plus maintenance fees on a timeshare.
How to Buy a Timeshare
If you have found a vacation destination that you absolutely love and want to return to every year and have decided that a timeshare is the perfect way to achieve your goal, go ahead and buy one, but buy it used. Current owners that are tired of the maintenance costs, tired of the destination, or have grown frustrated with their efforts to trade their slot so that they can visit a different destination are willing to give their timeshares away at a fraction of the original cost. A quick search online often reveals a glut of timeshares. Just type in "timeshare resale" and you'll see dozens of offers that will let you choose less expensive timeshares in locations from Florida to Saint Martin.
Buying used gives you all the benefits of ownership at the fraction of the cost. Even if you choose a more expensive unit, you can save money by financing your purchase with a personal loan, which should offer you an interest rate that is considerably lower than the rate the timeshare company charged the original owner.
Look Before You Leap
Like any major purchase, the decision to buy into a timeshare is a decision that requires careful consideration. It involves a large amount of money up front and considerable recurring costs. You should ask plenty of questions, take your time before making a decision and as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says in its Facts for Consumers: "You should know that the value of these options is in their use as vacation destinations, not as investments."


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UB is the size of a small city, with hundreds of buildings and
miles of road. We use electricity, fuel and countless other
resources to keep our campuses running. Thousands of students,
faculty and staff travel here every day.
Our environmental footprint is significant.
But crucially, as an early signatory of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, UB and locally based Ecology and Environment has developed a comprehensive strategic plan to minimize our adverse impact on the environment.
Our Climate Action Plan calls for UB to become climate neutral
by 2030.
To achieve this goal, we brought together leaders from across UB
to form the Environmental Stewardship Committee, a group of
administrators, faculty and students charting UB's path towards
climate neutrality and sustainability.
The committee is heading efforts to implement efficiencies throughout UB's operations and leading the conversation on how the university can weave sustainability into research, teaching and public service activities.
As UB moves closer to climate neutrality, the actions of every student, staff and faculty member matter. Discover how UB is greening its operations—and learn how you can make a difference.
The Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.
STARS was developed by our higher education colleagues and is administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
Through a course, UB student researchers assist in gathering information from across the university to inform the STARS process and establish the State of UB's Sustainability.
Faculty and staff involved in the process are being engaged throughout the year to ensure clear communication of our efforts.
The STARS report will indicate a number of our strengths, but also areas where we can improve and continue to reduce our environmental footprint on the future.
UB will host a free computer and electronic recycling event on
Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 1 pm- 4 pm and on Friday, April 29,
2016 from 7 am- 11 am. Open only to faculty, staff, students
and members of UB's Alumni Association; UB ID is
required to participate. Securely and properly dispose of
unwanted personal items. UB property will not be accepted.
Learn more


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Coloring Time!Letter Equations are well known phrases or facts where the key words have been replaced with the first letter of that word. These are often in the form of an equation, which contain a number, an = sign and the rest of the obscured phrase or fact.
8 = N of C in the F C B
HintWhat do you color with?
Answer8 = Number of Crayons in the First Crayola Box
In 1903, the first Crayola Crayon colors were black, blue, brown, green, orange, red, violet, and yellow.
What Next?
See another brain teaser just like this one...
Or, just get a random brain teaser
If you become a registered user you can vote on this brain teaser, keep track of
which ones you have seen, and even make your own.
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This past week marked the end of the One Tree Hill series. For dedicated fans, this means saying farewell to "friends" they've devoted time to weekly for 9 seasons. I'm always so sad when a series I enjoy watching ends- although now that so many shows are released on DVD or BluRay, Ultraviolet, etc, you don't have to miss beloved characters for long. The extras that companies put along with the episodes from shows are what draws dedicated fans to purchasing the sets, I think. For One Tree Hill devotees, seeing unaired scenes and watching the series "Retrospective" may help them work through missing OTH.
Along with the 13 episodes, The Complete Ninth Season of One Tree Hill, which is available on BluRay/DVD/Ultraviolet 4/10/12, also features 2 hours of fan favorite extra content. Included in the content are 3 all-new featurettes, a full-length commentary, unaired scenes and a hilarious gag reel. In this blog post, please discuss how you think the unaired scenes and the extra content would affect a fan's enjoyment of the closing of the series. Also, discuss what two bonus features from the DVD that you are looking forward to most and why.
- Featurettes:
- An Evening in One Tree Hill
- The Story of One Tree Hill
- The Fans of One Tree Hill
- One Tree Hill Series Retrospective (offered on UltraViolet)
What do YOU think will be the best "extra" on this DVD set?
I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote One Tree Hill Season Nine on DVD


