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Patent application title: Parallel Entropy Encoding of Dependent Image Blocks
Robert J. Reese (Corpus Christi, TX, US)
IPC8 Class: AG06K936FI
USPC Class:
Class name: Image analysis image compression or coding parallel coding architecture
Publication date: 2011-03-24
Patent application number: 20110069899
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Patent application title: Parallel Entropy Encoding of Dependent Image Blocks
Robert J. Reese
Origin: ,
IPC8 Class: AG06K936FI
USPC Class:
Publication date: 03/24/2011
Patent application number: 20110069899
A method of entropy encoding image or video data may include entropy
encoding a number of blocks independently and in parallel to generate a
number of bit streams. At least one of the number of bit streams may
include an assumed value in place of a value that would be determined by
another bit stream. The method may also include selectively correcting
the assumed value based on a value in another one of the number of bit
streams. The number of bit streams may be combined into an output,
entropy encoded bit stream corresponding to the number of blocks.
1. A system comprising:parallel hardware processors to entropy encode a
plurality of chunks of data independently and at substantially the same
time to generate a plurality of encoded results; anda hardware post
processor coupled to said parallel processors to correct for inter-chunk
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the parallel hardware processors to entropy encode by inserting predetermined values in fields of the encoded results that depend on other encoded results.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the fields of the encoded results include a differential quantization field or a skipped chunks field.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the chunks of data include blocks of image data.
5. The system of claim 1, said post processor to selectively update a differential quantization value or a skipped chunk value in an encoded result based on a previous encoded result.
6. A system comprising:parallel hardware processors to entropy encode a plurality of blocks independently and in parallel, to generate a plurality of bit streams, at least one of the plurality of bit streams including an assumed value in place of a value that would be determined by another bit stream; anda hardware post processor coupled to said parallel hardware processors to selectively correct the assumed value based on a value in another one of the plurality of bit streams and to combine, in the plurality of bit streams into an output, entropy encoded bit stream corresponding to the plurality of blocks.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the assumed value includes a skipped block value, a quantization value, or a bit offset value.
8. The system of claim 6 wherein the plurality of blocks includes at least eight blocks of image data or video data.
9. The system of claim 6 wherein the post processor to selectively correct by selectively correcting an assumed quantization value in one bit stream based on a quantization value in a prior bit stream.
10. The system of claim 6 wherein the post processor to selectively correct by selectively correcting an assumed skipped block value in one bit stream based on one or more prior bit streams.
11. A system comprising:parallel hardware processors to entropy encode a plurality of chunks of data in parallel to produce plurality of results, including:hardware post processor coupled to said processors to use predetermined values for any values in a result in the plurality of chunks of data that would otherwise depend on another result in the plurality of results.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the parallel processors to entropy encode includes Huffman-based coding, Golomb coding, arithmetic coding, or context-based arithmetic coding.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein the post processor to use predetermined values for differential quantization values in the plurality of results.
14. The system of claim 11 wherein the post processor to use predetermined values for skipped chunk values in the plurality of results.
15. The system of claim 11, the post processor to selectively correct the predetermined values based on the plurality of results and after the plurality of results are produced.
[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/263,594, filed on Oct. 31, 2005.
[0002]Implementations of the claimed invention generally may relate to schemes for encoding image information and, more particularly, to schemes for entropy encoding of image information.
[0003]Image entropy encoding, also known as "variable length coding," may compress the data for chunks of an image into a stream of bits using various techniques (e.g., Huffman coding, pre-calculated Huffman-based coding (e.g., transform coefficients, motion vector difference, etc,), exponential Golomb coding, arithmetic coding, context-based arithmetic coding, etc.) to produce the fewest number of bits per chunk. As used herein, a "chunk" of image data may be understood to denote a portion of an image. In some implementations, and for ease of explanation herein, a chunk of an image may be a block (e.g., 4×4 pixels, 4×8 pixels, 8×8 pixels, etc.) of data according to any of a number of image and/or video compression standards (e.g., JPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, Advanced Video Coding (AVC) (e.g., MPEG-4, part 10 and ITU-T Recommendation H.264), Windows Media Video 9 (WMV-9), SMPTE's VC-1, etc.). In some implementations, a chunk of an image may be a fraction of a block of image data (e.g., k, etc.) or a number of blocks of image data (e.g., 2 blocks, 4, blocks, a macroblock, etc.).
[0004]As one illustrative example, in H.264-encoded video, the block data may include multiple quantized coefficient levels, a quantization level, block type, and motion vectors. One technique for reducing the bits in encoded chunks or blocks may be to encode data dependently with regard to data in a preceding chunk or block when the data is similar in value. For example if the quantization level is the same value for n blocks, multiple bits may be used for the quantization value for the first block and a single bit that indicates no change may be used for the following blocks.
[0005]The data input to entropy coding may typically be represented in multiples of 8 bits, usually 8, 16, or 32 bit values, while the output may typically be a single stream of bits with sequences of bits whose lengths are dependent upon their value. Large values may be represented by relatively many bits while small values require may be represented by relatively few bits.
[0006]FIGS. 1A and 1B conceptually illustrate entropy encoding of eight blocks of image data as performed by a single processor. In FIG. 1A, the resulting intermediate results 110-0 through 110-7 (collectively "intermediate results 110") are illustrated for the eight blocks 0 through 7. For each block that is entropy encoded, the processor may determine an appropriate quantization level (e.g., Q=26, 27, etc. out of a 0 to 51 quantization range for H.264). At that quantization level, the processor may also determine, in accordance with the particular entropy encoding scheme, the number of coefficients needed to represent a particular block (e.g., 4 coefficients for block 0; 1 coefficient for block 1; 0 coefficients for block 2, etc.).
[0007]It should be noted that the per-block data 110-0 through 110-7 shown in FIG. 1A is temporary, and may be immediately transformed to a stream of bits 120 while a particular block is processed. Intermediate result 110-0, for example, may be overwritten by the processor when the next block is processed to generate intermediate result 110-1. Hence, the results 110 shown in FIG. 1A have a temporal aspect to them, because not all results 110 may be present at the same time.
[0008]FIG. 1B illustrates a data stream 120 that the processor constructs from intermediate results 110. The "Skip" value may indicate the number of previous blocks that have no coefficients, and the differential quantization (dQ) value may indicate the change in quantization value from that of the previous block. For the first block, however, dQ may be its quantization value Q. The c0, c1, etc. values may represent the coefficient values for a given block. The processor 120 may generate stream 120 as it generates intermediate results 110, subject to any data dependencies. For example, the processor may not add the data for block 4 to stream 120 until after generating intermediate results 110 for blocks 2, 3, and 4.
[0009]Where other encoding steps (e.g., motion estimation) have been optimized, however, such serial entropy encoding by a single processor may consume an unacceptably large amount of the total encoding time.
[0010]The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more implementations consistent with the principles of the invention and, together with the description, explain such implementations. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings,
[0011]FIGS. 1A and 1B conceptually illustrate entropy encoding performed by a single processor;
[0012]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary entropy encoder;
[0013]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process of entropy encoding in parallel; and
[0014]FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates parallel entropy encoding performed by multiple processors.
[0015]The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers may be used in different drawings to identify the same or similar elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular structures, architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the claimed invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the various aspects of the invention claimed may be practiced in other examples that depart from these specific details. In certain instances, descriptions of well known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.
[0016]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary entropy encoder 200. Entropy encoder 200 may be a portion of a larger image and/or video encoder and may receive image information. In some implementations, entropy encoder 200 may receive chunks (e.g., blocks) of image information that have already been motion compensated, transformed (e.g., via discrete cosine transform (DCT), integer transform, etc.), and/or quantized. In some implementations, entropy encoder 200 may receive less processed (or unprocessed) image data and may perform one or more of these processes (e.g., quantization) itself. Entropy encoder 200 may output a compressed stream of bits that has been entropy encoded.
[0017]Entropy encoder 200 may include a number of parallel processors 210-0, 210-1, . . . , 210-n (collectively "parallel processors 210), a number of associated buffers 220-0, 220-1, . . . , 220-n (collectively "buffers 220), a post processor 230, and an output buffer 240. Parallel processors 210 may each independently entropy encode a chunk (e.g., block) of image or video information using assumed value(s) for those value(s) that are dependent on other chunks, and store the results in buffers 220. Post processor 230 may correct any data dependencies and assemble the compressed bit stream in output buffer 240.
[0018]Parallel processors 210 may each be configured to entropy encode a chunk (e.g., block or other grouping) image or video data. Although not explicitly illustrated, each of parallel processors 210 may include sufficient instruction memory to perform entropy encoding. Further, although not explicitly illustrated, in some implementations, processors 210 may include, or may be connected to, storage including one or more table(s) of entropy codes for use in the entropy coding operations.
[0019]Parallel processors 210 may include a suitable number of parallel processors to entropy encode a rather large chuck of image or video data in parallel (e.g., at roughly the same time). For example, in some implementations, there may be 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 processors 210 entropy encoding a like number of blocks of data in parallel. With reference to the last parallel processor 210-n in FIG. 1, n may equal 3, 7, 15, 31, or some other integer number. It should be noted that the total number of processors 210, (n+1), may be any integer, and is not limited to an integer power of 2.
