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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Solera Names Cisco Exec To Board
Salt Lake City-based Solera Networks, a developer of network forensics and security hardware, said today that it has added former Cisco executive Scott Weiss to its board of developers. According to Solera, Weiss was most recently Vice President and General Manager of Cisco's Security Technology Business Unit. Weiss has also served at Hotmail, Microsoft, MSN, Idealab, and IronPort. Weiss served as CEO of IronPort when the firm was acquired by Cisco.


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I am truly thankful for many things this Thanksgiving. I'm engaged to be married to a wonderful woman. I have great friends and a supportive family. I have a good job with health benefits.
I'm also very thankful for the person featured in this week's version of Celebrity Tweet of the Week. This person has been featured a number of times before and she continues to come through on a weekly basis.
Since no one else really stood out to me this week, I'm awarding her all the points. She deserves it… So who is it?
Yup. You guessed it. It's porn star Teagan Presley!
Here are some of her great tweets this past week. They are all pretty much NSFW…
@MsTeagan : Will you lock me up? http://yfrog.com/37yc2j
@MsTeagan: Boob Piccy I just took just for you guys. http://yfrog.com/4anl2nj
@MsTeagan: Booty Piccy http://yfrog.com/1ewt3j
@MsTeagan: My hot ass http://yfrog.com/audcij
The nine points catapults her into first place for the year. With a little over a month to go, she looks like the favorite to take the inaugural title.
Teagan Presley: 22 points
Rainn Wilson: 14 points
Chad OchoCinco: 8 points
Reggie Bush: 5 points
Terry Moran: 5 points
Bella Donna: 5 points
Terrell Owens: 5 points
Sunny Leone: 5 points
Ken Tremendous: 5 points
John Mayer: 3 points
Jay Feely: 3 points
Meghan McCain: 3 points
Eva Angelina: 3 points
Ashton Kutcher: 3 points
Kim Kardashian: 3 points
Shawne Merriman: 3 points
Kenny Mayne: 2 points
Jim Gaffigan: 2 points
Danny DeVito: 1 point
Dane Cook: 1 point
Seth Meyers: 1 point
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subset: commoncrawl


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Three times Harrison had runners on second and third in Wednesday's game against Byram Hills, and three times the Huskies came away with nothing. The defending Class A champs had more scoring opportunities than the Bobcats, but Byram seems to have a knack for escaping trouble.
"We've found a way to do that all year – especially John (Norrgard)," Byram senior Jared Feldman said. "He's been bases loaded with no outs and found a way to get out of it. He's overpowering at times, which really helps, but that's been a thing for us all year. We're able to keep our composure there."
Harrison's inability to come up with the big hit was certainly an issue today, but it was the grittiness of this Bobcats team in their 4-2 win that really stood out to me. They're not a flashy bunch, but they battled through adversity time and time again.
"Even though they scored a couple of runs (in the first inning), we didn't want to let down," junior right fielder Jacob Nivasch said. "We're a team throughout the year that has bounced back in many games, and this was just one of those games where it was a fight."
• Norrgard (pictured to the right) got off to a rough start, and it didn't look like he would last long. Austin Pollack led off with a double in the left-center field gap, advanced to third on an error, and then scored on a groundball to the right side from Matt Baker. Tyler Hart followed with a single, Vinnie Nicita was walked, and both runners advanced on a passed ball. Jake Zuckman drove Hart home on a fielder's choice, and then advanced to third on Drew Estes' double. Zuckman stumbled a bit while rounding third, which prevented him from scoring, and then Norrgard induced two shallow fly outs to keep it at 2-0. It wasn't a great start for Byram, but it could have definitely been worse. "At first my breaking ball wasn't work as well, so I just stuck with the fastball," Norrgard said. "They jumped on it… but we fought back."
• The Huskies would put runners on second and third on two other occasions, but failed to plate a run in both instances. They were in the same situation in the fifth with one out — Norrgard's final inning of work — but he worked a pop-up and a groundout to second to get out unscathed. In total, Harrison left left 10 runners on base. "We just had our opportunities and we cant get guys in. Bottom line, we didn't get it done," Harrison coach Marco DiRuocco said. "You're not going to win a game with two runs."
• Despite throwing 31 pitches in a dragged out first inning, Norrgard battled to give Byram five innings and earn the win. His final line was: 5 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 2 K, 96 pitches (49 strikes, 47 balls). Certainly not the most dominant performance that I've seen, but it was effective.
• While Norrgard managed to put up zeros after the first, the Bobcats started chipping away. They didn't tear the cover off of the ball, but they showed the ability to score in a variety of ways. Brian Skelly bunted for a hit, and Kevin Wietsma laid down a sac bunt to move him over. Later in the inning, Nivasch cut the deficit to 2-1 with a run-scoring hit. "The whole time I was thinking, 'Alright, I have to drive this guy in. I have to do what it takes to get the runner in,' " Nivasch said. "I was thinking small the whole time – nothing too big. At the same time, you know there's a lot going on with a guy on second. You just have to stay composed throughout the at-bat, and it paid off."
• Michael Beresford tied it with a sac fly in the fourth, and then Skelly laid down a bunt to score the go-ahead run on a suicide squeeze (he's an awfully good bunter). It was well executed, but I was surprised to see the runner on second — Justin Drossman — make the turn around third and head home. He was gunned down to end the inning, but the damage had been done, and Byram had a 3-2 lead. That's two days in a row that I've covered a game in which a suicide squeeze attempt may have been the biggest play of the game. "That's our team's favorite play," Feldman said. "I love that. It's really good for the team and gets us really pumped up, especially when we execute it with two runs. It's just a great play. It gets everyone involved, and it's selfless. That's Byram Hills baseball."
• Jack Hatheway (pictured to the left) added an RBI single in the fifth to extend the lead to 4-2, and that would prove to be plenty for the Bobcats. The Huskies probably have the more powerful lineup of the two teams — they had four extra-base hits, compared to none for Byram — but they just couldn't find ways to score. The Bobcats' small ball approach proved to be superior today. "Absolutely, and we've done it," DiRuocco said when I asked about his team's ability to put up runs. "We had 17 hits against Pprt Chester and Greeley. We're more than capable, and we've got guys who can produce, it's just who's going to step up?"
• Harrison has had some pitching issues at times this year, but RHP JD Barnett gave the Huskies a pretty encouraging outing today. He was more efficient than Norrgard, finishing with a final line of: 6 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 1 K, 86 pitches (55 strikes, 31 balls). "It's great to see some juniors step up," DiRuocco said. "JD had a great outing today, Matt Baker has been pitching well, so those are two juniors that we are building up for next year."
• This win was especially satisfying for Byram because it came against the team that prevented them from winning a section title last season. The Bobcats lost in extra innings to Harrison in the Class A final, and finally got a measure of revenge nearly a year later. "From the day the schedule came out, this is the one that I circled on my calendar," Feldman said. "This was a big game for us. It was really personal."
• Feldman was a big part of that team that reached the section title game, and I asked him how this team stacks up. They don't have as much power in the lineup, and they don't have a true ace like they did last season with Andrew Slosberg, but they are one scrappy bunch. Coach Scott Saunders knows how to push the right buttons. We have a lot of different guys who pitch. We have a lot of depth this year. I mean, I didn't even start pitching at the beginning of the year, and now I'm pitching. I think that's key for us," Feldman said. "We can all hit which is good, we can all do the little things, and our defense has been really good lately. Those are keys for the playoffs, and we have all of them right now."
• Click here to see a box score and full recap of the game on iScore.
Here are the rest of the scores that we've received so far tonight:
North Rockland 6, Suffern 2: At North Rockland Tuesday, Jariel Burgos went 2 for 4 with a run scored and drove in two for the Red Raiders. Brandon Respress scored three times. Jacob Defilice went 2 for 4 with a run scored for the Mounties.
Croton-Harmon 7, Ossining 4: At Ossining Tuesday, Izaak Cohen had three RBI off of 2 for 4 hitting with a run scored. Chris Dreier had two RBI and Brandon Glover had one. Mitchell Radhuber went 2 for 3 with two RBI and Sean Trnholm a RBI for the Pride.
Haldane 8, Poughkeepsie 1: At Poughkeepsie Tuesday, Kenny Doxey had a double and three RBI. John Rotando went 3 for 4 with a double, a triple, and an RBI. In six innings, he allowed one run, four hits and he struck out four to get the win.
Pelham 9, Edgemont 8: At Edgemont Tuesday, Greg Seigelbaum had two RBI and a double. Michael Murray, Spike Manning and Anthony Manos each had a RBI. Dylan Levine had three RBI for the Panthers.
Port Chester 12, Harrison 9: At Harrison Tuesday, Kyle Drummond and Mike Iantorno each had two RBI and a double. Trevor Chambless added two RBI. Austin Pollack had two RBI and two doubles for the Huskies.Matt Baker had two RBI, a double and a triple.
White Plains 9, Keio 4: At White Plains Tuesday, Cameron Crabbe had a home run and two RBI. Sean Nicholson, Kevin Nicholson, Chris Medeot and Kyle Adams each had an RBI for the Tigers. Yuta Ishii had two hits and an RBI for the Unicorns.
Kennedy 7, Arlington 6: At Arlington Tuesday, Jason Agresti went 2 for 3 with two RBI and a double. Joe Drpich went 2 for 4 with two RBI and a double. Griifen Dey went 3 for 4 with a RBI and a double. Matt Kern went 2 for 4 with a RBI.
Nyack 8, Nanuet 6: At Nanuet Tuesday, Winning pitcher Austin Cavazzi had a triple and an RBI. Teammate Rob Visonti had a two run double. Matt Flannery, Brandon Stathy and Nick O'Connor each had two hits and an RBI.
Fordham 4, Iona Prep 3, 9: At Fordham Tuesday, Matt Henry had two RBI. Vinny Martin had an RBI for the Gaels.
Lakeland 6, Panas 5: At Lakeland Tuesday, Andrew Martinez was 3 for 3 with a home run and three RBI. Kevin Lynch earned the win with five hits allowed and three strikeouts. Brian Holderman had two hits and two runs for the Panthers.
Suffern 14, East Ramapo 3: At Spring Valley, Gabe Cohen went 2 for 3, both hits were three-run home runs. John Saviano went 2 for 4 with a solo home run, and a double. Kenny Petances and Karl Stewart each had a solo home run for the Titans.
Pelham 4, Yonkers 3: At Yonkers, in the top of the seventh with one out, the Pelicans had bases loaded Michael Murray got on base via a ground out to second and Greg Singelbaum scored the go-ahead run. Ray Schmahl had double and came around to score in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie it up for the Bulldogs.
Hackley 2, Trinity 0: At Trinity, Austin Disher pitched a two-hitter shoutout with seven strikeouts. Robert Scherl had a RBI.
Pleasantville 9, Croton-Harmon 2: At Croton-Harmon, Drew Marino went 2 for 2 with a sac fly, a walk, and five RBI. Steven Sicignano drove in two runs. Izaak Cohen went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI for the Tigers.
Keio 4, Blind Brook 0: At Keio, Kenta Nishiyama pitched a three-hitter, allowing two walks, and struck out four facing 25 batters to take the win. Riku Kawada drove in a run. Eric Handelman allowed an earned run, four hits, and two walks in six innings and struck out four for the Trojans in the loss.
Yorktown 3, Lakeland 1: At Yorktown, Frank Frusco pitched a complete game giving one earned run with eight strikeouts. Joe Pietropaulo had two RBI and Ricky Corrado went 2 for 3 with a RBI.
Fox Lane 13, Rye 6: At Fox Lane, Anthony Shkrelja went 2 for 4 with a home run and four RBI for the Foxes. Richard Slenker went 3 for 4 with a double, a home run, and three RBI. Brendan Tripodi had a three-run home run for the Garnets.
Horace Greeley 5, Port Chester 1: At Horace Greeley, Paul Gadaleta pitch a complete game giving up one run with eight strikeouts. Harris Miller had two RBI. Dan D'Auria, Risten Clarke and Jon Renzulli each had a RBI. Jose Gonzalez had a RBI for the Rams.
Beacon 9, Hen Hud 3: At Beacon, Tony Romanelli struck out 11 and allowed one earned run over six innings for the win. Patrick Schetter went 2 for 4 with a stolen base, runs scored, two RBI and a homer. Andrew Grella went 3 for 4 with two runs scored. Rick Tocco went 2 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI for the Sailors.
Sleepy Hollow 2, Dobbs Ferry 0: At Dobbs Ferry, winning pitcher Alec Stoll tossed a five-hitter with 12 strikeouts. Peter Pena doubled and had an RBI and Inmer Rosado had an RBI.
John Jay 5, Carmel 1: At John Jay, Sam Mines pitched a five-hitter. Alec Brown went 2 for 3 with a double, a run scored and two RBI. Jack Weiller went 2 for 3 with a stolen base, a triple and two runs scored. Nick Roell had two hits for the Rams.
Rye Neck 4, Valhalla 1: At Valhalla, Matt Franks pitched a five-hitter and struck out six. He also hit a two-run homer. Matt Garcia had two hits and a run scored. Louis Ingrassi stuck out 10 in a complete game for the Vikings.
Albertus Magnus 5, Pearl River 3: At Albertus Magnus, Andrew Schweitzer pitched five innings for the win. Robert Ottaviano drove in two runs for the Falcons. Connor O'Castle had two hits for Pearl River. Mike Murphy, took the loss, allowing two earned runs over six innings.
Westlake 2, Ossining 0: At Westlake, Michael Cerrato struck out five in a complete game effort for the win. Michael McLynn and Anthony Rotunno each had an RBI. Kevin Haag pitched a one-hitter and had three hits for the Pride.
Ketcham 12, Arlington 6
Photos by Frank Becerra, Jr./The Journal News