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My prayer for your coming year is that it be filled with limitless hope! I wish you God's blessings always. Happy New Year! Have a prosperous 2017!
My prayer for your coming year is that it be filled with limitless hope! I wish you God's blessings always. Happy New Year! Have a prosperous 2017!
Small things matter!
To your health!! May your Christmas be bright and your years be many! God bless!
A cheery Christmas word for you. Merry Christmas, everyone!
My Christmas wish for all of you is that you experience the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate it with the all-consuming wonder it merits. Have a blessed Christmas!
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Let Your Eyes Do The Talking...
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.Welcome to my Metaphors.
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Devotionals on A COURSE IN MIRACLES and A COURSE OF LOVE. . .with Celia Hales
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 7/10/2013 (1411 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
"I HAVE a three-year-old grandson... (and) I've told his mom, my daughter, that he's not going to play football."
These are pretty powerful words, considering that they were spoken by Harry Carson, a former NFL star who played 13 years as the New York Giants' middle linebacker and is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Football was Carson's profession and his passion, and while he still deeply loves the game, he is one of many ex-players who have become vocal about the National Football League's handling of concussion-related injuries in former and current players.
And the danger of long-term brain damage caused by the collisions that are a routine part of football is sufficiently severe to prompt Carson to declare he doesn't want his grandson to follow in his cleat-clad footsteps.
"Knowing what I know now, I do not want him to play," Carson said a few weeks ago in an interview during PBS's portion of the U.S. networks' summer press tour in Los Angeles.
"Parents need to be vigilant as to what they allow their children to do. When you sign that consent form, you really need to understand exactly what you're doing. As for me and my family, I don't want my grandson to play."
Carson figures prominently in the two-part Frontline documentary League of Denial: The NFL's Concussion Crisis, which premieres tonight at 8 on PBS. The film, based on the book League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for the Truth by ESPN reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru, examines how the NFL attempted for many years to refute mounting scientific evidence that the violent physical contact at the heart of the sport are linked to numerous post-career ailments, including early-onset dementia and other chronic brain diseases.
It's essentially an investigation that asks, pointedly, what the NFL knew and when it knew it, and whether the league's aggressive effort to maintain an entertaining and therefore profitable level of violence led to a massive coverup that continues to put players' lives at risk.
Interestingly, when Carson and the film's producers met with the media in L.A. in August, League of Denial was presented as a joint effort by PBS/Frontline and ESPN's Outside the Lines. But a couple of weeks later, ESPN -- which has a lucrative broadcast-deal partnership with the NFL -- pulled out of the project, citing a lack of editorial control over the final documentary product.
ESPN's name and logos were removed from the film and credits.
There has been much discussion during the past couple of decades about football equipment -- helmets in particular -- and the amount of protection it provides to players. League of Denial's writer/director, Michael Kirk, said the blunt-force collisions that are a fundamental part of football create so much force that it really doesn't matter how good the latest protective gear might be.
"It's not an equipment problem," Kirk explained. "Most of our research indicates, I think I can say definitively, that it's really not an equipment problem. The helmet is designed to protect you from a skull fracture, and it probably does. But what it really does, and Harry can speak to this definitively, is it gives you a weapon on the top of your head to tackle harder, hit harder.
"The scientists and the doctors we talked to in the film, who explain in detail how the brain works inside -- basically, the fluid in your skull and the brain bouncing around when somebody like (Carson) hits you with his elbow, and the rotational forces. One scientist in the film says getting hit like that across the line is a 20-G force on your head."
Carson added that it's the enormous popularity of football, from the NFL right down to the grassroots level, that makes the concussion issue such a huge concern.
"While (the film) relates to the NFL, it could be football on any level," he said. "It could be high school football. It could be college football. It could be Pop Warner football. You know, concussions do not discriminate by age or race or anything. If you put yourself out there, you might wind up dealing with something that will follow you for the rest of your life."
email@example.com Twitter: @BradOswald


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Sometimes stories like this pop up that barely get any mention, but are pretty interesting and actually tell a bigger story. In this deal, Bahrain is actually trying to get more Bahrainis to work in private security, and this has become difficult to do for these security companies. It is a wealthy nation, and security guard work is not exactly the most attractive occupation.
That, and these security companies would probably have to pay more in order to attract more Bahrainis. I have written in the past about companies like the Fauji Foundation that have been providing Pakistani security contractors for years in Bahrain. Companies like this would have to now contend with having a certain percentage of Bahrainis in their ranks in order to continue working in the country–and would have to eat the cost of increased salaries. But hey, if this is what the king wants, this is what he will get.
You also see a little bit of this type of thing in South Africa currently. There, they have been trying to push through some legislation requiring that security companies operating there must be a majority owned by South Africans. A 'South-Africanisation' of the security industry so to speak.
There is also equal protest against such a move. Here is a quote from the Security Industry Alliance about this legislation.
Security Industry Alliance (SIA), an umbrella group of large security firms, said the proposals could cause many companies to "divest, leaving skills, capability and technical support gaps".
It will be interesting to see how this plays out in both countries, and to see if similar deals happen elsewhere? –Matt
Security firms' plea to Premier
Sunday, December 02, 2012
An appeal has gone out for His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to intervene and save private security companies from closing down and dismissing Bahrainis. Owners of 14 such companies called on the Premier to issue directives to the Labour Ministry to this effect. They said the ministry has disregarded their repeated calls for consultations to reach a satisfactory formula for recruitment and a Bahrainisation percentage to suit the nature of security guard work. Bahrainis had turned away from becoming security guards and they said they had requested the ministry to reconsider the Bahrainisation percentage. They presented recommendations to address the shortage of Bahrainis in the field, notably, reducing Bahrainisation in this sector for a temporary period while raising work visa fees for an expatriate security guard to BD300.
Story here.