[0020]Although not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 2 for simplicity of explanation, parallel processors 210 may be interconnected in some implementations, for example, in a matrix-type arrangement where one of parallel processors 210 may be connected to one, two, three, or more others of parallel processors 210. Also, though parallel processors 210 have been described as executing an entire entropy encoding task, in some implementations each of parallel processors 210 may execute an entropy encoding sub-task in conjunction with one or more of parallel processors 210. Other architectural and processing flow variations are both possible and contemplated for parallel processors 210 within the entropy encoding context described.
[0021]Buffers 220 each may include fixed-length storage for a stream of bits. Buffers 220 may be sized according to a longest expected stream of bits (e.g., 16 bits, 32 bits, 64 bits, 128 bits, etc.) that is produced when a corresponding parallel processor 210 entropy encodes a chunk (e.g., block) of data. Buffers 220 may include random access memory (RAM) or a first in first out (FIFO) memory arrangement to facilitate rapid transfer and storage of data. The particular configuration of buffers 220 may vary according to the design parameters of encoder 200.
[0022]In some implementations, buffers 220 may number as many as parallel processors 210. In implementations where more than one parallel processor 210 entropy encode a single chunk (e.g., block) of data, however, buffers 220 may number as many as the total number of chunks/blocks of data that are parallel-processed by processors 210.
[0023]Post processor 230 may be arranged to correct any data dependencies in the results in buffers 220 by replacing assumed values with correct dependent values and to assemble the resultant, compressed bit stream in output buffer 240. Post processor 230 may include sufficient instruction memory to perform such processing operations. Further details of the operation of post processor 230 will be provided with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0024]Output buffer 240 may include fixed-length storage for a stream of bits. Output buffer 240 may be sized according to a longest expected stream of bits that IS produced when parallel processors 210-0 to 210-n entropy encode a number of chunks (e.g., blocks) of data. Although output buffer 240 may be as large as the size of one buffer 220 multiplied by n, in some implementations the size of output buffer 240 may be significantly smaller due to the expected compression of the data from buffers 220. Output buffer 240 may include random access memory (RAM) or a first in first out (FIFO) memory arrangement to facilitate rapid transfer and storage of data.
[0025]It should be noted that the total bit buffer size of buffers 220 and 240 needed is unchanged relative to the serial, single processor approach described with regard to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in implementations where buffer 240 uses the same memory space as buffers 220. This is because no additional data is being buffered. The buffering space in the serial, single processor approach has been reorganized from one, larger buffer for the image to many smaller per-block buffers 220 in FIG. 2. Also, buffer 240 may re-use memory space that was previously used for buffers 220, because post processor 230 is merely modifying and rearranging the data in buffers 220.
[0026]Although illustrated as being connected in a certain manner for ease of illustration, encoder 200 in FIG. 2 may be implemented in other configurations. For example, in some implementations, buffers 220 may be portions of a larger, single buffer, instead of separate elements as shown. In some implementations, the combination of buffers 220 and 240 may be replaced by a memory that is possibly accessed by a direct memory access (DMA) controller. Other variations are both possible and contemplated.
[0027]FIG. 3 illustrates an example process 300 of an exemplary process of entropy encoding substantially in parallel. Although FIG. 3 may be described with regard to encoder 200 in FIG. 2 for ease and clarity of explanation, it should be understood that process 300 may be performed by other hardware and/or software implementations
[0028]Processing may begin by entropy encoding multiple chunks (e.g., blocks) of image or video data in parallel with parallel processors 210 to multiple bit streams in buffers 220 using assumed value(s) for any value(s) that are dependent on other chunks [act 310]. For example, each of processors 210-0 through 210-n may independently entropy encode a block of data without regard to other blocks and write a partial bit stream to a corresponding buffer 220-0 through 220-n. In some implementations, four, eight, sixteen, or more blocks of image data may be entropy encoded in act 310 at substantially the same time. It should be noted, however, that a larger or smaller number of chunks of data may be entropy encoded in act 310.
[0029]Also in act 310, processors 210-0 through 210-n may use certain assumed values for encoded information that would otherwise depend on other chunks of data than the one they are entropy encoding. For example, with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, fields for which processors 210 may use assumed values may include the "Skip" value (e.g., indicating the number of previous blocks that have no coefficients) and/or the dQ value (e.g., indicating the change in quantization value from that of the previous block) and/or a bit offset value (e.g., indicating at which point in the final bit stream each of the chunk-specific streams begins). Although Skip, dQ, and/or bit offsets may be specific examples of assumed values used in act 310, processors 210-0 through 210-n may use assumed values for any values and/or fields in encoded chunks or blocks that depend on other chunks and/or encoded values in other chunks of image or video data.
[0030]Processing may continue with post processor 230 combining multiple bit streams from buffers 220 into a single bit stream in output buffer 240 while correcting cases where assumed value(s) are incorrect [act 320]. For example, for chunks of data in buffers 220-1, 220-2, etc. (e.g., that might be dependent on earlier chunks), post processor 230 may adjust the assumed dQ values and/or Skip values to reflect any quantization differences from prior chunks and/or skipped chunks. Also, post processor 230 may keep track of the lengths of the partial streams in buffers 220 so that it may insert a partial stream at the correct offset position in output buffer 240. If the assumed values are correct (e.g., an assumed dQ value of 0 when the quantization value has not changed from the prior chunk), however, processor 230 may leave them unchanged in act 320.
[0031]Although Skip, dQ, and/or bit offsets may be specific examples of assumed values that are selectively corrected in act 320, post processor 230 may selectively correct (e.g., correct them if the assumed values turn out to be wrong) assumed values for any values and/or fields in encoded chunks or blocks that depend on other chunks and/or encoded values in other chunks of image or video data. In conclusion, parallel processors 210 may entropy encode chunks of data independently and in parallel (act 310), and post processor 230 may assemble a stream of bits upon correcting for any inter-chunk dependencies (act 320). Such parallel entropy encoding may, in effect, remove serial dependencies from a slower entropy encoding portion and shift such dependencies to a faster post-processing portion.
[0032]FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates one exemplary portion of parallel entropy encoding 300 performed by multiple processors 210. Although FIG. 4 may be described with regard to encoder 200 and process 300 for ease and clarity of explanation, it should be understood that the example illustrated in FIG. 4 is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed to unduly limit the claimed invention. For comparison purposes, the numerical values in FIG. 4 may result in the same output bit stream 120 shown in FIG. 1B.
[0033]Bit streams 410-0 through 410-7 (collectively "bit streams 410") may be present in respective buffers 220-0 through 220-7 after the parallel encoding in act 310. The assumed values used in act 310 may be seen in bit streams 410, namely that the stream of bits for each chunk (e.g., block) starts at an offset of 0 and Skip and dQ are also 0 (except for bit stream 410-0 for the first block, which has no previous block dependency). Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 4, the actual quantization values, Q, for the blocks may also be stored (perhaps in buffers 220 after bit streams 410) so post processor 230 may determine the actual dQ values in act 320.
[0034]For this example, in act 320 post processor 230 may correct coded dQ for blocks 1 and 5. In so doing, processor 230 may replace the coded bits for dQ=0 (e.g., 1 bit in length for H.264) with the correct coded bits (e.g., for dQ values 1 and -4, respectively) and may insert any additional required bits for the changed dQ values into streams 410-1 and 410-5. For example, the bit offset for stream 410-1 may increase from 3 to 5 bits.
[0035]In act 320, post processor 230 also may correct the Skip values for blocks 4 and 7 to be 2 and 1, respectively, to reflect the lack of encoded coefficients for blocks 2, 3, and 6. In so doing, processor 230 may insert any additional required bits for the changed Skip values into streams 410-4 and 410-7. For example, the bit offset for stream 410-4 may increase from 6 to 9 bits.
[0036]Also in act 320, post processor 230 may copy corrected bit streams 410-1, 410-4, 410-5, and 410-7 to follow bit stream 410-0 in output buffer 240, including shifting streams as appropriate. For example, bit 0 of bit stream 410-1 may be shifted to stream bit position 17 in buffer 240 to follow the bits from stream 410-0. After act 320 is performed by post processor 230 on bit streams 410, a correctly encoded bit stream 120 may reside in output buffer 240.
[0037]Although the somewhat simplified example in FIG. 4 shows the bits for dQ immediately following the bits for Skip, in H.264 and/or other entropy encoding schemes this is not necessarily the case. There may be, for example, several variable length elements between Skip and dQ values, complicating the correction in act 320, because the bit offset to dQ may vary. One scheme to handle this variable length may be to separately save the dQ offset during act 310. Another scheme may be to variable length decode the elements following Skip until dQ is reached. As long as the processing performed in act 320 by post processor 230 takes less time than entropy encoding one or more blocks, however, process 300 may result in a net savings of entropy encoding time relative to the serial scheme discussed with regard to FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0038]The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various implementations of the invention. 1.0 For example, in some implementations, the processing of blocks may be divided, with entropy coding a separate step that is not performed until all blocks have been processed. The block data in such a scheme may be stored to block-specific buffers. Because all of the data for all of the blocks is known when entropy coding starts, all blocks may be coded in parallel. It should be noted that in such a scheme somewhat large buffers may be needed for the uncompressed block data. Such buffers may be sized for the worst case, where all coefficients nonzero. Such a scheme may also need two loops across all blocks instead of one in the previously-described scheme.
[0039]Further, at least some of the acts in FIG. 3 may be implemented as instructions, or groups of instructions, implemented in a machine-readable medium.
[0040]No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Variations and modifications may be made to the above-described implementation(s) of the claimed invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
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{mosimage}Alexis continues to test Sam and Ric. Lainey warns Alexis that pushing Sam and Ric together might have unwanted repercussions. Sam warns Ric to keep his distance.
Meanwhile, Luke vows to support whatever decision Lulu makes regarding her pregnancy.
In the meantime, Colleen tries to make inroads with Nikolas.
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Lauren Kraemer
Michael and Kristin Kraemer (Erickson) of Green Isle announce the birth of their daughter, Lauren Marie Kraemer, who was born at 7:12 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2012 at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, weighing 6 pounds 10 ounces and measuring 18 inches long.
Paternal grandparents are Timothy and Mary Kraemer of Norwood Young America. Maternal grandparents are the Karen Erickson and the late James Erickson of Waconia.