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About the Book
A compilation of wildlife photography from the Masai Mara Game Reserve. You will learn amazing facts about the animals of Africa. The Masai Mara is abundant with wildlife and beautiful landscapes. It is a place I fell in love with and am sure you will do the same as you flip through the pages of this book. Happy Safari!
Features & Details
- Category Fine Art Photography
Small Square, 7×7 in, 18×18 cm
80 Pages
- Publish Date Dec 27, 2007
- Tags fine art photography, Masai Mara, big five, African wildlife, cape buffalo, game reserves, nature, travel, wildlife, Africa, Kenya, photography, photo, photos, wilderness, wild, outdoors, Educational, Education, lions, lion, zebra, zebras, giraffes, cheetah, cheetahs, elephants, elephant, hippo, hippopotamus, hippopotames, baboon, birds, crocs, crocodile, storks, gazelle, gazelles, hartebeest, hyrax, buffalo, rhinoceros, topi, warthog, hyena, safari, animals
See More
About the Creator
Shawnda Friesen
Chattanooga, TN. USA
Photography is a hobby that I enjoy very much. The Great-out-of-doors and photography are great tools for learning about all kinds of subjects including life in general.
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INSPIRATION. 3 Feb 2014
Image of Lithe Instructor Julie Fannin in Rock Steady via Dom
« LITHE ON GILT CITY! | Main | LITHE GREENIE »
Image of Lithe Instructor Julie Fannin in Rock Steady via Dom
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This is what she looks like after a baby! Time to head back to lithe... No one said it would be easy, just that it would be worth it... Thanks for the motivation Julie!!
Her ENTIRE ML RS class did the splits today. Now that's being inspired by Julie. Consider yourselves challenged Rit and OC. #MainLineMommas
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|From: Paulo J. Matos (pocm at soton.ac.uk)
Date: Fri Oct 20 10:06:07 EDT 2006
On 10/6/06, pedro pinto <pedro.e.pinto at gmail.com> wrote: > Hi there, > > Is there any way in DrScheme to properly assign the meta key to alt on > windows? It seems like alt=meta for some values of meta, namely M-f, M-v, > but not others like M-C-p, M-space and so on. The docs state: > > " Under Windows and Mac OS X, Meta is only available through the Escape > key." > > I find pressing and releasing Esc to simulate meta very awkward. > > Without looking at the docs and by reading this question by Pedro, I'd like to add an item to this question on keybindings: - Is there a way to assign a key to the insertion of a word in the current position of the buffer. For example, I press the WinKey and get a lambda or something. Regards, Paulo Matos > Thanks in advance, > -pp > > > > > _________________________________________________ > For list-related administrative tasks: > http://list.cs.brown.edu/mailman/listinfo/plt-scheme > > > -- Paulo Jorge Matos - pocm at soton.ac.uk http://www.personal.soton.ac.uk/pocm PhD Student @ ECS University of Southampton, UK
|Posted on the users mailing list.