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Shasta Savage '14
Status: Current Student, Class of 2014
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Ithaca, New York
Works: 20 to 40 Hours/Week for Mighty Yoga and August Moon Spa
Tuition Assistance: Attended Tompkins County Community College to Reduce Her Costs
Student Debt: $25,000 to $30,000
Shasta Savage '14 was just 18 when she took a break from school to take care of her mother, who had lung cancer. Her mother died just six months later, when Savage was 19.
One of seven children and the first to go to college, Savage faced the challenge of funding her own education.
"I took a year off—to deal with my mother's death—and to come to terms with the fact that I'd be taking on this debt," she says. "I had good credit; I didn't owe any money. It was a tough decision, but in today's society you need a college education to get anywhere above minimum wage."
She attended Tompkins County Community College and built up credits before looking to transfer to a four-year college. She wanted to stay local for her family, so she looked at the State University of New York College at Cortland and Cornell University, but she liked the environment at Ithaca College best. She said she felt there was an openness about everyone at IC.
"I could have gone to Cornell, but I still chose Ithaca because of the environment. I just felt more comfortable here," she says.
Even though Savage received a Founder's Grant and works two off-campus jobs, she anticipates she will graduate $30,000 in debt. She says she sees it as an investment in her future.
And that openness that Savage first felt as a prospective student seems to have helped her in her transition. "Getting to know all the faculty and staff here has been great for me," she says. "It makes me feel like I'm not going through all this alone."
What advice would you give to prospective students about taking on debt to finance their education?
"When my mother died, I had no other familial help, so the initial process of getting financial aid for the first semester was intimidating. I personally didn't know where to start. I wish I had thought about the financial situation a bit more and looked at scholarships sooner. I didn't think about how much debt I would be in and how much it would actually cost me to go to school. I wish I had thought that through a little more."
Read more about the value of an IC education here.
Originally published in IC View: Shasta Savage '14.


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A SUNNY day off was the perfect way to relax for chart-topping singer Kimbra, who will spice up this month's ARIA Awards where she's also a nominee for Best Female Artist and Best Pop Release.
The 22-year-old New Zealander has called Melbourne home for the past five years but, after a year-long international tour, she's enjoying some rare down time there, away from stage - except for last week's performance at the New Zealand Music Awards, where she won five awards, including Album of the Year for the hit Vows.
Her live performance at the Australian Recording Industry Association's awards on November 29 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre follows last year's breakthrough with Vows and her collaboration with Gotye (Wally De Backer), which yielded a swag of awards for the worldwide hit Somebody That I Used To Know and topped the charts in 11 countries.
The two caught up recently in Dallas, Texas, where they shared the stage, but also had a chance to catch up away from the spotlight and swap stories about life on the road.
''We played the same night in a big amphitheatre, so we sung together, but the next day we had a coffee and caught up as friends and it was really special to connect again and talk about the music that's been inspiring us,'' she says. ''I feel very grateful to be part of a collaboration that connected with people and was really part of a movement in pop - a shift in consciousness for people. They pricked up their ears [and] in a way it's opened doorways for people like me.''
At last year's ARIAs, Kimbra won Best Female Artist, however that night of glamour and celebration seems a long time ago after playing this year's Big Day Out in January and then packing her bags for a gruelling tour.
''We played festivals in Ireland and Scotland and headline shows in Germany and Istanbul and Spain - every show had an incredible energy and it's so rewarding to know it was really connecting with people,'' she says.
''It [international success] hasn't happened overnight, but in terms of when the momentum picks up it does happen very quickly and that was very much a part of the Gotye song … especially in a place like America.''
ARIA's chief executive says securing Kimbra, Guy Sebastian and Missy Higgins along with Jessica Mauboy, the Jezabels, Hilltop Hoods and more to perform this year reflects the event's strength and star appeal.
"The ARIAs are renowned for providing unforgettable live music moments,'' he says.
It is a night Kimbra's looking forward to - after enjoying a few more days working on new songs.
''I can look at the diary and see some gaps - it's fantastic,'' she says.


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Topic: Somewhat new to the site
Hi all, Rod here. First off, thoughts and prayers to all who have been affected or impacted by CC. I am a 46 year old, 19 month survivor of CC. I had CC of the intrahepatic bile duct. Was very fortunate to have surgery which took about 65% of my liver, my gallbladder, a couple of affected lymph nodes and the addition of a stent. I did 3 months of Gemzar chemo and other than an absess and a couple infections after the surgery I have done very well. I liked to be active before my diagnosis and I have been able to return to all my normal activities. I was even able to race a sprint car again a couple weeks ago for the first time since my diagnosis.
I have a fantastic surgeon, Dr. Chaudhry and a very positive and supportive ONC in Dr. Heddinger. Both through Iowa Methodist in Des Moines, IA.
Last week after a quarterly CT scan I found out I have another small mass in the liver. About 1cm in the left lobe not near any bile ducts and the plan is to use radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation to remove this tumor on the 18th of this month.
I haven't seen much on here about the radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation process and was wondering if others have experience with this procedure?