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After the Battle of the Thermopylae, the god, Apollo, brought King Leonidas back to life so he could continue fighting against the Persians. In this spectacular action game you'll have the unique opportunity to avenge the sacrifice of the 300 mythical spartans.
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text:
Wool keeps foods chilled
January 12, 2010
Abel & Cole, an organic food delivery company in the UK, replaced the polystyrene insulated packaging for its chilled and perishable goods with a natural alternative: sheep's wool. Made from the fleeces of British sheep, the custom package consists of a felted wool pad that's sealed within a recyclable food-grade LDPE wrap. And it's been proven to keep products' contents chilled below 5 degrees Celsius (41 F) for at least 24 hours, which is said to be more effective than polystyrene. The insluated boxes are collected from customers for re-use by Abel & Cole drivers, but are also biodegradable or recyclable. (Wool insulated packaging: Wool Packaging Company, www.woolcool.com).
Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to BRAND PACKAGING Magazine.


text: "Spoilers" – Doctor Who Fan Favorite Alex Kingston to Visit 'NCIS' October 4, 2012 NCIS, News Actress Alex Kingston, who plays fan favorite Dr. River Song on 'Doctor Who' ("Spoilers" anyone?), will be making a visit "across the pond", ending up with the folks over on NCIS. According to a report at TV Guide, the former 'ER' vet will play Miranda Pennebaker, a shady business woman who gets tangled up with the one and only Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and his team. In the words of the show's executive producer Gary Glasberg, Kingston's character "is a woman who deals in everything from high end weapons sales to priceless gems; her connections go all the way up the ladder of D.C. politics, and Gibbs needs her for this very disturbing, emotional case". (Hmm, that sounds quite interesting, doesn't it?) Kingston's other TV credits include the short-lived ABC drama 'FlashForward', several episodes of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' and 'Private Practice' as well as the British series 'Hope Springs' and the mini-series 'Lost in Austen'. She will also be seen in the soon-to-air-on-PBS mini-series 'Upstairs Downstairs'. The next new episode of 'NCIS', which is now in its 10th season on CBS, will air on Tuesday, October 9 at 8/7c. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Kayra I love this spoiler! And she's a red hair! Professor Song I love Alex Kingston. She's my favourite actress! =)


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Route Grade Votings
Total votes cast 31
Adjacent Routes
The big corner has a hard start and a superb, pumpy finish. High in the grade. The ivy needs stripping back from time to time.
After a boulder problem the ascent is comfortable until the second roof; save enough for the exit and final push to the top!
The finish is on buckets or was I on the wrong route!
it is buckets at the end but just after the roof they become hard to find and not quite as 'buckety' as you'd like.
Preclipping the first bolt would help! Managed to grasp up it for the onsight though. Excellent


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Mike's review published on Letterboxd :
My daughter asked to go and see this, and I'm glad I did. It's a very long time since I last watched this film. I had no lasting memory of it, bar the scene of them running down the beach to the music.
The cast is very good, the script is good and the story is engaging. I was disappointed with the score though, except for the opening scene and the "chariots of fire" piece, the rest was pretty poor!
We both really enjoyed it!


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Grand Pioneers
"Reliving a Grand Idea"
In December 2009, the Grand Gala honored the Grand Pioneers – a group of community leaders of the 1970s, whose shared vision and determination restored "The Grand Old Lady of Market Street" to its original splendor and function, as created by the Masonic Hall Company.
In recognition of their hard work and dedication, we collected personal interviews, historic photos, and previous film footage to create an in-depth portrait of this determined group and their inspirational story.
The Grand Lady of Market Street
The opulent and historic Grand Opera House has been a landmark for the residents of Wilmington and the surrounding region for more than 135 years. Opened in 1871 as a home for the Grand Lodge of the Masons for the lordly sum of $100,000, The Grand has played host to thousands of renowned entertainers and performing artists over the years, including Ethel Barrymore, Buffalo Bill Cody, John Philip Sousa, political cartoonist Thomas Nast, and the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University.
Designed by Delaware architect Thomas Dixon in the Second Empire style, The Grand features a distinctive façade of cast iron adorned with Masonic images. The first season of operation presented more than seventy performances that included everything from serious dramas to minstrel shows to lectures and exhibitions. Tickets that season cost a dollar for a reserved seat. Boxes were an extravagant $5 but seated four.
In 1909, The Grand was briefly converted into a regular stop on the vaudeville circuit and then transitioned into a movie theater. Eclipsed by the more modernly lavish and larger Aldine next door, The Grand was eventually reduced to screening second-run horror films and Westerns. The building was allowed to fall into decline and sadly closed its doors in 1967.
"To destroy it would be a crime, to restore it would be a triumph"
So said Bill Frank of the Morning News, and other prominent citizens of Wilmington were thinking the same. On December 22, 1971, the hundredth anniversary of its original grand opening, The Grand Opera House was again packed with people and excitement, as plans were unveiled to renovate the theater to its former splendor.
Over the next few years, a thoughtful and complete restoration was undertaken. The Grand was rededicated on February 1, 1973, and began again to present the finest performing artists from around the world. Delaware historian, Carol Hoffecker, described the project as "a Cinderella story, the most spectacularly successful preservation effort in Wilmington's history."
Next door, the Aldine Theater, once The Grand's rival, had fallen on similar hard times. Closed in 1970, most of the building was razed in 1992. With the help of friends and philanthropists, The Grand acquired the lots and opened a companion theater building in 2000. The baby grand, a cozy 300-seat proscenium theater, occupies the first floor, with offices, rehearsal rooms and teaching spaces extending several floors above.
The Grand Today
The Grand and baby grand are beehives of artistic activity. The Grand presents more than 75 shows each season, ranging from symphony orchestras and ballets to the latest rock and comedy stars, with jazz, folk, and family artists as well. The Delaware Symphony, Opera Delaware, and First State Ballet Theatre are all in residence at The Grand, presenting full schedules in each of their disciplines. Between The Grand, its resident performing companies, and rentals, the building hosts more than 300 events a year bringing more than 120,000 people into downtown Wilmington and through its doors.
In addition to the full-time and part-time professional staff, The Grand is ably supported by the Board of Directors, Grand Trustees, and an extensive volunteer corps who usher and perform other ongoing services for The Grand's valued patrons.