text:
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
Geo-collaboration is an emerging research area in computer sciences studying the way spatial, geographically referenced information and communication technologies can support collaborative activities. Scenarios in which information associated to its physical location are of paramount importance are often referred as Situated Knowledge Creation scenarios. To date there are few computer systems supporting knowledge creation that explicitly incorporate physical context as part of the knowledge being managed in mobile face-to-face scenarios. This work presents a collaborative software application supporting visually-geo-referenced knowledge creation in mobile working scenarios while the users are interacting face-to-face. The system allows to manage data information associated to specific physical locations for knowledge creation processes in the field, such as urban planning, identifying specific physical locations, territorial management,
Urban planning is the label adopted by a broad research agenda addressing the interaction between information technology and planning, including various key concerns such as territorial management, policy making, governance, citizenship and participation [
The integration of geo-referenced data and information with decision models is not new. Actually, it has led to an emerging category of Geographic Information Systems known as Collaborative Spatial Decision Making [
The integration of visual geo-referenced data and information with a knowledge creation model applied to design a concrete software application supporting face-to-face social interaction among users in mobile working scenarios has not been proposed in the literature so far. Various authors mention the relevance of physical context and situated knowledge for: (a) improving knowledge transfer based on interaction with the real physical context while sharing explicit knowledge during face-to-face interactions among users and experts [
It has been argued that knowledge creation often takes place on the move [
Therefore, the main challenge of our research work is to integrate practical and theoretical aspects of visual geo-referenced data and information with a knowledge creation model, in order to use them as a basis for the design and construction of a software tool for mobile devices (Tablet-PC) with the goal of supporting urban planning activities in mobile scenarios combining face-to-face with computer mediated collaboration. Urban planning [
In order to develop a useful tool which can successfully support the work in the described scenario it is essential to identify and specify the necessary functionalities which enable the integration of geo-referenced data and information with knowledge creation processes. These functionalities need to be analyzed according to the following guidelines: (a) it is necessary to consider a knowledge creation model that allows its potential users to informally develop and maintain the necessary mechanisms to manage sense-making, knowledge creation and decision-making processes [
We may therefore express with more accuracy that our main challenge consists in modeling a software application capable of geo-referencing data and information within the context of a broader model of the knowledge creation process, understood as a collaborative face-to-face endeavor. The users will be able to discuss about data and information automatically geo-located by the application, in the field. For the evaluation of the software tool we consider five requirements (labeled from R1 to R5) that should be fulfilled in order to effectively support collaborative knowledge construction. These requirements have been established by various theories and empirical research works, as well as the SECI model (see Section 3) about the conversion of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge:
The developed application will be tested against these requirements taking into account its three functional modes (labeled from FM1 to FM3):
The paper is organized as follows: Section 2 presents a review of several concepts and definitions related to knowledge creation, sense-making, decision-making models, in order to highlight the main model constructs that support the design of a collaborative knowledge creation software application supported by visually-geo-referenced workspaces. Section 3 introduces a model for developing an effective knowledge creation-supporting tool for collaborative mobile scenarios and for tasks requiring geo-referenced information. Section 4 describes our proposal of a conceptual model for knowledge creation support. Section 5 describes the software application developed to explore the integration between knowledge creation and visually-geo-referenced data and information models. Section 6 presents an evaluation of the application, and Section 7 concludes the paper with a synthesis and discussion of the results obtained.
Studies emphasize three distinct areas in which the creation and use of data and information plays a strategic role when a group is collaboratively working to achieve any common goal [
Finally, participants search for and evaluate information or knowledge created in order to make decisions. Here, the key activity is processing of information about available alternatives in order to select one that can achieve the desired objectives. In
In accordance to Grimm, Tazari
Some researchers have recently stated that the potential of knowledge creation is usually limited to stationary workplaces because most knowledge creation support systems are designed for use with Desktop PCs connected to a central server [
Therefore, we argue that mobile knowledge creation supporting situated mobile working scenarios has not attracted as much attention as it should, considering its potential. Researchers like Balfanz, Grimm
The mobile added values concept refers to characteristics of mobile technology and its utilization in the sense of what can "mobile" do, what "stationary" cannot? (see [
Physical context-sensitivity facilitates the knowledge creation process requiring explicit knowledge to be re-interpreted, re-created and appropriated on the field [
This section discusses relevant concepts of groupware applications, and environments with collaboration in the geo-referencing of locations. We begin with the distinction between same-place and different-places, which has a focus on accessibility rather than geographical nature, determining the overall architecture and functionality of the system. Some subsequent developments of time (synchronous, asynchronous)/place map continue to emphasize the accessibility constraints. For instance, the expansion of the place dimension in three categories—co-located, virtual co-located and remote—, addresses the infrastructure capabilities to access each other in a team.
The conceptual change from place to space introduces a more broad concern with geographical relationships such as location, distance and orientation [
The notion of virtual space is fundamental in Collaborative Virtual Environments [
We should also analyze the notion of workspace. According to [
Recent exploratory works present geo-collaborative applications or prototypes having a geo-referenced workspace component to solve crisis management, decision making, and knowledge acquisition problems.
The system described in [
In [
Convertino, Ganoe
Although the physical context-situation (location) is an important component of knowledge, there is no evidence in the literature about systems taking advantage of mobile and GPS technology to support a group of users in knowledge creation activities using this information. In this paper we present a geo-collaborative mobile, co-located and visual system supporting knowledge creation for designing and planning, using mobile devices (Tablet-PCs) equipped with GPS allowing a group of users to synchronously work over a common virtual workspace. It makes use of geo-referenced information over maps in a face-to-face scenario helping users to share their tacit and explicit knowledge.
Geo-collaboration is an emerging activity where users explore geospatial information through geo-referenced information [
According to Nonaka and Toyama [
Additionally, it is widely agreed upon that the creativity of ideas increases if they are developed collaboratively and in a face-to-face situation [
In the following five subsections we discuss each one of these five requirements in more detail and focused on collaborative geo-referenced knowledge creation in order to incorporate them in a conceptual model of knowledge creation support over which the developed application is based.
Nonaka's SECI model for knowledge creation [
According to this, the SECI model can be applied to explain scenarios where people are working face-to-face generating knowledge by collaboratively geo-referencing data and information over maps. By this mean, participants can convey their tacit knowledge by making them explicit through sketching over map, along with annotations, for example in order to share their ideas about which new streets should be built and how will they run, or which will be the shape of a new green area, which area will it cover. Doing this activity on the site where the street or park should be built allows them to include geo-referenced data automatically as well as important context information, which maps may not convey.
Creativity, in any domain, involves both divergent and convergent thinking [
Urban planning requires the collaborative work of various actors, like architects, urban designers, city planners, and public administrators; they require at the end to make decisions based on consensus. Their proposals are the result of tasks requiring discussion and agreement, based on diverse criteria in order to analyze opportunities and threats, advantages and drawbacks, benefits and costs of the proposed ideas.
During the creative work stage, group members alternate between individual, pair-wise, and work group. Therefore, supporting these different brainstorming modalities and the alterations between them seems a plausible and feasible idea. Maintaining history of brainstorming sessions, which would be bookmarked when modality switching occurs, would allow users to refer back to previous versions, assess changes temporally, and keep track of who did what. Such session histories would facilitate the meta-cognitive process of reflection and self-awareness, and establishment of a reward structure for making work visible. Brainstorming techniques—such as drawing concept maps, affinity diagrams, or storyboarding—are often codified as graphical visualizations of knowledge. One way to integrate support for individual, dyadic, and group brainstorming is to use role-specific multiple view visualizations [
The various actors involved in urban planning usually require to work according to different modalities: in some cases, due to the expert knowledge of one each one they have to work individually before sharing their ideas with the rest. If more than a single expert on a particular subject are joining the group they may start working together as a subgroup before joining the work with the rest of the group. Finally, at a certain stage a collaborative work session involving all participants will be most probably required.
Although more detailed plans can lead to creativity, imposing such constraints in collaborative systems can be problematic. To be too rigid can potentially stymie creativity, and users often find ways to work around them. In [
When performing an urban planning activity solutions might be attained in various ways. Some would require long working session's performing convergent and divergent tasks, other may require just analyzing facts and compiling information. Therefore, in urban planning there is no pre-defined working methodology. Therefore, a system supporting urban planning work should be very flexible regarding this issue.
According to Yongjin, Xinyan
Visualization, sketching and brainsketching are useful concepts to be included into in geo-collaborative systems. They often include a digital workspace for map-based analysis and visualization; multi-modal interfaces enabling interactions between users.
Regarding sketching and brainsketching as visual mechanisms, it is possible that at an early stage of the planning work ideas proposed by a person might not be very precise and clear. By means of sketches a simple and general representation of these preliminary ideas can be expressed and communicated in a visual way (brainsketching). Additionally, by working face-to-face verbal explanations could be provided in order to complete the ideas represented by a simple sketch without needing complex and detailed representations, [
Considering the five requirements for supporting knowledge creation presented above, in this section we propose a conceptual model which identifies and supports the essential components and basic functionalities a software application supporting knowledge creation in mobile geo-collaboration scenarios should have.
In the first place we consider the
Along with the knowledge creation process, the model also considers the processes that take place before (
In the second place, we consider the other four requirements:
In the third and final place we include in the model the necessary functional modes a knowledge creation supporting tool should have. We propose three functional modes for our scenario:
The software application is a collaborative situated knowledge creation tool supporting urban planning and it is based on the knowledge creation model presented in section 4. According to this, the system has three functional modes:
The three functional modes of the software application are aimed at providing an environment facilitating tacit knowledge sharing, transferring and creation, offering the possibility to do this without the need to convert tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge before sharing it. Hence, face-to-face communication should be used to share and personalize tacit and explicit knowledge, rather instead of extracting, coding and storing it. The sharing of tacit and explicit knowledge is viewed as a social process between individuals requiring face-to-face interaction while working in mobile scenarios to achieve urban planning tasks.
When the application is started an
The application allows geo-referencing data and information through the following mechanisms: (1) directly drawing sketches over the map; (2) creation of recursive concepts maps; and (3) creation of localization marks over the map. All these operations are possible while working in any of the three functional modes thus introducing more flexibility to the activity. Thanks to this, the application can be used in various ways allowing participants to (a) collaboratively geo-reference only the necessary information without using any of the three modes, (b) use the
The geo-referenced information can be associated to a certain location on the map by selecting the geo-referenced information and then the corresponding idea in any of the three modes. It is also possible to scroll and zoom over the map, store and load the information. These functions are activated trough the menu located on the left-bottom of the screen (see
Editing actions are executed using gestures over the working area (map): Selecting sketches is done by any of the following three gestures: The first one consists on clicking with the pen on a given trace or line (see
Deselecting is done by clicking on any empty space. Using any of these methods more than once in succession will add or remove items from the selection so that the user can make complex selections using simple gestures.
Pasting is done by drawing a dense point and releasing the stylus. This duplicates elements previously copied into the clipboard, and places them where the point has been drawn. When one or more items have been selected, two small handles appear at the right side of the selected strokes.
There is a set of simple actions for editing selected shapes: Moving is accomplished by dragging any selected stroke or sketch. Dragging will move the selection as a whole. Resizing is done by dragging the red square handle, located at the upper right corner of the selected group of elements (see
Rotating the selected elements can be achieved by dragging the blue round handle, located at selection's right size (see
This mode supports the knowledge externalization allowing users to explain their tacit or explicit knowledge by means of freehand writing or sketching. This mode allows users to freely prepare their ideas before sharing them, reducing the free-riding, production blocking, and evaluation apprehension problems [
Every idea specified in this mode can be associated to the specific localization where users are working, geo-referencing data and information by sketching and freehand writing on the map as shown in
After each user has externalized her ideas individually or collaboratively, it is necessary to analyze them involving all group members in order to select the most relevant ones and/or discard the irrelevant ones. To support this process, the system generates a list of all created ideas, which will be visually shown as rectangular boxes of similar proportions with colors associated to the participant who has created them. In this stage, the list of ideas is visible to all participants, as shown in the
At the beginning, before receiving any vote, the ranking number for an idea is 1. This ranking number appears at the bottom-right corner of the rectangle. As ideas get ranked, they will be automatically rearranged and grouped according to the ranking number. In this way, relevant ideas are easily distinguished from the irrelevant ones, supporting their selection.
An idea can be collaboratively edited while working in this mode by clicking in the middle area of the rectangle. Collaborative editing allows the socialization of the tacit and explicit knowledge, allowing participants to combine their knowledge and perspectives about the ideas. It is possible to add more information to an idea by means of including concept maps. Concept map's nodes can be created inside an idea by making an "L" gesture enclosing a single or a group of strokes previously drawn (from left to right, see second and third screenshots of
This mode allows users to summarize the knowledge creation process using a final visual representation of the ideas. This process is done collaboratively with the agreement of all participants. In this mode the ideas selected in the previous mode are arranged over the map they are geo-referenced.
At the beginning of this mode, a map of the localization where the users worked appears with a list of small squares at the top representing the generated ideas ordered according to their ranking. In this stage, participants have to make a visual arrangement of the ideas. This is an important stage during the knowledge creation because it is expected the tacit and explicit knowledge to be expressed here with sketches and other visual representations. It is expected that participants first draw a sketch where ideas will be placed in a particular order according to the meaning of the sketch. Ideas can be dragged from the list and dropped in the desired place. The placement of the ideas inside the sketch should represent a meaning collaboratively defined by all participants. The rectangle representing an idea can be reshaped as desired (last screenshot of
The success of a collaborative system depends on multiple factors, including the group characteristics and its dynamic, the individual, social and organizational context in which it is inserted, and the positive and negative effects of technology on the group's tasks and processes. Therefore, collaborative systems evaluation is always necessary to determine the impact a software solution will have on the individuals, groups and the organization. According to [
Three evaluation scenarios (role-based, rule-based and knowledge-based) were proposed in [
According to the guidelines proposed in [
As explained before, the goal of the developed application is supporting knowledge creation during urban planning activities in mobile, collaborative scenarios. In order to evaluate if this goal has been achieved we consider the variables corresponding to the five requirements for knowledge creation analyzed in Section 3, associated to the functionalities implemented by the application described in Section 4. The evaluation was focused on assessing the value the software application brings to the evaluators. We adopted the cooperation scenario method (COS) [
The evaluation procedure was set up as follows. The tool was evaluated in three pilot experiments scenarios performed in real mobile working scenarios involving four, four and six evaluators, respectively. Each pilot experiment scenario was performed separately and independently of each other. Also for each evaluation different evaluators were used. All of the evaluators were knowledgeable in individual urban planning design, with professional experience on urban planning, and "computer literates". Each pilot experiment scenario started with a brief tutorial about the tool, which took approximately 20 minutes. Then, the reviewers used the software application until the task was achieved, which consisted in collaboratively performing a specific urban planning task which included the need of handling geo-reference data and information. During the experiments, whenever necessary, additional help about the tool was provided to the evaluators.
In the first experimental scenario two city planners with two and six years of work experience and two urban designers with three and 12 years of work experience participated, one female and three male. We proposed them the task of planning the construction of a new parking place for the most important soccer stadium in Santiago de Chile. They had four working sessions of 30 to 40 minutes each, performed over two weeks, during which they used the prototype in order to collaboratively work in a face-to-face modality to generate the ideas for the location and characteristics of the parking place. The second experimental scenario was performed with two architects with five and nine years of work experience and two public administrators both with 10 years of work experience, again one female and three male. We asked them to perform the task of designing evacuation ways for an area located in the south-west part of Santiago of Chile where many new buildings are going to be built replacing old one-storey constructions (see
After the last session of each experimental scenario, we asked the evaluators to complete a semi-structured interview about the application's most positive and negative aspects, as well as to answer closed questions concerning the software's utility and usability.
Regarding the utility of the application, each one of the application's functionalities (see Sections 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3) and their association to the corresponding requirements (see Sections 3.1 to 3.5) were explained to the evaluators with the purpose of enabling an objective evaluation of the benefits the application brings to knowledge creation and to eliminate the ambiguity during interviews and questionnaires. For each functionality and its associated requirements (
Regarding the usability of the application, three characteristics were evaluated: comprehension or understanding of the application, how easy was to learn how to use the application, and operability related with the effort controlling the urban design collaborative task. In a similar way, one or two semi-structured and closed questions were designed for each characteristic. The results are also shown on
After each situated experimental scenario we conducted scenario-based workshops where all reviewers had to analyze the application in the context of the predefined scenario. From the workshop we finally obtained a set of comments and observations regarding the utility and usability of the software application explained in the next paragraphs.
Regarding utility issues, the obtained results indicate that according to the evaluators' view, the application was easy to use and useful to support knowledge creation for situated urban planning design tasks in mobile working scenarios. We obtained positive indications about the three functionalities
Concerning usability issues, the obtained results indicated that participants could understand the working logic behind the application and that they effectively learned to deal with its functionality, as well as with the knowledge creation processes. However, it was pointed out that the application was a bit difficult to use at the beginning. Some other minor functional and user interface details were also raised by the evaluators, e.g., the absence of graphical information and the difficulties obtaining a summary view of the alternatives, and in some cases the lack of information about the authorship of the sketches. More experimented user missed the menus, choice boxes and fast access keys. The evaluators considered a major challenge to keep the awareness information and collaboration constantly up-to-date. The learning curve of the application was satisfactory completed during the second working session for most of the evaluators. In relation to the use of Tablet- PCs the users never used the keyboard, maintaining the screen folded to the keyboard all the time while holding them with the forearm and using the pencil with the other hand. After some 15 minutes most users started to feel the weight of the device, and then they looked for different supporting points to hold it (on their legs while sitting or on a chair,
During the workshops the three evaluators groups stated that the main value of the application was that it allowed keeping in a single interface various elements which help to generate ideas and create new proposals for urban design: first, it was possible to specify ideas by mean of sketches in an individual as well as in a collaborative way; second, it provides an interface allowing them to easily make an interpretation of the data they are working with; third, it provides a shared workspace where they can analyze the various design alternatives; fourth, it provides a workspace where it is possible to visually associate ideas to physical locations. In the same way, evaluators expressed that mobility was a key feature to accomplish their task, which they normally do behind a desk when not using such a tool.
During the workshop we also analyzed the benefits evaluators foresee by using the tool on a regular basis in the long term. In this regards, the evaluators expressed that they see benefits on the support for team work, which was not frequently done due to the practical limitations of their work and on the creation of a historical record of the proposed ideas, which can on the long term build a valuable asset.
We think that the main contribution of our work has been to identify the benefits of using geo-referenced information in knowledge creation and proposing a mechanism to put this idea into practice. In our software application this is achieved by associating GPS and location information with geo-referenced data and information over a map for knowledge creation in urban planning scenarios where previous knowledge creation is needed for sense-making. The visualization technology of knowledge and the use of mobile devices as support for knowledge management is a new field, which has already generated applications for different scenarios such as engineering, education economy and health [
The knowledge creation success model developed emphasizes the need for knowledge creation systems to include both types of knowledge (tacit and explicit) and linkages or pointers to people with knowledge expertise. A better understanding of the various characteristics of the tacit knowledge dimension, as detailed in the present study, will assist researchers and practitioners in the development of more sophisticated knowledge management systems that can adequately address knowledge users' needs for both codified knowledge and interaction with human sources of knowledge. As future work we envisage to explore supporting combined virtual co-located and face-to-face co-located scenarios, by using HTML5 technology, which will allow users to access to the system using a web browser. Preliminary work has shown that it is easy to extend the current application for this purpose. HTML5 will allow mobile phone owners to run this tool in their devices, since most web-browsers for mobile phones are HTML5 compatible. However this will raise a new requirement for the tool, since it has been successfully tested for its usability with normal screen sizes. The tool running over devices with a reduced screen should then be tested again in order to validate the sketches approach or develop a more suitable HCI paradigm for this scenario.
This paper was partially funded by the "U-APOYA Program, VID 2011" of the Universidad de Chile, and Fondecyt 1085010.
A conceptual model contextualizing the knowledge creation process support, based on the strategic role of information (sensemaking, knowledge creation and decision making). Each component of the SECI model is supported by requirements that support creativity, which are finally associated with the correspondent functional modes to be implemented on a software application supporting knowledge creation.
Main human computer interface of the application. The
Editing ideas through sketching and freehand writing in the brainstorming/brainsketching mode. From left to right: in the first screenshot an idea consisting of the design of a dump is generated with a brief explanatory text, this idea is separated from the rest by making a gesture corresponding to a horizontal line. To edit this idea, it is necessary to select it with a click of the pen and enter clicking the icon with the arrow down. In the second screenshot the idea previously selected is being re-edited by adding more details. The third shows how to generate a node through a gesture in the shape of a rectangle. This node is now a new sub-idea within an idea, which can also be edited by selecting and clicking on the icon with the arrow down, as shown in the last screenshot of the sequence, where details of the trashcan are.
On the left, scrolling the ideas by moving the pen on the right border of the screen. The second and third screenshots show how a sketch can be converted in a node. At the right all ideas of level 1 were used on the knowledge creation representation.
The table shows the frequency a certain level of the Likert scale was chosen by the evaluators for each association of functional mode and requirement.
|Comprehension (understanding the application)
|Learning (how to use the application)
|Operability (effort controlling the urban design collaborative task)
|Comprehension (understanding the application)
|Learning (how to use the application)
|Operability (effort controlling the urban design collaborative task)
|Comprehension (understanding the application)
|Learning (how to use the application)
|Operability (effort controlling the urban design collaborative task)