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NHS chiefs have bowed to public pressure and agreed to fund free vaccinations against the deadly Meningitis B infection - prompting celebrations in East Lancashire households.
Toni Burford, from Blackburn, and Laura Bell, from Burnley, were part of a major campaign to persuade the government to adopt the Bexsero vaccine, after it was initially rejected last year.
The Department of Health's independent advisory body, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said last year the vaccine was not a cost-effective use of NHS money, while also calling for further evidence.
But in October, following a campaign by scientists, charities and leading doctors who wrote to health secretary Jeremy Hunt, the JCVI issued a further statement saying it was considering new evidence and a range of views.
Yesterday's announcement, which effectively marks a U-turn, said the vaccine should be introduced on the NHS if costs can be agreed with the manufacturer, Novartis.
Laura, 26, whose daughter Jessica-Fay suffered permanent brain damage after contracting Meningitis B in 2007, said: "I'm just amazingly happy because I wasn't really expecting this news with it being turned down last time."
Toni, 38, from Mill Hill, whose daughter Dannielle died from the disease in 2009, had collected 750 names on a petition calling for the vaccine.
She said: "This is great news but the more time they take, the more lives could be lost, so hopefully the next stage will be fast. We cannot change the past but together we can change the future."
The jab would be added to the existing immunisation schedule, starting at two months of age.
The Department of Health said it will start negotiations on the cost of the vaccine as soon as possible.
Professor Andrew Pollard, chairman of the JCVI, said: "Meningitis B disproportionately affects babies and young children and can be devastating.
"After very careful consideration, JCVI concluded that use of the new vaccine would reduce cases of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia and lead to a reduction in deaths, limb amputations and brain injury caused by the disease."
About 1,870 people contract meningitis B each year and one in 10 dies. The bacterial infection causes inflammations of the brain and spinal cord and leaves one in four with life-altering effects, such as brain damage or limb loss.


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Over the weekend, I tried for the first time Capital Bikeshare which is a bicycle sharing system that serves Washington DC and Arlington County, Virginia… Let me tell you that I'm a FAN! You need a bike to run an errand, grab a bite, get to work or school or even visit the city, this is the best solution ever!
The system is the largest bike sharing service in the United States with over 1,100 bicycles at 114 stations.
Capital Bikeshare has different membership options. Casual riders may purchase a 24-hour membership for US$5 or a 5-day membership for US$15 by using a credit card at the kiosk of any bike station. Riders may also sign up for a monthly or annual membership online for US$25 and US$75, respectively. Monthly and annual members receive an individual key in the mail, which is used to unlock any bike at the station, bypassing the kiosk.
And hold on to be more awesome the first 30 minutes of each ride are free! The billing system keeps track of the usage time from when the bike is checked out until it is docked at any other station.
Enjoy your ride:) Jonathan
American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations. We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.


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check this out... Havij - This is what people are using for SQL injection now.
MySqloit is a SQL Injection takeover tool focused on LAMP (Linux, Apache,MySql,PHP) and WAMP (Linux, Apache,MySql,PHP) platforms. It has the ability to upload and execute metasploit shellcodes through the MySql SQL Injection vulnerabilities.
Attackers performing SQL injection on a MySQL-PHP platform must deal with several limitations and constraints. For example, the lack of multiple statements in one query makes MySQL an unpopular platform for remote code execution, compared to other platforms. This tool is written to demostrate how remote code execution can be performed on a database connector that do not support stack queries.
Platform supported
1) Linux
Key Features
1) SQL Injection detection using time based injection method
2) Database fingerprint
2) Web server directory fingerprint
3) Payload creation and execution
./mysqloit -h
link: http://code.google.com/p/mysqloit/
Last edited by firebits; 12-01-2010 at 04:51 PM.
check this out... Havij - This is what people are using for SQL injection now.
Last edited by sLiPpErY; 12-02-2010 at 11:33 PM.


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Oh, you make me moist.
That did not even rhyme
I hope you give it more effort text time
Though you shan't expect my plead
For at least you gave me something to read
As I'm longing for that time, I feel more gay
At least it's not long, before that day
Then we'll have a laugh and a lot of of beer
A few band we shall get to see, my dear
Most of all, we shall see The Offspring
My throat might hurt, from the songs I'll sing
Hearing them play Smash, Is a memory that sticks
Perfect start, on the day I turn twenty-six
Only one week left, until I get to see you again, my love.
High five!
I miss you. It has been 133 days since we met, an experience that I hope to never forget.
I'll be leaving in 30 minutes. I will send you a text message when we have arrived.
To whom it may concern,
I am pleased to hear from you again. But I regret that you did not congratulate me on my birthday. Especially as it coincides with the international Star Wars day.
Putting that aside though, your received information about my party's plans to attend a Pennywise concert are correct.
The rest of our plans are however non-existing. What I can tell you is that we leave Sweden by air on Thursday, the 9th, at about 19:55 and is expected to land in Amsterdam at 21:55. The flight going back to our motherland is 10:15 and we then arrive at 12:15. All times given are local.
What more I can say is that one part in the party has booked for us to stay at a hostel. I have not been informed about its exact location, only that it is very central in Amsterdam. I have asked for more information about its whereabouts.
I hope that you are satisfied with this reply. Do not be afraid to ask any question that your heart might carry.
Lots of love,
An anonymous admirer
lol cu l8r m8 #omg #thiswillbeawesome #lol #pennywise #dexternetherlands
Best client,
You have no reason to apologise. The one who awaits something good never waits too long. I will be pleased as long as you do your best effort to reply. Just once a day will suffice.
Two of my fellow travellers have responded. One was very positive to a meet-up. The other one was a bit sceptical to the whole drinking part. He implied that he is not much of a drinker. As his friend I know that he was joking and that the opposite is truer.
I will keep you updated on our plans for the visit to the Netherlands. Feel free to ask any question that you might have.
The best of luck to you,
- Anonymous
I am glad to hear from you. What a coincidence! I would love to meet up with you. Though I have not spoken with my friends about this yet, I cannot imagine them being against such a pleasurable thing as having a drink. Especially before a concert.
I look forward to you response.
- Jojan
<- This man hugged me.
Junior Member
Off with her head
Trendy Asshole
Senior Member
there's no tomorrow
And the Strongbow.