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OAKLAND — Up to $5,000 in reward money is being offered for information leading to the arrest of three men who kidnapped a 13-year-old girl at gunpoint last week in East Oakland and sexually assaulted her before dropping her off across town in North Oakland near UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, authorities said.
The abduction happened about 11 a.m. June 6 as the girl was walking in the 9200 block of Coral Road, just south of Interstate 880 in the Brookfield Village area, police said. A newer model burgundy four-door sedan with a light-colored interior pulled alongside the girl, and three men forced her inside at gunpoint.
She was then sexually assaulted, but police did not say if the attack happened in the car or elsewhere. The men dropped her off later in the 5500 block of Dover Street, police said.
The girl gave basic descriptions of the suspects, who were described as black males.
One was 17 to 19 years old, about 6 feet 1 inch tall with a medium build and a medium complexion.
The oldest suspect was described as 20 to 25 years old, standing 6 feet 5 inches with a thin build and a light complexion. She said he had a 1- to 2-inch scar on the left side of his chin.
Another suspect was 17 to 19 years old and standing 6 foot 2 with a thin build and a dark complexion. She did not give police any description of their clothing, hair or eye colors.
The reward money is being offered by police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland. Anyone with information is asked to call the youth and family services unit at 510-238-3641 or 855-847-7247 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.
Staff writer Harry Harris contributed to this report. Follow Kristin J. Bender at Twitter.com/kjbender.


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- Slide Top Craft Wood Pencil Box: 8.25 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches
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Product ID: 9190-303
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The Gratitude Project: Sunday, March 18th
Welcome to the Gratitude Project, our practice of noticing and actively valuing the good things that happen in our lives. Featured every Sunday, we'll all be listing at least 3 things, in detail, that we're grateful for from this past week. I'll keep the link open throughout the week on the Editor's Picks box, so you can post on the weekdays, too.
For more details about the research on health, decreasing levels of stress hormones, increasing happiness and gratitude, please read the post in which I previewed this feature. Lots of good stuff there.
I'll get things rolling, okay? Click here to
I'm grateful for my bedroom, which feels like being in a tree fort.
I'm grateful for T-la, who just gets that thing about me.
I'm grateful for Miss B, who couldn't be funnier if she tried and leaves me messages just when I most need to get them.


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From New-York, this great little duo is bound to turn everything they do into gold if they stick to their winning formula. Discovered via HumanHuman and LB4YB's never ending ressource of awesomeness. ASTR is bound to get huge. A spin on those following two tracks will give you a good vantage point on their potential :
ASTR – Operate : ASTR – Operate
Annnnnd this funky cover of Beck's 'Gamma Ray' just is too good. It's been on repeat the whole morning here. Great commute material right here :
Follow ASTR on : Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter


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Changes to TB Surveillance Reporting
The Tuberculosis Information Management System (TIMS) is a
CDC-developed and CDC-distributed software. It is being used in the
59 U.S. reporting areas for national tuberculosis (TB)
surveillance. Beginning January 1, 1998, this system replaced the
CDC software, Software for Expanded Tuberculosis Surveillance
(SURVS-TB) for TB surveillance reporting. TIMS usage is under way
and will be distributed to 97% of the reporting areas. However,
TIMS data reporting through the National Electronic
Telecommunications System for Surveillance will not be available
until February. Therefore, for the cumulative reports of
provisional TB cases for 1998, some areas will display a "U" for
unavailable in
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No Sex In This MarriageWell, it all just crazy life has drain the sex emotion out of us do to stress, family, work, we feel very lucky to still be togather after all the changes we have been through, now I have fibro diease, that lead to peridonal diease, that was started from depression just going to work is about as much as I can do sex is not at the top of the list its been over a year.
I come here infrequently so forgive the delay in replies. At this point I am convinced we will never talk about any issues we have. She doesn't want to and I am tired of bringing things up. What do I do? I don't know I chose to go on, and check this place in the dark depths of night. I wish for death, but i can't kill myself for the fear of being judged. I wish for death only because, I love this woman to pieces, and I can't bear to hurt her by leaving her. She is too fragile and broken herself, which is why she continues to break me. I wish for a quite and long, long sleep at times when all this becomes too much. I don't really have any hopes of the situation improving. We are students and marriage counselors are something we cannot afford. Even if we could, she wouldn't talk so that would be a waste. May be the best thing to do would be to end my life and her misery. But I don't want to be a quitter either, although that is what I've pretty much done with her. I live on in a hollow shell of a body, my soul feels like its catatonic, paralyzed. But I can't leave her.
I feel very sad for you and your situation. I am older and I guess this is not such an unsual situation. But you have your whole life ahead of you. This woman is not doing the right thing by you. For goodness sake think very carefully about your situation. Love comes in many ways and we can certainly love more than one person. Please think about this and don't continue allowing your life to be ruined. Believe me, when you reach your 50's please don't give yourself reason to look back and ask 'what if?'
@Dejavu I am pretty much in the exact same situation here. Well not exactly but I am a sexual person, very much so. And my wife isn't and she stopped talking about it sometime back, every time I tried to initiate a talk, she would cut it off on some pretext with a promise of resuming it later. The resuming never happened. Long story short, we are happy in our marriage but completely sexless. I have been faithful only because I can't bear to hurt her on this. But every time i think about it, it makes me angry - at her, at myself ; and frustrated. A good VV@nk (retarded filters here forced me to use this lingo :() usually solves this and i return to my ground state. I am convinced that at this point I am incapable of having sex, largely cos when i think about having sex, I think about her and when i think about the boring sad thing we called sex was had when we did have it, it just bores me, and repulses me to a degree. My own former sex life has become my aversion therapy. I have chosen to live with my affliction because our love still remains and because I have lost hopes of ever having a decent sexual relationship with anybody. The occasional urges are satisfied by wanking, so see if that hleps you. If it makes it any better I am in my late 20s and our marriage is 4 months old although we've been dating for 6.5 years and living together for 2.5. The relationship started going sexless about 2.5 years back when we were 24, reaching the point it has reached today. Where we barely kiss each other now...even pecks have become rare. In the 4 months since we got married, we even stopped pecking on cheeks when I left for work (or vice versa, if she left before me)
leave your husband and go get a good root
Well at least you have some pretty valid reasons for no sex. My husband decided 9 years ago that he wasn't able to have sex with me anymore and did not want to discuss it. Any time I attempted to talk about the issue he just told me he did not want to discuss it. I have no idea if he is seeing someone or if he legitimately is unable to have sex. What a life. We are in our 50's but of course 9 years ago in 40's. I am a very sexual person and this is certainly frustrating. There is no intimacy at all. What does anyone think about my predicament and if there is anything you think I could do to somehow remedy this.