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Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Medan with flight
We will fetch you from the airport. In the morning there is a city tour of Medan taking in the remaining original Dutch, English, Chinese and Malay architecture. Medan/Bohorok/Bukit Lawang, the orangutan rehabilitation centre via many rubber and pal moil plantations. In this impressive nature reserve you can see the orangutans feeding in their natural environment. This involves a 45 minutes walk through the jungle to reach the feeding grounds of the orangutan. The sportive hiker can take exciting jungle trips here. However walkers must be fit and have suitable, large profile shoes. Overnight stay in a hotel on the banks of the beautiful Bohorok River.
Day 2: Bukit Lawang
We will take you to Mariki, starting point of your Wampu River rafting experience. This Wampu river rafting trip is a fascinating adventure with many grade 2 rapids. You will make the rafting with local guides. The trip takes about 4 hours down the Wampu River. Minimum age is 10 years. You will enjoy the beautiful nature, sailing on a wide jungle river in the midst of unspoiled impressive huge rainforest. All around you can see and hear the tropical wildlife. Half way we will make a stop at a waterfall where you can take a fresh shower and lunch in the open air. Lunch is included. After lunch you will continue the rafting for about 2 hours until the bridge of the Bohorok River. After arrive in Bohorok we will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 3: Bukit Lawang/ Brastagi.
You will make a trip along a fascinating route to the mountain village of Brastagi in the Karo Highlands. Here you can view two active volcanoes, the Sibayak and the Sinabung. Overnight stay in Brastagi.
Day 4: Brastagi/ Samosir on Lake Toba
Beautiful route through the Karo highlands via pineapple, clove and ginger plantations. Stops during the trip at the tribal kings' house of the Simalungun Batak in Pematang Purba and at the Sipiso Piso falls. In the afternoon we arrive in Prapat from where we cross Lake Toba to the island of Samosir. The car goes with us. Overnight stay on Samosir Island, your hotel is situated right at the lake side.
Day 5: Samosir/ tour to Tomok, Ambarita and Simanindo
On this magnificent island, you can visit the typical Toba Batak villages: Tomok with its kings' tombs, Ambarita with its megalith execution tables and in Simanindo you can see traditional Batak dances. Overnight stay on Samosir.
Day 6: Samosir/ Medan by the plantation route
Today you drive along endless palm tree, rubber and cacao plantations and through the historic city of Pematang Siantar. We suggest you take a break at the hotel Siantar, built in 1912. In the noon you will arrive in Medan. Overnight stay in Hotel Deli River in the middle of tropical paradise
Day 7: Medan. We will transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Member discount:
- Overnight accommodation in twin rooms in good medium class hotels
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text:
Val Thorens Snow Report, 02 Mar 2010
The snow depth is 185cm at 3,200m on the Glacier Du Bouchet whilst the lower slopes have 130cm of snow at 2,300m.
There was 5cm of snow on Sunday 28th February and all the runs and lifts in Val Thorens are fully open.
Last week we had lots of snow throughout the whole week, with a final few centimetres to finish the week. On Monday we had a beautiful sunny day to ski on the snow pack from last week.
We had a group of pretty fast skiers with the Ski Hosting group so we could cover the whole of Val Thorens area, covering the 3 faces of the glacier bowls in VT. There were not many people around and the snow was perfect, especially in the higher slopes in Val Thorens like Christine, Moraine and Rhodes.
We made a stop at the top of the Cime de Caron, the newly built cable car which took no time to drop us up on the magnificent viewpoint were we could contemplate the breathtaking 360 degree view from Mont Blanc to Chambery.
In the afternoon we had the chance of exploring the lower valley in Les Menuires and Saint Martin, but we decided to go over to Orelle, the best choice for the afternoon sun. We took the Bouchet chairlift to the highest point in the ski domain, and then found the best powder in resort. Finally we made a return to Val Thorens as the high clouds started making their way into the valley.
Today the sun is shining beautifully; we are going to cover the whole valley going to Saint Martin de Belleville. It will be an awesome day out!
The forecast for the next few days is sunny Wednesday morning with clouds coming up in the afternoon and heavy snow throughout the night, making a grey Thursday with quite a lot of snow fall in the whole valley. Friday should be a beautiful sunny powder epic day.
Tonight we have an awesome free Jazz concert and tomorrow there is a torchlight descent with hot chocolate on arrival, the rest of the week a There is a full programme full of activities for all ages over the rest of the week with entertainment for children and adults alike.
This week on the ice driving track (as featured in Top Gear) we have the Peugeot Winter Tour on Friday, to try the new 3008, 4007 and 5008 models!! Awesome!!