text:
OCS Graduate Group Faculty
Lindsey A. Criswell M.D., M.P.H.
Pamela Den Besten D.D.S., M.S.
John D. B. Featherstone M.Sc., Ph.D.
Deborah Greenspan B.D.S, D.Sc. (Med)
John S. Greenspan B.Sc., B.D.S., Ph.D., F.R.C.Path, Sc.D., F.D.S.R.C.S. (ENG), F.K.C.
Susan Hyde D.D.S., M.P.H., Ph.D.
Richard Jordan D.D.S., Ph.D., FRCPath
Grayson W. Marshall D.D.S., M.P.H., Ph.D.
Caroline Shiboski D.D.S., M.P.H., Ph.D.


text:
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To update your copy of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later, do one of the following:
· Select Updates from the Help menu in Photoshop CS5.
· Download the update from Adobe.com.
Dab. Swirl. Mix. Create custom colors and color themes.
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text:
(6:45 minutes) In this podcast, Dr. Elaine Enarson discusses opportunities for anti-sexual violence advocates to partner with organizations and individuals who can play key roles in preventing and responding to sexual violence in disasters. This is the third in a series of four podcasts from an interview with Dr. Enarson.
© 2016 National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Founded by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
This site is supported by Grant/ Cooperative Agreement No. 1UF2CE002359-04 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


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A hoard of guns and drugs was allegedly unearthed during a Police raid on a Ridgewood property.
A 31-year-old Ridgewood man was charged with five counts of possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and other offences, following the Wednesday search.
Among the items seized, police allege they discovered two sub machine guns with extended magazines, two modified shot guns, two pistols and a revolver.
A wide raft of illicit drugs in various amounts was also uncovered, police allege.
Detectives from the Proceeds of Crime Squad attended and are making inquiries into assets that can be frozen.
Four vehicles were seized from the property, including a 2012 Hummer, 2012 HSV Clubsport, a 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle and a KTM trail bike.
Inquiries are also continuing into six motorcycle found at the address, three of which have been confirmed as stolen
The accused man was scheduled to appear in the Joondalup Magistrates Court today.


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Klein Tabbed Finalist for Walter Camp, Manning Awards
Klein Tabbed Finalist for Walter Camp, Manning Awards
Nov. 28, 2012
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State senior quarterback Collin Klein added two more accolades Wednesday as he was named a finalist for both the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and the Manning Award.
Klein is one of five finalists for the Walter Camp Award, which is voted on by the Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors, and will be announced on Thursday, December 6, during the 6 p.m. (ET) edition of ESPN SportsCenter.
The Loveland, Colo., product is one of 10 finalists for the Manning Award, which is the only award to take into account a quarterback's bowl performance. The winner is selected by a panel of national media covering college football - as well as Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning - and will be announced following the BCS National Championship Game.
In addition to the Walter Camp and Manning awards, Klein is also one of three finalists for the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien awards, which will be presented at The Home Depot College Football Awards show on Thursday, December 6, at 6:30 p.m. (CT) on ESPN.
Klein has guided the Wildcats to their 10th 10-win season in school history and a 7-1 mark in Big 12 play. The quarterback has accounted for 34 touchdowns to rank 11th nationally in touchdown responsibility, while he is third and tops among quarterbacks with 20 rushing scores. He is the only quarterback from a BCS AQ school in the BCS era to rush for at least 20 touchdowns and pass for at least 10 touchdowns in multiple seasons.
In 11 games, Klein has completed 172-of-258 passes for 2,306 yards and 14 touchdowns while totaling 787 rushing yards on 171 attempts. He ranks 10th in school history in passing yardage and touchdowns, while he is tied for eighth in completions. Additionally, his current season pass efficiency rating of 155.00 ranks third in school history, while he is tied for second in rushing touchdowns behind his school-record 27 scores last season.
With his outstanding senior campaign, Klein has put together one of the best careers in K-State history as both a passer and a runner, ranking in the top 10 in school history in rushing touchdowns (1st; 53), touchdown responsibility (1st; 81), scoring (2nd; 324), total yards (3rd; 6,741), passing efficiency (3rd; 140.16), rushing attempts (3rd; 565), rushing yards (5th; 2,352), completions (5th, 345), passing touchdowns (7th; 28), passing yards (8th; 4,389) and pass attempts (9th; 558).
Joining Klein on the finalist list for the Walter Camp Award was running back Kenjon Barner (Oregon), wide receiver Marqise Lee (USC), quarterback Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M) and linebacker Manti T'eo. Both Klein and Manziel were finalists for the Manning Award along with Matt Barkley (USC), Tajh Boyd (Clemson), Jordan Lynch (Northern Illinois), Marcus Mariota (Oregon), AJ McCarron (Alabama), Braxton Miller (Ohio State), Aaron Murray (Georgia) and Geno Smith (West Virginia).
No. 6 Kansas State takes on 18th-ranked Texas at 7 p.m., Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in a nationally-televised contest on ABC.