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FIREFIGHTER NEWSPAPER: Grisanti proud of bill signed into law that protects firefighters
By New York State Senator Mark Grisanti
Among the accomplishments I achieved during my first two years in the state Senate that I am most proud of was a bill that was signed into law that took a number of years to resolve that relates to the safety of all of our firefighters.
Senate Bill No. 7677, which I introduced and passed both the Senate and the state Assembly, requires employers to provide emergency escape systems to firefighters. Specifically, employers must identify if a firefighter will be exposed to entrapment's at higher levels, identify if those firefighters will be exposed to fire and determine the appropriate escape system.
The bill provides the firefighter community with the latitude to effectively respond to the needs of their locality, to consider appropriate alternatives and to provide communities with the flexibility to outfit their firefighters with the equipment that best suits their unique needs.
Previous laws had inadvertently prevented the firefighting community from using equipment generally recognized to be acceptable because it was not covered in the most recent edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1983 Standard on Fire Service Life Safety Rope and System Components.
It is my hope and belief that this law will save lives. I was proud that the Senate took action to help protect the lives of firefighters across New York State as they fight to save the lives of people in their community. The bill has allowed firefighters to keep pace with advancements in technology and allow them to carry certain standard equipment to be used during a self rescue escape.
I firmly believe that is really important that fire departments in jurisdictions where high-rise fires are likely to occur provide all fire fighters with escape ropes and the appropriate training to utilize their ropes during emergencies.
As many of you reading this may recall, two firefighters were killed and four others were badly injured in January 2005 when they were forced to jump from a fourth-floor window of a burning building in the Bronx. That day, forever known as "Black Sunday," also saw a third firefighter die while fighting a basement fire in Brooklyn and then another die in a different location in the Bronx.
An internal FDNY report later found that among other things there was a failure to provide escape ropes, failure to update operational procedures and inadequate training. According to the NFPA, "the fire department shall provide each member with appropriate protective clothing and protective equipment to provide protection from the hazards to which the member is or is likely be exposed."
I thank The Firefighter Newspaper for allowing me to reflect on one of the accomplishments I am most proud of during my first term in office and look forward to passing more legislation that protects all firefighters. On behalf of my constituents in the 60th Senate District, I thank you all for your service to your community. Your unselfish efforts result in fire protection for all of us, something we should never take for granted.


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Star Wars Battlefront II [2005] - Battle Tips/mini-FAQ - Geonosis
Planet Capture: Geonosis Geonosis is the planet that started the clone wars, with the CIS and the Republic clashing in a battle that would be small in comparison to the battles fought later on in the war. That does not mean that it is easy however... Conquest Okay, this is a ginormous map, and it will take a whole lot of strategy to win on, especially now that the gunships are gone. However, the AT-TEs remain, and though they are not as fast as walking, they make great units to hide behind while you go to a command post. There are seven posts, so do the math (I know, school is over in three months, so I'll do it for you) you need to capture and hold four command posts. Each faction starts with three posts, so this turns into a bloodbath faster than you can blink. Not only do you have to beat out you entire enemy force to get that post, dodging tanks and missiles, you have to defend all your other posts. Rule number one is to keep your four posts near each other so that they can offer aid to each other when one gets in trouble. There are several advantages to the post spacing here, but there are also disadvantages. First and foremost, it takes your enemies longer to get to your posts. However, if they go after more than one at a time, you only have enough time to defend one while the enemy gets to other one. Stationing tanks at your CPs helps more than you might think, because even if the enemies capture it, you can kill them as they spawn, rendering that post almost useless. Two-Flag Capture the Flag For sure the harder of the two modes that this map offers, CTF is even more frantic (you heard me) than conquest. Seeing as there is no way to sneak around here, (the whole map is open), you will have to have your friends cover you either from the cozy driver seats of tanks or sniping from the high up command posts. Pure luck is needed to return to your flag zone alone, especially if you are Republic, since the natives will be all over you. The best thing you can do is have your friend drive a tank, and stow away on top of it (not actually getting in) and he can take you towards the flag area, covering you all the time. Medal Watch Frenzy-endless enemies here, easy kills Regulator-okay, the map isn't indoors, but many of the CPs are, and if you are defending one, there is no better gun to have by your side than the shotgun


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Discussion in 'Member Introductions' started by vijay bhaskar, Aug 7, 2014.
hello.. i am vijay bhaskar. right now i am doing my B.tech III year in G.Pulla Reddy Engg. College
Welcome to CE Family @vijay bhaskar We hope you have a great time at the engineering community. Curious to know on how you came to know about CrazyEngineers and what prompted you to join?
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Welcome to CE @vijay bhaskar . It's pleasure to have you with us. Let us know how you come to know about CE. Take your time to explore CE and feel free to share your knowledge and doubts as well.
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hello evry1... i m anuj kumar raj. right now i m pursuing B.Tech (4th year) from Bengal Institute of Technology & Management,santiniketan(W.B).
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Kachalsky v. Cacase - NY Carry - Cert Filed
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November 14, 2011, 09:52 PM
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Join Date: March 25, 2011
Posts: 463
what in the decision in Cockrum indicates that the case has anything to do with...depriving the aforementioned classes of their constitutional rights to protect other classes
It is what happened after Cockrum that was of note:
<<<by 1872, the Texas Supreme Court denied that there was any right to carry any weapon for self-defense under either the state or federal constitutions -- and made no attempt to explain or justify why the Cockrum decision was no longer valid. What caused the dramatic change? The following excerpt from that same decision -- so offensive that no one would dare make such an argument today -- sheds some light on the racism that apparently caused the sudden perspective change>>>
for the rest of the story.
Public safety is not to be confused with protecting some segments of society from others. I submit the latter was the goal of anti-weapons oriented legislation during the early years of this country. Gun regulation in the interest of true public safety seems to have gained traction as America changed from a rural society to an urbanized one after WWII and the citizens' familiarity with firearms began to diminish.
Certainly as older generations who grew up with guns have aged and left us, some, indeed, a great many of the newcomers, have come to a different realization about guns and their utility, which has given rise to modern-day public safety issues.
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1927-S $20 MS67 PCGS. Like many other issues in the Saint-Gaudens series from the 1920s and 1930s, the 1927-S had a substan...Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Finest Known 1927-S Double Eagle, MS67 PCGS1927-S $20 MS67 PCGS. Like many other issues in the Saint-Gaudens series from the 1920s and 1930s, the 1927-S had a substantial mintage. In this case, 3.1 million pieces were produced in the San Francisco mint in this year. However, almost the entire mintage was melted in the 1930s. In the 1940s, the 1927-S was considered the fourth scarcest issue in the series and was thought to be even more elusive than the 1927-D. In the 1950s that perception began to change, however, as one or two pieces at a time began to show up in European gold holdings. But, like the 1926-D, it never appeared in any quantity. Very few examples are known today in all grades, and it is always a focal point of any auction.
Near-Gem and better specimens are very difficult to come by. PCGS and NGC combined have certified fewer than 40 coins in MS64 and higher grades, and MS67 pieces, the condition of the Morse specimen offered here, are downright rare. The two services have seen a mere three examples in this grade level, and none finer (9/05). Moreover, only 17 near-Gem and better '27-S's have appeared at auction over the past 25 years, and only one piece attained the MS67 level.
Some relatively recent auction appearances of high Mint State grade 1927-S coins follows. Stack's offered a Choice Brilliant Uncirculated piece with "delicate coppery orange toning over virtually mark free surfaces" in its March 1990 sale (lot 1218). The same firm sold another Choice Brilliant Uncirculated described as having "Deep greenish gold toning on frosty surfaces" (lot 1544) in March 1991. An NGC-graded MS65 coin described as having "greenish-gold toning with hints of pale orange" appeared in Superior's August 1992 sale (lot 687). In June 1995, we sold an NGC-graded MS67 piece (lot 6027) from the Museum of Connecticut History in our Long Beach sale. This is the same piece as the presently-offered Morse coin; as such, we will say more about it shortly. To continue, though, with '27-S auction appearances, David Akers cataloged the Thaine Price specimen in his May 1998 sale, in which he described the piece as having "unimprovable rich coppery orange gold" color and being "absolutely fully struck" (lot 116). Sotheby's/Stack's offered a Very Choice Brilliant Uncirculated specimen in their October 2001 Jeff Browning Sale (lot 207). And an NGC-graded MS66 coin described as having intense and frosty luster was sold by Superior in February 2002 (lot 1379).
As previously mentioned, the coin offered in this lot is the same that appeared in our June 1995 Long Beach sale. Aside from now being housed in a PCGS holder, we can use the description from the 1995 auction: "When a 1927-S is occasionally seen, it is usually a memorable coin as most examples are uncirculated and display highly lustrous surfaces. This is a coin of singular distinction, though, even among 1927-S twenties. Among all the rare, late date twenties from the Connecticut Public Library this coin has the most extraordinary surfaces....The coin is virtually perfect. The mint luster is bright and fully frosted, racing around the surfaces as it is tilted beneath a light. With the aid of a magnifier it is possible to find a few microscopic marks on each side. However, with the unaided eye we only note three minor imperfections. The first and most obvious is a small copper alloy spot in the right obverse field. Such stains are quite prevalent on '27-S twenties and this is the only one on this coin. If this is the worst flaw on the coin, it is really not saying much. Second, there is a tiny mark on the eighth ray on the obverse (counting from left to right). Third, a slightly curved scrape is noted on the sun. As it runs parallel to the rim, we believe this is probably some sort of mint made flaw, possibly having to do with ejection from the die. That being said, we must confess this is one of the most attractive business strike Saints we have ever seen, regardless of date. This issue is often seen weakly struck, but this coin shows every nuance of definition that was engraved into the dies. It also lacks the often seen die crack on the right side of the obverse. Altogether a spectacular example of this rare issue. This is a singular opportunity for the advanced collector of this series to acquire what is unquestionably the finest known 1927-S" Saint-Gaudens double eagle. Population: 1 in 67, 0 finer (9/05).
From The Phillip H. Morse Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coinage.(#9188)(Registry values: N1) (NGC ID# 26GJ, PCGS# 9188)
Weight: 33.44 grams
Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
View all of [The Morse Collection: Palm Beach, November 3, 2005 ]
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The Coinage of Augustus Saint-Gaudens is an issue-by-issue examination of these two artistically inspired series of gold coins.
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By Victoria Dahlin
After qualifying in the Subsection 18 Championships May 22 in Foley, Rush City will be sending 12 boy and girl individuals, as well as two relay teams to the Section 5A Track and Field Championships.
The top four individuals in each event and top two relay teams in the subsection qualify to advance to the section, as well as any individual or relay team that meets that event's standard of time, height or distance.
Taking second to earn a trip was the boys 4x800m relay team with members Garret Larson, Kevin Nelson, Kyle Nelson and Isaac Johnson.
Individual boy track team members going to sections include: Dan Weber in 110m hurdles (first and qualifying by meeting the event's standard), 300m hurdles (third and by standard) and high jump (third); Demario Peterkin, 100m dash (second and by standard), 200m dash (fourth); Dan Taylor, 1600m run (second and by standard), 3200m run (second and by standard); Johnson, 800m run (second); Johnathan Mielke, shot put (third), discus throw (second and by standard); Zeth Langworthy, long jump (third); and Max Maher in pole vault (second and by meeting standard).
"Our boys team is a bit younger so we have less seniors," said Coach Mike Vaughan. "Three seniors are advancing while two finished their career at the sub-section. Beau Carlson thrower and 400 runner finished off his career last Tuesday. Beau has been a good addition to the discus this year. Jordan Nelson also finished off his multi-year career as a thrower and sprinter. His all-purpose presence and attitude will be greatly missed."
The girls 4x100m relay team with Alecia Meier, Kayla Nelson, Brooke Hein, Keanna Belau finished third, but qualified by meeting the race time standard.
Tiger individual girl team members making it to sections include Belau, 100m dash (third); Nelson, 400m dash (first and by meeting the standard); Meier, triple jump (first and by standard); Kristy Carlson, triple jump (third); and Teri Jungels, shot put (fourth).
"We had some surprises and some tough disappointments," said Coach Vaughan. "Some athletes finished their spectacular careers for Rush City Track and Field at the Sub-section meet in Foley.
Of those, he added, seniors included throwers Julia Westman, Rosie Lekatz and Kelsey Dullinger; distance runners Ashley Swanson and Caci Cook; Morgan Twingstrom and Desirae Dahlberg on the hurdles and sprints.
"Morgan is a member of the six chosen for the 4×100 that advanced to the section meet, so she is not completely finished as of yet," Vaughan noted. "Morgan is also a 2012 all-conference hurdler in the 100 hurdles, school record holder in the pole vault, and her last race as a hurdler was her fastest 300 hurdle race ever.
"Caci has posted some of the best times of her career this year. Ashley, a 2012 all-conference 3200 meter runner, who has been a top finisher most of her career, also fell a bit short in the 800 meter. She came back and ran the best leg of her life in the 4×400 meter relay, which also missed qualifying time by one second."
The boys came in third as a team (44 points) ahead of Pine City (104), Milaca/Faith Christian (55) and Ogilvie (46) and behind Foley (165.5) and Mora (155.5).
The girls placed fifth (69.25) ahead of Pine City (94), Braham (54) and Ogilvie (44) and behind Foley (138.25), Mora (132), Mille Lacs (102.5) and Milaca/Faith Christian (94).
"At this point of the season, we as a coaching staff would like to see as many athletes as possible make it to the section meet," said Vaughan. "This is the first year that athletes could qualify by time, distance, height and not just place. We were hoping to advance more because of this change. The competition in our sub-section is always tough, and with the addition of Foley this year it has gotten even tougher."
On May 18 the Tiger boys took second place (124) ahead of East Central (72), Ogilvie (44), Braham (42) and Aitkin (27), while behind Hinckley-Finlayson (126) in the Great River Conference Relays at Hinckley. The girls came in second (96) ahead of Hinckley-Finlayson (92), Aitkin (56), Ogilvie (44), East Central (42) and Braham (34), while behind only Mille Lacs (118).
The Rush City track and field teams will compete in the Section 5A Championships at St. John's University beginning at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 30 with the top two placers in each event qualifying for the State Championships.