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Welcome to VCS.
Welcome to a safe place where Christ is lifted up, and the pillars of faith, academics, fine arts, and athletics define the everyday learning experience. Our amazing faculty and staff live out our mission to provide a Christ-centered education in a nurturing environment that equips young people to excel in life and service to Jesus Christ. We're eager to answer your questions and introduce you to VCS—through our website, a personal tour of our campus, or an Open House experience. Lives are changed every day at VCS.
Come see what makes the difference and why VCS is where your child belongs!


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For a third time in three weeks the lines laid down here concern our railways (Lines? Railways? Get it? Oh, go back to sleeper).
By circumstance not design, it must be stressed.
Between station collapses (of passengers - me, specifically - not buildings) and explosive derailment, the network has loomed large on my horizon since early January.
Last week, of course, it arrived to train on everyone's parade via news of HS2 route proposals to help wing future generations in and out of the capital quicker.
Everyone, that is, who pays tax and is hereby cordially invited to cough up a grand+ at no discernible benefit to themselves. In some cases - those where infrastructure will physically impinge on their home - with negative outcomes assured.
Everyone, in other words, not resident in a location served conveniently by this plunderous project.
The vast majority of people living in Lancashire, to name but a few hundred thousand. A view forcefully challenged by "regional lobby" HS2 North West.
According to their spokesman, the £32bn route will boost our economy to the tune of £44bn and create more than 40,000 new jobs.
Curiously, however, no named members on behalf of whom this spokesman spoke - in newspapers regionwide, including this one - can readily be identified.
Although HS2 NW apparently "works closely" with various chambers of commerce, in terms of HS2 NW itself, my arguably limited research tends to suggest that HS2 NW is, essentially, a bloke in Cheshire called Chris. That it is a not-for-profit operation is all one can satisfactorily confirm, Chris (Howe) being campaign director (and former manager of the national YestoHS2 campaign).
Obviously, while there still exist countless enthusiasts - thank our lucky stars - across Britain, it is mere regrettable modern political reflex to suspect some discreet interested party or other is picking up the tab to push an agenda.
Happens all the time, notably the various covert fronts Big Oil routinely uses to counter claims of man-made climate change.
Lacking any wisdom in this regard, though, we can only fairly conclude that sometimes, what we see is all there is.
And what we see is Chris.
A one-man-band on what might appear to be a personal crusade. And this being so, good luck to him.
Why not? If HS2 springs him out of bed with a sense of purpose who's to knock it?
Just bear this in mind next time we hear from a 'spokesman' for this 'campaign' or 'regional lobby'.
In all likelihood that nameless figure will be Chris, and the 'man' he 'spokes' for will be Chris, and Chris alone.