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I got a tweet the other day from someone new - Moogyver. And this person was on my own home server of Dath'remar!
Moogyver has a podcast called Spare Parts, which is a podcast about the Engineering Profession. Not having any engineers myself, it's not something I would normally listen to, but when I had a listen, I thought to myself, "Wow, he has a good speaking speed and sounds engaging without sounding too rehearsed!"
So I sent him a tell, and wanted to add a picture of him to my wall of fame. Even being on the same timezone and on the same server it's hard to catch up! So I asked his guildies if he was online, and also sent him some in game mails. As it is with all of these things, it's a matter of swallowing my pride and looking ridiculous sometimes, but knowing that I only have good intentions.
Last night we actually managed to catch up in the pixel! So we went and took come pics around Dalaran.
I wanted to tell him what a cool name he had - obviously a clever play on Macgyver. He likes this spot next to the bike! I asked him if he had one, he said, sadly, no. So I took him for a ride in my bike.
I didn't get much chance to chat - Aza was ready to do Onyxia for achievements for me - so I had to leave off and say farewell. Interesting that he isn't max level! I haven't met anyone who blogged who wasn't max level - though that is a funny thing to say, because come expansion, all of us will be in that boat!
Consider yourself Navispammed Moogyver!


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Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to Deliver Important Address at AUWCL
Presentation on "International Human Rights Treaty System" to Take Place Oct. 1
"I've learned about the courses and clinics in human rights that are conducted here. You must be one of the few in the world with this level of interest and work in human rights." - UN High Commissioner Navi Pillay delivers address to AUWCL community on Oct. 1, 2013.
Judge Dorothy Beasley, Dean's Advisory Council Member, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay
Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2013 – American University Washington College of Law is pleased to welcome Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for an important address, "The International Human Rights Treaty System and Its Impact at the International and Domestic Level." The event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 1 pm in room 603 at the law school.
In her address, the High Commissioner will discuss the role of the international treaty system in the protection and promotion of human rights, its interaction with other mechanisms, and its relevance as a preventive early warning system. She will also address the impact of the work of treaty bodies on the ground, where it matters most. The event is hosted by the Dean's Advisory Council to honor Dean Claudio Grossman's role as the Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies.
"American University Washington College of Law is honored to welcome the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, to our law school," said Claudio Grossman, dean, American University Washington College of Law. "The High Commissioner is a towering figure in the fight to protect and promote human dignity. Her address comes at a critical juncture for the treaty system strengthening process and at a time of deep human tragedies in numeous places. Our law school community, which for many decades has contributed to the advancement of human rights and international law both nationally and internationally through a wide array of programs, centers, experiential education, and other unique initiatives and service, deeply values the High Commissioner's leadership and efforts on these vital issues."
Navi Pillay was appointed as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on July 28, 2008. She began serving in Sept. 2008, and her mandate was renewed in Sept. 2012 for another two years. Ms. Pillay is a South African national and in 1967, she was the first woman to start a law practice in Natal. She worked on anti-apartheid issues, exposed torture, and helped establish rights for prisoners. She has also worked as a lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and served as the Vice-President of the Council of the University of Durban Westville. After apartheid ended, Ms. Pillay was appointed to serve as an acting judge on the South African High Court and that same year she was elected to serve as a judge on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, where she served for eight years. In 2003, she was appointed to serve as a judge on the International Criminal Court in The Hague, where she served for five years.
While serving as a member of the Women's National Coalition in South Africa, Pillay contributed to the clause in the country's Constitution that prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. She also co-founded Equality Now and has worked on issues that concern children, detainees, victims of torture and domestic violence. Ms. Pillay has a BA and a LLB from Natal University South Africa. She also has a Master of Law and a Doctorate of Juridical Science from Harvard University.
More information about the event.
Media inquiries can be directed to Megan Smith, assistant director of public relations, 202-274-4276.
In 1896, American University Washington College of Law became the first law school in the country founded by women. More than 100 years since its founding, this law school community is grounded in the values of equality, diversity, and intellectual rigor. The law school's nationally and internationally recognized programs (in clinical legal education, trial advocacy, international law, and intellectual property to name a few) and dedicated faculty provide its 1700 JD, LL.M., and SJD students with the critical skills and values to have an immediate impact as students and as graduates, in Washington, DC and around the world. For more information, visit wcl.american.edu.