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Check out our new commenting system
Our mothership TampaBay.com has rolled out a new commenting system this week. Say hello to Gigya and learn how to make use of its features here. You can now click your name as it appears on the very top right of the TampaBay.com website. You will be taken to a profile page that allows you to link you account to Facebook or Twitter or any social site you want to share your comments with.
There's a FAQ set up to answer questions. You can now log in through your Facebook, Twitter or e-mail accounts, offering you a simpler way to personalize your comments and say your kids are driving your crazy today. Enjoy, and let us know if you have any questions about it. If you made a comment on an earlier post and don't see it, hold tight. Our tech people are hard at work moving them all to the new system. There were more than 2 million comments archived, so it's taking some time.
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It's a big season for Zadie Smith. While most of us eagerly await the publication of her latest book, NW, the author's earlier work, On Beauty, is set to become a feature film. Smith's first book to be dramatized on film was White Teeth, a UK mini-series from 2002 based on her book of the same name. (And available online if you have Hulu Plus.)
Zadie Smith's Headed to Hollywood
By Nick Moran posted at 3:00 pm on March 31, 2012 1
One Response to "Zadie Smith's Headed to Hollywood"
at 5:50 pm on March 31, 2012
Thanks for the heads-up on the White Teeth adaption. Loved the book; had no idea it had made TV.
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Bulletin Athletes of the Week: Woodbury's Courtney Schiffler
Woodbury's Courtney Schiffler helped the Royals girls basketball team stay hot last week.
Woodbury won its fifth-straight game last week, crushing Suburban East Conference foe Stillwater 61-33 on Friday at Woodbury High School. Schiffler, a senior guard, scored 17 points for the Royals in the win.
Woodbury has now won seven of its past eight games - its only loss coming to No. 4-ranked Roseville - and is 14-7 on the year. Schiffler has scored in double figures the past three games and is currently second on the team in scoring.


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Angry 'bird of prey' attacks valleys runner
10:54am Tuesday 17th June 2014
By Jen Mills
10:54am Tuesday 17th June 2014
By Jen Mills
A CROSSKEYS man believes a buzzard targeting runners has struck again, after he was hit by a large bird while out running on a quarry.
In July 2011 Alan Rosier, 37, told the Argus about an encounter on a fire-break road in Forestry Commission woodland close to his home in Pontywaun, when an overbearing bird swooped down and tried to attack him.
Now another Pontywaun runner believes the bird is back.
Father-of-four Andy McIntyre, 46, was out on the firebreak road at Cox's Quarry training for the Cardiff Half Marathon at around 9am last Thursday when he was suddenly struck to the back of the head.
He said the force of the blow knocked his sunglasses off and made him stumble forward, believing he might have been hit with a brick.
But the true culprit became apparent after a large bird of prey followed him from tree to tree as he continued with the run.
"I didn't really know what was happening," he said.
"I felt like somebody had dropped a piece of wood on the back of my head."
After looking around and seeing nothing, he started to run again.
"Out of the corner of my eye I saw the bird swooping back down. I carried on running, but I was more or less running backwards making sure I didn't get attacked. It followed me for about a mile, going from tree to tree. It must have been protecting its nest, I'm guessing.
He felt scratches to his head but when he checked later on he had escaped unscathed.
Mr McIntyre thought he recognised the foot-high, motley brown bird as a buzzard after spotting the predator on a holiday to Scotland.
An internet search confirmed his suspicion, and he came across the 2011 Argus article warning joggers about the belligerent bird.
"If somebody is there with young children, they could get hurt," he said.
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Immigration officials have been combing through records and identifying foreigners whose names appear in the computer as having arrived in Thailand but who do not appear as having left before the expiration of their permit to stay. Undercover officers are then going out and finding them.
This week a Canadian was arrested on Monday and a Briton on Tuesday.
Today it was the turn of another British citizen, Andrew Ross John Jasso, 33, found to have overstayed by three months in Thailand case.
Police did not have to go far to find him; he was arrested in front of the Phuket library at 9:30 am. The library is about 200 metres from the Phuket Immigration offices.
An Immigration officer told The Phuket News, "He had been working for a boatbuilding company in Chalong, but the owner closed the business and went back to Britain. Jasso stayed, living in a hotel in Phuket Town.
"This is not the first time he has overstayed. He was arrested before at Phuket International Airport for the same thing.
"We have handed him over to Phuket Town Police Station for more questioning."