text:
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text:
Hi huda. I've never heard of olive vines. Olives grow on trees. On the way to murree from Islamabad they have tried experimenting with olive cultivation, but I'm not sure if it was fruitful. The natural habitat of olives is the Mediterranean region. I've seen olive groves that are thousands of years old there. I don't think tropical Karachi will suit it. The senior members may be able to guide you better.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


text:
Aubrey O'Day is holding up after she was robbed Wednesday in Los Angeles, her rep tells Usmagazine.com.
According to TMZ.com, the singer, 25, was walking down an alley on her way to tape a TV Guide segment when someone ran behind her and stole everything she was holding -- including an pricey Zac Posen dress. (Luckily, her beloved teacup Maltese named Ginger escaped unharmed, the website reports.)
See photos of Hollywood's biggest scandals
"Aubrey is doing well," her rep tells Us. "She is just a bit shaken up from the day's chaos and is grateful that she and those around her were unharmed."
Check out the day's hottest celeb photos
No arrests have been made.


text:
User talk:Primisimo
| This is the talk page for User:Primisimo. Please leave a message.
Always sign off your messages using four tildes (~~~~ ) to automatically add your signature.
Hi, welcome to Grand Theft Wiki! Thanks for your edit to the User:Primisimo page.
Please leave a message on my talk page if I can help with anything! -- Gta-mysteries (Talk) 22:03, 2010 March 26


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She is the most beautiful girl in the world. She is very sweet and such a caring person. Shes a really cute country girl. She looks amazing in whatever she wears especially in camo :) Shes got a beautiful smile and really cute dimples (:
Abby pullen is an amazing girl.
by rb3tvc3hb5y3vre3bt5rw January 20, 2013
The Urban Dictionary Mug
One side has the word, one side has the definition. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Lotsa space for your liquids.Buy the mug


text:
Everything "DAD" knows about raising kids
de Dr. Ino Itall
Acerca del libro
One of multiple books in Dr. Ino Itall's "Everything" knowledge series. These books are a humorous jab at the subject printed on the cover. They spoof the knowledge attained by each subject by having a book of blank pages attesting to their specific area. These books also serve as great tablets, diaries and notebooks for the owner.
Características y detalles
- Categoría Humor
13×20 cm
80 Páginas
- Fecha de publicación jun. 04, 2011
- Etiquetas how to, self help, raising kids, baby sitting, women, men, series, fyi, funny, trick, spoof, knowledge, education, joke, gag, humor, dad, father, grandfather, pap, mom, mother, grandma, grandmother, family, kids, child, children, baby, daycare
Acerca del creador
Dr. Ino Itall is known throughout all the world. I doubt that there is a village, city, town, or place of gathering that doesn't have at least one Ino Itall relative living amongst its citizens. The character of Ino Itall has traversed generations since the beginning of time. Ino Itall's have worked in every profession known to mankind. The question is, have you ever met one?
Inicia sesión o crea una cuenta para publicar un comentario.


text:
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After a visit to the hospital many years ago I became a vegetarian do to some serious stomach issues. Years went by and a return to eating meat. I can admit I love bacon but I … Read More »
Mushroom Goulash
Instant Pot Salisbury Steak
You know tonight I noticed when cooking I still do a good luck trick, that my grandmother taught me, that we always did when cooking. The extra salt you throw it over your … Read More »
Mojo Chicken Stir Fry
I just love making stir frys. I think you just make about anything you want out of them. When I was sent some Yakisoba Teriyaki noodles I was excited to get started on a new … Read More »
Five Cheese Tortellini Bake & Giveaway
On Labor Day, we decided to have a simple family meal before my daughter headed to color guard practice. We always seem to have something going on. Simple family dinners where … Read More »
Bacon, Egg, and Potato Burger
My daughter is a huge fan of Texas. Sometimes we talk about moving and she says she doesn't want to go anywhere but here. She's only been out of the state twice so I always … Read More »
Italian Spinach Orzo Soup
We recently went for a dip in the weather here. It seems to be like that across most of the states. When we get those 17 degree weather days my body screams at me it is time … Read More »
No Fry Firecracker Chicken
One of my sons' friends is totally gluten free. In our house, that is something new because we eat whatever we please. When I know he is coming over I try to plan for it. He … Read More »
Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebabs
Summer days by the pool with good food and beer is the one thing I like about Summer. Though I am more of a fan of Fall. Sunday we had a wonderful evening over at V's parents … Read More »
Red Pepper Fusilli
Leftovers are a huge portion of lunches in our home. It's a way not to create food waste and also have a healthy lunch. This Red Pepper Fusilli is perfect for that. The sauce … Read More »
Ropa Vieja with Patatas Bravas
I thought it would be first important to take about the origin of Ropa Vieja. Many think it to come from Cuba but in all actuality it came from Spain's Canary Islands. Ropa … Read More »


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Viking 74 Convertible — By Capt. Ken Kreisler —
December 2004
When Bigger Is Better
Father & Son
How does a Viking like the 74 go from concept to reality? Through the efforts of the father-and-son team of Bruce and David Wilson. "They know what they want," says father Bruce of Viking's father-and-son management team, Bill and Pat Healey. "And as we draw it, it starts to grow."
Bruce Wilson joined Viking in 1969 and spent his first years on the line installing engines, running gear, and interiors, as well as training under Bill Hall, Jr., then head of Viking's design division. Wilson's first design project, the 40 Convertible, popped out of the mold in 1973, and it was a success: Four hundred sold over the next ten years. He's been designing Vikings ever since, and says one of his favorites is the 55 because of the challenges of matching her running surface to the higher-horsepower engines that were just emerging.
David came to Viking in 1989, spending his high school summers in the joinery shop. Later, he signed up with Viking's co-op program, which allowed him to spend part of his school days in the R&D department. He began to hone his own skills and, like his father, worked on the line to gain knowledge about Viking's construction techniques and systems. Soon after, he entered the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology in Connecticut.
Today, David, an expert in CAD, takes his father's basic lines and performs the calculations that show how the hull will float, designs deck areas, and makes sure the proportions are correct and the aesthetics are pleasing. "With the 74 project," David explains, "everybody was dialed in on a full-beam master and true crew quarters aft of that with access through the engine room. And to keep everything in proportion, it had to be a 74." —K.K.
Next page > Viking 74 Convertible Specs > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
This article originally appeared in the November 2004 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.


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There's a glaring divergence in the stock price performances of the two major battery makers. Since January, market leader Exide Industries Ltd's shares have inched up barely by around 2% to Rs.139. In the same period, the stock of Amara Raja Batteries Ltd, the second largest battery maker, skyrocketed by 144% to Rs.237. Of course, this also mirrors the divergence in fundamentals—in the last eight quarters, Amara Raja has displayed powerful growth in comparison to Exide.
Exide's September quarter performance disappointed the street, while Amara Raja's surprised positively. Exide's revenue rose by around 29% and operating profit more than doubled from the year-ago period. However, operating margin at 12.4%, although 469 basis points (bps) higher than in the dismal year-before quarter, was way below expectations. It was also significantly lower than the margin in the preceding June quarter. Marketing and advertising expenses, higher employee and power costs and competition in the home inverter segment eroded profitability.
On the other hand, Amara Raja, whose market share is about half that of Exide, has shown robust growth in profitability over the last eight quarters. Riding on the 28% growth in revenue in the September quarter, operating margin expanded by around 80 bps to 16.4% from a year ago. According to Yaresh Kothari, analyst, Angel Broking Ltd, "Amara Raja's traction in the UPS segment, geographic expansion in auto replacement market and new product offerings has helped improve profit margin."
But the main reason for the divergence in stock performance is the wobbly profitability of Exide against a slowly but steadily rising profitability displayed by Amara over the last six quarters. In April 2011, when lead prices peaked at $2,994 (around Rs.165,268 today) a tonne, Exide's operating margin was 17.3% and Amara Raja's was 14.1%. Now, with lead prices hovering at around $2,190 a tonne, Exide's margin is 12.1%, while the competitor's margin is at 16.4%. Trouble for Exide started as it had capacity constraints at a time when the automotive market was growing. More importantly, it was saddled with high-cost inventory when lead prices started sliding about four quarters ago.
This explains the narrowing valuations between the two stocks. While Exide's price-to-earnings multiple is 16-17 times one-year forward earnings, Amara Raja's PE multiple has moved up from around 10 to nearly 14 times. That said, Amara Raja is still the No.2 player in the automotive segment, which comprises a greater percentage of revenues for both firms. Hence, further improvement in valuations will hinge on revenue growth and market share improvement. In terms of raw material prices, both firms are well poised to gain from relatively stable lead prices and an appreciating rupee that makes imports less expensive.