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- Network
ROM shorts for Read-only Memory, and it is a kind of memory that stores data long-term. This memory is non-volatile, meaning it keeps data even when the devices is powered off. This memory stores user content, as well as a copy of all software so it can be loaded into RAM when needed. ROM is better known as flash memory. "Read only" is actually a misnomer that has carried over from older devices that had an OS and applications that where generally fixed and therefore stored in truly "read-only" memory. Modern devices use storage memory that easily and frequently changed, but the term has remained.
16GB of ROM is always used for some low end or midrange smartphones that priced between $60 - $100.
Common ROM examples: 2GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB.


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RECIPES: Recipe Details
Caramelized Onion and Walnut Burger with Raspberry Port Wine Sauce:
I wanted the caramelized onions and finely ground walnuts to be the focus of this burger. I also added a little spice with the pepper jack cheese. The raspberry port wine sauce is just for a hint of sweetness.
Raspberry Sauce:
1 12ounce bag frozen Raspberries,thawed
1 cup water
1/2 cup Port Wine (such as Proprietor's Muscat Port)
Caramelized Onions:
2 tablespoons butter
2 large yellow onions, sliced thinly
2 teaspoons sugar
2 pounds ground chuck
3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Vegetable oil for brushing on grill rack
6 slices pepper jack cheese
6 onion rolls, split
6 leaves fresh romaine lettuce, washed
Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high. To make raspberry sauce, combine thawed raspberries, water and port wine in a grill safe saucepan. Stir and cover. Simmer 30 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the raspberry seeds. Put the strained mixture back into the saucepan and continue to simmer until mixture is thick. Remove from heat, keep covered and set aside until needed. To make caramelized onions, melt butter in a grill safe skillet. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar. Cook until soft and golden brown. Remove from heat, cover and set aside. To make patties, combine ground chuck, walnuts, cilantro, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form the portions into onion roll size patties. Brush the grill rack with oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover and grill until bottoms of patties are browned, about 5 minutes. Turn the patties and grill 3 minutes or until done to preference. Turn one more time and place one slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty. Grill until cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from grill. During the last few minutes of grilling place onion rolls cut sides down onto edges of rack to toast. Remove when lightly toasted. To assemble the burgers, evenly spread raspberry sauce over toasted side of bottom rolls. Add patties, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and romaine lettuce. Brush toasted side of top roll with more raspberry sauce, place on top and serve. Makes 6 burgers.
The raspberry sauce should be thick and syrup like. If you do not like cilantro, feel free to omit it from this recipe or substitute flat leaf parsley.


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This could be taken one of two ways...
Those who love WoW like me, would say "Grats!" as it shows the amount of time and dedication I have put into one toon. Which you would see on her achievements (massive time wasting!!). I am amazed that I have spent one year of my life playing this game. I think of all the friends I've made, all the things I've seen that have fired my imagination in rhyme, story and song. I have a bunch of friends with whom I have a common interest, and I play my character reasonably well, and know a few things about dungeons, bosses... areas of interest... NPCs named after pop culture... and have built up a massive collection of pets and mounts and other ridiculous vanity items that clutter my bank and void storage.
Now here are some useless statistics some of which are quite amusing:
- Gold earned from auctions: 4405g 92s 51c
- Yes, I can't make money on the AH to save my life....
- Bandages used: 3
- I'm a healer! Why would I need this?
- Total Deaths: 7477
- Deaths from falling: 73
- Deaths from fatigue: 7
- My daughter's fault, I'm sure
- Flight Paths taken: 899
- Number of hugs: 752
- Total waves: 1255
- Materials produced from disenchanting: 10604
- Items disenchanted: 5531
- Fish and other things caught: 17038
Now the flipside, would be people telling me how I've wasted my life, when I could have been doing something more "constructive". And here it comes, what people PERCEIVE as being a constructive use of your time. We spend 1/4-1/3 of our day sleeping. Or you could say we spend 2 hours a day eating. Or 3 hours a day reading a book. It annoys me how society could think what I do is a waste of time! Wow is like any other hobby, you invest time in it and you see rewards.
One of the lucky things is that I can actually do other things while I'm on WoW. I do often get on the game while I'm at work, usually to do small things, like browse the AH, do my Loremaster, or archaeology - those 5 minute WoW things that don't require a great deal of concentration or a focussed chunk of time. So it's not like I just spent all that time sitting in front of the computer not doing anything, I could have been eating dinner, being at work...
Since I started playing in September 2005, I guess that's almost 7 years of WoW! It makes me wonder what I'll be doing in 7 more years... will I still be here playing this? I suspect that I might, in fact, if WoW still exists, I probably would.
Happy one year of being played, Navimie!