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Why did my filler only last 5 months?
- Diane4897
- Last updated: 5 years ago
I am extremely upset that my $1,100 worth of Radiesse only lasted 5 months. It made a dramatic difference and I got compliments all the time and now I am extremely disappointed that it didn't last longer. I thought it would last at least 10-12 months. I have had Restalyne and it lasted much longer and was a lot less than the Radiesse. I explained my predicament to a doctor friend of mine and he said that he attended a seminar on dermal fillers and when the Rep asked how many doctors cut it 1/1 only a few raised their hand. When asked how many cut it 2/1 about 1/3 of the room raised their hand and finally when asked who cut it 3/1 most of the doctors in the room raised their hand. Shame on them for cheating their patients because I will NEVER use the doctor that I went to again. When I called and told them what happened they said I was welcome to come back and purchase another syringe at $100 less than what I paid. What a deal - NOT!!! I guess because there seems to be no regulations regarding cosmetic fillers the doctors can rip us off all they want.


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Is the individual mandate a penalty or a tax? That was today's question at the Supreme Court. Unfortunately for the Court, both the respondents — the states — and the petitioners — the Obama administration — agreed that the mandate was a penalty. So the Court had to hire an outside lawyer, Robert Long, to argue that the mandate was a tax. He didn't get very far. "I would not argue that this statute is a perfect model of clarity," Long conceded.
The headline you'll read in tomorrow's paper is that the justices seemed nearly unanimous in objecting to the idea that the mandate was a tax. After all, the text of the law itself is clear in describing the mandate as a penalty. And this matters because the Anti-Injunction Act of 1867 prohibits people from suing the government for a tax that hasn't yet gone into effect. (The individual mandate goes into effect in 2014.) People can sue, however, over a penalty.
Robert Long tried to argue that it doesn't matter what the text of the law actually says; what matters is what the mandate is meant to achieve, and that the mandate is meant to garner revenue for the government. But Justice Ginsburg shot down that argument: "This is not a revenue-raising measure," she pointed out, "because, if it's successful, nobody will pay the penalty, and there will be no revenue to raise."
The highlight of the session was when President Obama's solicitor general, Donald Verrilli, got up to articulate the administration's position, which was that the mandate wasn't a tax, for the purposes of the Anti-Injunction Act, and yet also that "the minimum-coverage provision of the Affordable Care Act is an exercise of Congress' taxing power."
To which Justice Alito said: Huh?
"General Verrilli, today you are arguing that the penalty is not a tax," Alito said. "Tomorrow you are going to be back, and you will be arguing that the penalty is a tax. Has the Court ever held that something that is a tax for purposes of the taxing power under the Constitution is not a tax under the Anti-Injunction Act?"
"No, Justice Alito," replied Verrilli.
Verrilli kept misspeaking, describing the "penalty" as a "tax." "Why do you keep saying tax?" asked Justice Breyer, after which Verrilli started referring to the mandate as a "tax penalty."
Other justices came up with their own terminology; Justice Ginsburg repeatedly referred to the mandate as a "must-buy provision."
On a conference call after the session, Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli did not mince words. Verrilli's gymnastics were "the precursor to the kind of postmodern language twisting the federal government will have to do to win this case," he said, according to Ben Domenech, who was on the call. "Noah Webster may be the toughest challenge for the feds to overcome in this case."
You might wonder: If the Supremes are nearly, if not totally, unanimous in their view that the mandate is a tax, why did they bother to hold a day of oral argument on this issue? "It was absolutely essential," says Georgetown constitutional-law professor Randy Barnett, "once the Fourth Circuit ruled that it was a tax." Because at least one lower court said that the mandate was a tax, the Supremes had to take up the issue. "Law professors would have jumped all over them" had they not.
For more on today's hearing, check out the transcript from our live blog. Audio and transcript of today's SCOTUS session can be found here.
Tomorrow, of course, is the biggest day of all, the day that the constitutionality of the individual mandate is itself discussed. I'll be back with another live blog tomorrow at Critical Condition, starting at 10:00 am ET. Stay tuned.
— Avik Roy is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and the author of The Apothecary, the Forbes blog on health-care and entitlement reform. You can follow him on Twitter at @aviksaroy.


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ITU/ICU Nurses Needed in Central London
- Recruiter
- Hays Recruitment
- Location
- Hammersmith and Fulham (London Borough), London (Greater)
- Salary
- £23.00 - £30.00 per annum + (per hour)
- Posted
- 27 Jan 2014
- Closes
- 24 Feb 2014
- Ref
- 2080810
- Contact
- Kwame Siaw
- Nursing Field
- Hospital, Private Healthcare
- Job Type
- Permanent
Hays Healthcare is currently looking for Paediatric Nurses for ongoing requirements in a number of NHS hospitals in West London Area.
We have many ongoing vacancies to start immediately to work on regular ad-hoc shifts in various reputed NHS hospitals within Central and West London. We are able to offer a challenging and rewarding career environment for nurses to utilise a broad range of nursing skills.
Working as a Paediatric Nurse, you will be responsible for assessing patients; plans and implementing care for children, providing specialist advice and maintaining associated records and carrying out specialist nursing procedures when required.
We are looking for Paediatric Nurses that are keen on variety and the opportunity to provide excellent care to patients within challenging and busy hospital environments.
To be considered for this position you must be able to demonstrate the following:
- At least 6 months current UK clinical experience.
- The ability to adapt to different hospital environments.
- Self-motivated, uses own initiative and excellent at making decisions.
- Able to work under pressure and respond effectively to challenging situations.
- Time management and effective delegation skills.
Hays Employee Benefits:
- Up to £500 Bonus every time you refer a colleague
- Experience Dedicated Consultants
- Holiday Entitlement (PAYE Only)
- Competitive rates of pay
- Fast Track Registration
- Free mandatory and specialist Training *Terms & conditions apply*
If you are a Paediatric Nurse and meet the criteria above, then please do apply online with a copy of your most recent CV.
Alternatively contact Kwame Siaw on 0207 259 8788 or email me at


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I have Bell's palsy and am allergic to the adhesive on Band aids and paper tape. I am having a terrible time trying to tape my eye closed. Does anybody have an alternative to tape to keep my eye shut at night? I have scabs from where I taped my eye shut. I am allergic to carbs mix, wood alcohols and e-phenylelnediamine. Anybody have suggestions?
By Patty R
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
I know 3M Co. makes an eye lid tape but I don't know what type of adhesive they use. You couls contact them at 3M.com to see if they could help.
Have you tried "Hy-Type"?
Zinc oxide base, latex free, waterproof adhesive tape for the skin.
From HY-TAPE Intenational
Patterson, N.Y. 12563-0540
1 800.248.0101
Good Luck!
This question truly is best to ask your doctor and also your pharmacist and keep in mind that pharmacists more often than not know more details than even a doctor does when it comes to all things pharmaceutical.
I would recommend you ask your pharmacist. They are very knowledgeable about this sort of thing and may be able to help you right away. Also, there will no cost and you could pop down and have a chat this afternoon; no appointment necessary. If your pharmacist can not help you, you should consult with your doctor.
I have had to try to keep my eye closed on occasion what I have done is take a folded up Kleenex closed my eyes and put a sleep mask over the Kleenex on my eye and it keeps it in place for the night.
You may be able to use the eye patch that uses elastic that goes around your head and has the patch that goes over the eye. If you sew you may even be able to make one and close your eye and maybe put tissue there so its under the patch. Even if you don't use the tissue it will be dark and you will still rest your eye.
I would see an NAET practitioner and have these allergies eliminated!
Go to www.naet.com for info.
I have a urostomy and must wear barriers. One company makes a tape free type, however I feel safer with the additional tape. I've found that the tape meant for hockey sticks is alright on my skin.
Hy-Tape may work for you. I am also allergic to band aid adhesive and paper tape and I can use hy-tape. Any durable medical supply should carry it. Good luck!
Another thought. Do you react to the adhesive on all band aids or just Johnson and Johnson ones? Nexcare and Curad use a different adhesive than J & J.
How about trying one of those eye patches that are used form cataract surgery? My DH just had it done and had a patch with a soft gauze inside to keep eye closed. He had to tape it to face. I am thinking that you might use a stretchy material to back a band to go around your head?
Mrs Joe, to keep the patches on your eyes, use one of those eye sleeping masks. Could hep make an easier transition.
How about an "old fashioned" headband?
I had bell's palsy but I went to a neurologist and they gave me oral meds. I took it for a few weeks and it went away. I've not had it since. It's been 20 years.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!