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Dark Specter is the leader of the United Alliance of Evil and the primary antagonist of Power Rangers In Space.
History Edit
Capture of Zordon Edit
Dark Specter had organized an attack on the planet, Eltar, and succeeded in capturing the Power Rangers mentor, Zordon. He began draining him of his power and then called a meeting of the United Alliance of Evil. During the meeting, a Power Ranger was caught spying on them, but he escaped and Dark Specter ordered Astronema to get rid of any Power Rangers to prevent them from saving Zordon. Later, he commanded her to constantly assault Earth to keep the Space Rangers busy.
Battles with the Rangers Edit
Later when the Space Rangers tried to save Zordon with help from the Phantom Ranger, Dark Specter set up a trap for them and even pretended to be Zordon, however the Rangers escaped. After Astronema managed to remember that she was Karone, Andros' sister, Dark Specter gave Darkonda control of the Dark Fortress before he managed to use cybernetic enhancements to regain control of her. However this backfired on the Grand Monarch of Evil since it made Astronema so evil that she decided to turn on her former master.
Countdown to Destruction Edit
Dark Specter eventually initiated a universal invasion by the United Alliance of Evil, which was an extreme success. However he was assaulted by Darkonda, who attempted to destroy him with a missile capable of annihilating a planet. Though it worked, Dark Specter managed to swallow Darkonda's jet, taking the bounty hunter with him.
Powers Edit
It is unknown exactly how powerful Dark Specter is, but he is presumably much more powerful than all the other villains, since they are so intimidated by him. He is able to unleash fire and lightning, corrupt a person's mind, teleport, spread evil, and drain energy from others.
Trivia Edit
- Dark Specter bears an unmistakable resemblance to Maligore, which is even pointed out by Divatox(when he appears at the meeting of the UAE, she said he reminded her of her fiance). The Maligore costume was most likely reused due to budget cuts that the In Space season received.
- Goldgoyle from Power Rangers Turbo may have been his servant.
- In Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue, Prince Olympius unveiled a rock resembling Dark Specter's hide capable of destroying Mariner Bay in seconds.
- He is one of the few villains to be larger than a Megazord.


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Google's corporate tagline has become "Search, Ads and Apps", reflecting a shift beyond search and advertising into online software applications, its chief executive said on Thursday in the US.
Speaking to reporters at the company's headquarters ahead of Google's annual shareholder meeting, chief executive Eric Schmidt said his presentation to investors on Thursday afternoon would focus on the three parts of its business.
Google, the world's dominant provider of web search, is also the dominant provider of pay-per-click advertising, which contributes virtually all of its revenue.
Last year, it entered the software application market with products it collectively refers to as "Google Apps". This refers to a series of online software applications and web publishing tools it provides free to consumers.
It also offers a premium, licensed version to companies, government organisation and universities. It marks a challenge to Microsoft's Office software franchise, according to analysts.
The company's nascent diversification into applications software has generated little revenue to date.
"The idea here is to talk about this shift to an online lifestyle," Schmidt said of the company's growing focus on delivering web-based applications, not just search and ads.
"People are spending more and more time and Google can bring some of these new applications that really matter to them," he said, highlighting Google Calendar, its group scheduling tool, as an example.
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The Elk River girls came close to their first win of the season and settled for a 2-2 tie against St. Michael-Albertville there on Saturday.
The Elks had a one-goal lead early in each half. Abby McDonald scored in the first half with an assist from Logan Daulton, and Daulton scored in the second half on a breakaway, assisted by Jenna Kively.
STMAs Kara Hendrickson tied the score with 1:39 left on a shot over goalie Kayla Zehowski's head.
Zehowski had to make some saves in the first half when the Knights were getting shots over the top. The second half was quieter for the goalie except for the late shot that went in.
The Elks will play at Anoka on Tuesday.


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Aberfoyle is the administrative centre for Puslinch Township and is home to the municipality's administrative offices and fire station. It is located at the headwaters of Mill Creek, approximately ten kilometres south of Guelph. Aberfoyle was first settled in the 1840s and is named for Aberfoyle, Scotland. It is famous for its spring water--Aberfoyle Spring Water--which is bottled from Aberfoyle (formerly Aberfoyle Spring Water Company). Nestlé bought the company in 2002.
Research Tips
The primary source for basic documents (vital statistics, land records, wills) for people who lived in the Province of Ontario is the Archives of Ontario, 134 Ian Macdonald Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M7A 2C5.
Early Records
Civil registration did not begin in the province until 1869. Before then there may be church records of baptisms and burials. For the most part these are still held by the denomination who recorded them. Copies of marriage records made pre-1869 had to be sent by individual clergymen to the registrar of the county in which the marriage took place. These marriage records are available through Ontario Archives, on micorfilm through LDS libraries, and on paid and unpaid websites, but because they were copied at the registrars' offices, they cannot be considered a primary source.
Vital Records after 1869
Birth, marriage and death registrations are not open to the public until a specific number of years after the event occurred. Births to 1915 are now available [October 2014]; dates for marriages and deaths are later. Birth and death registration was not universally carried out in the early years after its adoption. Deaths were more apt to be reported than births for several years. The more rural the area, the less likely it would be that these happenings were reported to the authorities.
Land Records and Wills
Information on how to access land records and wills is best sought on the Archives of Ontario website. An ancestor's land holding might be found on Canadian County Atlas Digital Project if he was in occupancy circa 1878.
Association for the Preservation of Ontario Land Registry Office Documents (APOLROD). A list of Land Registry Offices for all Counties of Ontario.
The original censuses are in the hands of Library and Archives Canada, known to Canadians as "LAC". Copies of original microfilms are online at the LAC website for all censuses up to 1911. Each census database is preceded with an explanation of the geographical area covered, the amount of material retained (some census division material has been lost), the questions on the census form, and whether there is a name index. Census divisions were redrawn as the population increased and more land was inhabited. The 1921 census is only available through Ancestry.ca, but it is free-to-view.
Hard-to-Find Places
E-books, Books and Newspapers


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Drug Addicted Women Paid $300 To Go On Birth Control
A controversial group called Project Prevention in Knoxville, Tennessee is paying drug addicts and alcoholics not to get pregnant. The group is traveling across the United States this summer in an RV, offering addicts $300 to be sterilized, or $300 per year each year they go on long-term birth control. [WATE.com]
This tactic is problematic for lots of reasons, mainly because it smells all-too-much like the anti-choice chapters in U.S. history when women who were deemed "undesirable" to populate, like Puerto Ricans or Native Americans, were forcibly sterilized by the government.
How disconcerting, then, to read that Project Prevention offers the birth control cash "incentives" to both men and women, but 3,000 women and only 27 men have used it, according to WATE.com in Knoxville. Perhaps the women are considered more "responsible" for preventing pregnancies? Focusing solely on the babies who might be born to drug addicts while ignoring the adults is similar to the worst kind of anti-choice rhetoric: nevermind the living, breathing person with an life-threatening illness—what about the innocent unborn? Cue Project Prevention's founder, Barbara Harris, who told WATE.com, "People say that to me all the time: 'What if [the addicts] use the [$300] for drugs?' Well, that's their choice."
The intention comes from a good place, I'm sure, but this isn't the wisest way to go about it. All that money could be spent much more wisely provided medical services and counseling for addicts and their illness. Medical treatment, more so than birth control, is what they really need.


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Released: July 22, 2016
Selexia Rae ordered sexy lingerie but the delivery never showed. She's in the middle of speaking to customer service when her neighbor JMac shows up with her package. It was mistakenly delivered to his address by the stupid courier service. JMac notes the return envelope and sees where it came from. Selexia thanks him and closes the door, leaving him standing outside. But that won't stop him. He's too horny. He's seen Selexia in a skin-tight dress and wants to see her change into her new purchase so he sneaks around to a window and watches her change. Selexia begins masturbating when she sees him, and walks over to the window. In a bizarre, peepshow style scene, Selexia presses her nipples against the glass, which JMac licks.
Spare link: (try when other links are dead)


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Fleck takes over Stetson men's soccer
Longtime USF soccer coach T. Logan Fleck couldn't stay away from the pitch long at all.
Fleck, let go by the Bulls in November after 12 seasons as USF's women's coach and three with the men's team, was named Wednesday as interim men's soccer coach at Stetson, where he'll coach the entire season as a replacement for Sean Murphy, who resigned Wednesday.
"Logan is a very skilled coach," Stetson athletic director Jeff Altier said, "and we feel very fortunate to have someone of his caliber handle the team."
Fleck, who carried a 97-94-18 record with the USF women and 34-17 mark with the men's team, made his Stetson debut Wednesday night against Embry-Riddle. On Sunday, he'll guide the Hatters against USF in DeLand.
He's returning to his roots, having held his first soccer coaching job at Seminole High School in nearby Sanford.
The nostalgia doesn't end there: the USF women's soccer team, now coached by Denise Schilte-Brown, opens its season at Stetson on Friday, August 31.