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Print this issue
Keeping with its mission to serve both its membership and citizens of the commonwealth, the MBA enters an active season of programming and services.
On May 13 and 14, "Latest in the Law 2009" will serve as the cornerstone of the MBA's educational programming for the upcoming season. The two-day event will feature recent developments on major practice areas, as well as ample networking opportunities. Click here to learn more or to register. Other programs slated for the coming weeks and months include:
To learn more about these and other upcoming CLE programs, click here.
In addition to CLE, exclusive member benefits will continue to add value to MBA membership into the spring and beyond. These include competitively priced products and policies through the MBA Insurance Agency, unlimited access to the Casemaker Online Law Library, informative member publications, active sections and practice groups, and a robust legislative advocacy plan on behalf of the Massachusetts legal community. Among other upcoming lobbying efforts, the MBA and the Boston Bar Association will co-sponsor a State Court Advocacy Day on Tuesday, March 31 at the Statehouse. The event will further underscore the need for adequate funding to sustain the critical needs of the Massachusetts Court System in light of these difficult economic times.
While the MBA continues its work in responding to members' practice needs, it also makes available a number of pro bono and other meaningful volunteer opportunities. Volunteer attorneys have already made great strides in serving and educating communities across Massachusetts through the MBA Pro Bono Veterans Initiative, 2009 Mock Trial Program, Judicial Youth Corps, Elder Law Education Program, Dial-A-Lawyer events and the MBA Lawyers Eco Challenge. To learn more, click here.
The MBA will further demonstrate its commitment to public service by recognizing pro bono champions at its third signature event of the year—the Access to Justice Luncheon—to take place on May 7 at the JFK Library and Museum. To learn more, click here.
In these difficult economic times, the MBA remains focused on supporting its members with critical programming, exclusive discounted benefits and coordinated volunteer opportunities that fit members' practice needs while helping them achieve a healthy work-life balance.
To learn more about the value of your MBA membership, visit www.massbar.org.


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Points Credit : 10 points Currently valued at $0.98
Kosher Certified by U.S. Kosher Supervision Rabbi Yehudah Bukspan Wheat Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free. Each package makes 12 muffins Ingredients: granulated cane juice, rice flour, tapioca starch, cornstarch, potato starch, blueberries, rice bran, baking powder (sodium pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, cornstarch, monocalcium phosphate), natural vanilla flavor, natural dairy gluten free flavors, baking soda, salt, citric acid, xanthan gum, sunflower oil.*may contain milk. Shelf life: approx 2 years.NUTRITION FACTSServing size volume 1 muffinServing size weight 39gServings per package 12Calories 130Calories from fat 5Total fat 1g - 2%Saturated fat 0gTrans fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 200mg - 8%Total carbohydrates 32g - 11%Dietary fiber 3g - 12%Sugars 17gProtein 2g - 4%Vitamin A - 0%Vitamin C - 0%Calcium - 8%Iron - 8% Ingredients needed: 2 large eggs 1/4 cup veg oil (recommend light olive olive) 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk, or buttermilk 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease just the bottom of 12 regular size muffin cups with shortening, or line each cup with a baking ucp. Beat the eggs, oil, and milk in a large bowl with a wire whisk until well mixed. Stir in the blueberry muffin mis (add cinnamon if you like) until the flour is moistened. The batter will be slightly lumpy. Spoon the batter into the greased muffin cups, dividing the batter evenly among them. You can use an ice-cream scoop for this if available. Bake 20-30 min or until golden brown.
Immediately remove the muffins from the pan to wire cooling rack. Serve warm or cool.


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Over at PlayStation.Blog, Ash put together a blog post with an update on the status of Fallout 3 DLC. Here's a snippet from Ash's post:
"So when can you expect Fallout 3 DLC? We still have a ways to go. We are knee deep in testing at the moment. We're hoping to have the first DLC out by the end of September. That long? Yes, unfortunately. Keep in mind that not only do we need to test each DLC on PS3, we also need to test each DLC when used in conjunction with each of the other DLC, as well as all of them together, along with the entire original game.
I do have good news! We have decided that Broken Steel will be the first release since it is easily the most requested DLC from our fans. Broken Steel allows you to continue playing the game after completing the Main Quest, raises the level cap to 30, and includes 4-6 hours of additional gameplay. It is also the one DLC that requires you to finish the Main Quest from the game to play the new content."
Read Ash's post for the latest. When we have more details to share, we'll let you know.


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Finished control knobs made of solid brass. The 18-mm-knobs are also available in finished aluminium.
These knobs feature a grub screw recessed into the side, allowing them to be neatly and securely fastened to the pot shaft.
All Schaller speed knobs have a 6 mm thread, except for our toggle-switch which has a 4 mm thread.
- Model: dome knob
- Finish: Diamond-Knurled
- Surface: SatinChrome
- Material: Brass
- Unit: Set = 2 pieces
- Measurements l x w x h (mm): 18,1x18,1x18
- Weight g/item: 23,5
- Item number
- 15020300
- Price:


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I've already told you I'm obsessed with maxi dresses this season. And this one from City Chic is no exception. I wore this at the opening of the About Face exhibit and I never felt more sexy. Seriously, it's a va-va-voom dress in the chest area. Meaning, it showed a lot of cleavage. LOL. The dress is no longer available on CityChicOnline.com. Sorry, but there are tons of other pretty dresses. I paired it with gold earrings, a black cascading cardigan, Nine West open-toed pumps, and my new fave Melie Bianco clutch. I wore the dress again on my birthday and I can't wait to wear it again.
Disclosure: This dress is courtesy of City Chic. The above is my true and honest opinion.


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This is my favorite method for ABT's. Halved jalapenos with a dollop of cheese mixture (whipped cream cheese and Colby jack), then a lil' smoky, then wrapped in bacon and dusted down with a BBQ rub. Then smoked indirect with Cherry wood until the bacon is nice and crispy. I will be making more of these this weekend!
Leave some seeds in if you like a little "after burn."