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Washington Scene: STS Sees Movement on Advocacy Priorities in 2013
STS News, Winter 2014 -- The Society made great strides in 2013 with some of its advocacy priorities, including physician payment reform and patient advocacy efforts. In addition, STS released the first five policy papers in its seminal STS Health Policy Compendium. This document, drafted by the Workforce on Health Policy, Reform, and Advocacy and approved by the STS Board of Directors, contains policy papers on:
• Comparative Effectiveness Research;
• Coverage with Evidence Development and Parallel Review of Medical Devices;
• Healthcare Associated Infections;
• Graduate Medical Education; and
• Physician Medicare Payments and the Sustainable Growth Rate Formula.
In 2014, the Workforce plans to add papers on medical liability reform and lung cancer screening. To review the Compendium, visit www.sts.org/healthpolicycompendium.
Each year, the Workforce sets the Society's advocacy priorities based on pressing issues that require action from policymakers. Surgeon leaders—especially STS Key Contacts—along with STS Government Relations staff actively lobby on these issues throughout the year. For 2013, advocacy priorities included:
Medicare Physician Payment Reform
With input from STS, Congress made considerable progress toward a long-term legislative fix for the flawed Medicare physician payment formula. Under the current Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) model, physician payments would be cut by an estimated 24% in 2014.
In June, STS Immediate Past President Jeffrey B. Rich, MD testified at the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing, "Reforming SGR: Prioritizing Quality in a Modernized Physician Payment System." Dr. Rich discussed how clinical registries, such as the STS National Database, can be used to improve the quality and efficiency of health care delivery. He also explained how to utilize these resources in a pay-for-quality paradigm.
Since his testimony, congressional committees have released two proposals that would not only repeal SGR, but also would incentivize the creation of "Alternative Payment Models." As of late November, lawmakers were still working to resolve the differences between these two proposals.
Access to Clinical Outcomes Data
In 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) rescinded its policy that allowed public access to death data previously reported to the SSA by individual states. This change has compromised research facilitated by the STS National Database and other clinical registries. Such research has been vital in evaluating the success of medical interventions and tracking other medical and public health trends.
During his SGR testimony before the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health, and in light of the SSA's 2011 policy reversal, Dr. Rich addressed the need for continuous access to both administrative claims data and outcomes data from the Social Security Death Master File (SSDMF). While considerable progress has been made in allowing qualified clinical data registries to access Medicare claims data, barriers to SSDMF data remain.
Support for Patient Advocacy Efforts (Lung Cancer Screening)
STS President Douglas E. Wood, MD participated in a May Congressional briefing on lung cancer screening hosted by the Lung Cancer Alliance. The panelists discussed research showing that low-dose computed tomography screening to detect early stage lung cancer can dramatically improve a patient's chance for survival. They also called for immediate action by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and asked Congress to ensure that lung cancer screening is an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act.
In a huge victory reflecting the Society's support for patient advocacy efforts, the USPSTF issued a draft recommendation in July supporting the use of low-dose CT to screen people at high risk for lung cancer. STS submitted comments on the draft recommendation and congratulated the USPSTF for making a "critical recommendation that likely will have a larger impact on lung cancer survival than any of the new treatment developments in the last several decades of lung cancer care."
Cardiothoracic Surgery Workforce Shortage
STS is working with a coalition of medical societies in support of graduate medical education (GME) and specialty-specific loan repayment programs. Reductions in Medicare support for GME could worsen an already critical national physician workforce shortage, which has been particularly pronounced in cardiothoracic surgery. As part of the effort to address GME funding and stave off this shortage, STS is supporting an increase in GME funding of at least 15%.
STS needs involvement from every member to help ensure that cardiothoracic surgeons have a voice on Capitol Hill and beyond. For more information on how you can help, please visit www.sts.org/advocacy.


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Governor as well as Senate and Assembly Democrat leadership were warned that Dutchess County could lose over 70 jobs yet they stood by and did nothing
Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie), Senator Vincent L. Leibell (R,I,C Patterson), Assemblyman Marcus J. Molinaro (R,I,C Red Hook), Assemblyman Joel Miller (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) and local business leaders today denounced the "three New York City Democrat men in a room" who negotiated a secret State Budget and left in provisions which will have a devastating effect on Dutchess County. Previously, Dutchess County's state legislators, wrote to the Governor, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to apprise them of the impact this would have on Dutchess County
Associated Aircraft Group, Inc. (AAG) in Wappingers Falls will lose its sales tax exemption on helicopter transport and purchasing new aircraft. AAG has indicated that while the loss of this exemption will not cripple the company, it will cause it to exit from Dutchess County as it intends to move the business out of state, with a direct loss of 79 jobs.
"Jobs, not taxes, are the way New York is going to get back on firm fiscal ground," said Senator Saland. "With the pending departure of AAG, leaving to escape an onerous business tax, our county faces the loss of at least 79 jobs, as well as the loss of revenue generated for the town, county and State. This downward spiral has to stop."
Senator Leibell said, "Dutchess County simply cannot sustain this kind of job loss, especially during times of such economic turmoil. I cannot imagine what the three Democrat leaders of this State were thinking. They certainly didn't listen when we told them how this will devastate our area."
Assemblyman Molinaro said, "This will devastate the industry in New York, kill jobs and damage our local economy. Adding to the absurdity of this proposal will be that the state will not even generate the revenue. Engaging in a transparent open process would have shed light on this damaging proposal."
Assemblyman Miller said, "At a time of economic uncertainty, it is foolish for the Governor to propose actions which will potentially eliminate well-paying jobs in Dutchess County."
Ann Meagher, President of the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce said, "New York State is already one of the most oppressive climates for business growth and development—and the fact that the concerns of AAG and their 79 employees were ignored in this budget bill, to me, adds insult to injury. If this proposed budget is enacted, the Hudson Valley–already in fierce business competition with neighboring states—would be dealt yet another critical blow in terms of opportunities to encourage economic development. AAG will be in their full right to pick up and take off. This has been the worst exercise in public policy making that I have experienced yet in my four-year Chamber career – and my fear is that this is only just the beginning."
"We hate to leave New York," said Tom McQuade, Executive Vice President of AAG. "We've thrived here in Dutchess County. But we can't compete and now we'll have to base aircraft in other states".
"I'm just perplexed and very disappointed that we will obviously lose not only a key business in Dutchess County, but I believe there will be a ripple effect throughout the State with similar businesses – a short sighted move which will make businesses fly away," said Charles S. North, President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
"For many years, the Senate Republican Majority was the voice of reason in holding back increased taxes. Now Senator Malcolm Smith, the Democrat in charge of the Senate is falling in line with his other anti-business New York City Democrat cohorts. They should be ashamed of themselves," Saland concluded.


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- Catalog items: household objects, tools, goods, documents, collections, etc. with no limit on how many item categories can be entered. Each new object can be given a name, description, picture and quantity.
- Associate items to the categories you choose: clothes, computer hardware, files, tools, materials, etc.
- Make note of borrowed items: register the information (person, date) related to such transactions.
- Retrieve stored items easily: associate them with a storing place such as room, piece of furniture, drawer, suitcase, etc. Storing places can be organized on several hierarchical levels, like living room / cupboard / shelf / casket for example.
- Monitor item storage quantity level: utilize the setting of storage shortage alerts to quickly spot items which quantity is below the predetermined level.
- Export data: (regarding the objects as well as storing places) thanks to a CSV file (processed by spreadsheet programs) sent by e-mail, should you need to reuse these data on your computer.
- iStorage is delivered as a multilingual application and can be used either in English or French.
It would be really difficult to lose or misplace an item after utilizing the comprehensive options offered in Items & Storage. Having a hierarchy is a wonderful idea for listing items that may be in the box on the 3rd shelf of your bedroom closet, for example. Having the option to track what is lent out of the house is helpful as I have misplaced several items that way. I could see this app being very handy when moving into a new residence, and trying to put personal possessions away as quickly as possible. In such an event, it is easy to lose track of where you have placed an item. The Overview display tells you all the storage and other facts you need to know in a neat synopsis. Most importantly, being able to use this data on the PC via Export is useful for saving your valuable information to hard-drive. Know where your stuff is at all times!
COOL CONCLUSION "Items & Storage Inventory Lite is a great tool to keep you and your possessions organized no matter what your living circumstances."--Date/Version: Updated 5/31/11 - Version 1.5.1
--iOS/Age Rating: This app requires iOS 4.1 or later. Rated 4+.
--Device: (+ Universal: For iPhone/iPad), iPod Touch
--Languages: English
--Developer Link: Kiwi Objects
Visit the iTunes App Store for more details, and to download:
Cool iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch Apps is updated often. Subscribe by selecting either: E-mail or RSS Reader, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Developers and Advertisers-please contact us to post your app reviews, press releases, contest news, graphics and more at: email@example.com


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The 33-year-old has yet to make a single appearance this season having undergone surgery numerous times, but the Scot remains keen for him to pen a new contract
The Republic of Ireland international, who has yet to play a game this season following a lengthy battle with injury, will be a free agent upon the expiry of his current deal in the summer.
|Aston Villa are 1/1 to be relegated this season with BetVictor
"It is not a case of running out of time," Lambert told reporters when asked about Dunne's contract. "I know what the guy can do. It is not as if he is 19 or 20 years old and has to impress.
"I have an open mind but the main thing for me is that he is going to be fit again."
Dunne travelled to Philadelphia last week to visit the surgeon who carried out his third operation, and Lambert is confident the centre-back's recovery will run smoothly.
"We will have to wait and see what the surgeon has said about the injury," he continued.
"I am pretty sure that he will not require another operation. The advice that Richard has been given is that he will just have to battle through the problem.
"I will have rough idea of what will happen after what the surgeon has been saying to Richard. The surgeon expected this to happen and the advice was to go back and see him again if it did.
"First and foremost the main thing is to get the guy back to fitness. That is the big thing for me. There is nothing in my mind other than getting that lad fit."