text: I just bought a COBY Android tablet. I got the email settings going. No problem there. Now when I click on EMAIL, I get a full-screen display of my inbox. I can REPLY, or DELETE the message, but I can find absolutely no way to create a new email. I have tried using the MENU key, and double-tapping the screen to make it smaller (and hopefully revealing more buttons around the periphery, but to no avail. Can someone tell me how to create an email from scratch?


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Part 2: The Changing Face of Filmmaking | 18 Jun 2007 // 6:00 PM
Every staid situation needs shaking up, none more so that the labored Hollywood studio system. The titles chosen for this section stand out as reasons why things had to change, the results of those seismic stylistic shifts.
Petulia (1968) | 9 Jul 2006 // 10:00 PM
For its many commendable qualities -- qualities long recognized by a sizable cult of fans -- Petulia doesn't quite display cultural insight.


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I'll be shocked if we lose by 40 or more.
(2014-12-30 00:09:16)
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In reply to:
I'll be shocked if we lose by less than 40 *
posted by Stonebreaker9
But, then again, I'm constantly shocked about shit all the time.For example, the Northwestern game. Seriously, though, I doubt it will be near 40 because (a) LSU ain't that good and (b) we may actually be ready to play because the players may have been fucking sickened by watching tape of their disgraceful performance against SC and actually try to play hard despite the for shit coaching.
That's the problem. "LSU ain't that good."
The Flash
2014-12-30 15:00:03
The contents of this post represent the views of the author. NDNation.com is not responsible for its contents.


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#FeesMustFall: SASCO shuts down NMMU
Staff and students were warned to stay away from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's (NMMU) North Campus after a South African Students Congress (SASCO) led protest on Monday morning brought academic business at the inistitution to a standstill.
According to a statement postedf on the SASCO NMMU Facebook page, the protest resulted from an assessment made regarding issues that affect the general student populace' children of the working class in particular' and exploited workers at the university in relation to the #FeesMustFall campaign of last year.
Read the full statement below:
The South African Students' Congress has, after assessing the political situation on campus decided that it is necessary for students of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University to embark on a mass protest. This decision is informed by an assessment which we have made regarding issues that affect the general student populace, children of the working class in particular and the exploited workers within the university.
Starting from the time when fees were declared as "fallen" and outsourcing announced as a thing of the past at NMMU, the South African Students' Congress has been actively involved in overseeing and directing the implementation of the Council resolutions of November 21, 2015 through active participation in Task Teams appointed by Council. The NMMU Council appointed these Task Teams in line with the demands advocated by the ?#FeesMustFall? campaign. These demands spoke on student financing, insourcing of service workers and the decolonisation of the current curriculum content.
Council Resolved as Follows:
With regards to Student Financing;
• Debt relief for all NSFAS students with zero-EFC (expected family contributions);
• Debt relief for all NSFAS-eligible students with outstanding balances;
• Debt relief for students falling in the 'missing middle' income brackets who are academically deserving;
• Removal of the requirement for upfront payment for students falling in the 'missing middle' income bracket;
• To lift the threshold of qualification for financial assistance
With regards to insourcing of service workers;
• Across the board minimum wage guaranteed to each service worker of R5000 per month cost to company;
• The new minimum wage level will come into effect on 1 December 2015 until service workers in key sectors are in-sourced;
• During the university shut-down period, such workers will continue to receive the same level of pay and benefits;
• Study benefits currently available to NMMU permanent staff will be available to all service workers employed in outsourced companies;
• Staff currently employed in outsourced services will have access to university clinic services for medical treatment;
• Council furthermore commits the University management to immediately work with representatives of organized labour, students and workers employed in outsourced companies at NMMU on a process towards in-sourcing contracts of service workers. These steps must include, among others, possible renegotiation of current contracts without putting job security at risk and limiting financial losses, and phasing in-sourcing of service contracts from the beginning of 2016.
• Across the board minimum wage guaranteed to each service worker of R5000 per month cost to company.
Our quest for total transformation of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, to make it a true reflection of Madiba's legacy, has not gone without challenge by the backward white conservative arrangement in the university. The arrangement has aligned itself within all levels of management. This arrangement has been deliberately derailing us from the strides we have taken by undermining the above mentioned Council resolutions. We have seen attempts to propel financial and academic exclusions by denying a number of students, book and food allowances, debt relief for the second semester intake, withholding examination results and the eviction of students in residences especially in accredited off-campus residences e.g. Kings, South Point, The Digs etc.
The deliberate delaying of insourcing, in order to demotivate workers, are attempts to weaken even SASCO as a transformation tool. The forced suspension of SASCO leaders, including our chairperson, does not come as a surprise to us as an organisation. The work of this counter-progressive block is in line with an agenda of maintaining white dominance over the university and protecting the profits of private businesses that continue to exploit both poor workers and students, doing so under the name of the university that is named after a liberation hero and struggle stalwart.
As the South African Student Congress we are dissatisfied with both how the insourcing project and financing of needy students are being carried out under the influence of the counter-progressive. Below is a summary of our dissatisfactions:
• Students are unable to add modules for second semester due to outstanding funds of the first semester.
• A number of deserving students were denied Book & Food allowances because of an ambiguous threshold of qualification that was not made in consultation with student leaders.
• Student results are withheld making it a mission for students to be able to know whether they will be continuing with the module into the second semester or not. The release of results will make it possible for students to apply for bursaries lifting the financial burden.
• The university management has denied disadvantaged students who will be coming in at the 2nd semester the opportunity to receive debt relief as mandated by council.
• Students that entered the system through debt relief are being evicted by residences and their properties are being confiscated in other residences.
• Activists who dare challenge this injustice are being suspended by the university without going through any disciplinary processes as per university policy.
• The university says its insourcing workers but still denies them basic benefits as did by the last employer. Meaning that the master is changing, but the oppression remains.
• Security are forced to wear demeaning uniform discriminating them from other members of the security department. This further entrenches differences between white and black workers.
• The oppressive white administrators are also being insourced to continue with their oppression under the new employment arrangement.
• The university wage increases are below the minimum increase agreed upon of 6%.
• Security that participated in earlier protests are being victimized and some have been illegally dismissed.
It is for these reason that we call for the people's camp to reconvene and collectively advance its power and defend the gains we have made thus far.
A memorandum containing all our demands will be handed over to university management on the 12 July as the protest commences. We are aware that some students are supposed to be writing examinations on the 12th and 13th, we will make an arrangement with the university to move these examinations to the end of the week. This will give students ample time to prepare.
We urge all students and workers to join the protest and pledge solidarity with those subjected to suffering by this system of injustice. We also urge those who will be participating in the mass action to reframe from violence and intimidation. In organised action we will see victory!
Aluta Continua Hasta La Victoria Siempre, Amandla!
Issued by
Image courtesy of Yoboi90 and Madibaz Radio via Twitter.
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You know what I did last week that was really silly? I killed the System of the Week. I was so excited about the new idea that Insider's Chris Sprow gave me -- handicapping games between teams atop the BCS standings and in other sports we'd like to see -- that I said, "Screw it, let's just do that."
And that was, well, like I said, silly. Because while I got a lot of great e-mails and suggestions about other games you fine degenerates would like to see worked up, I also got plenty of e-mails that read, "Hey, d-bag, you can't bail on the System of the Week in the middle of the season."
Well said, my friends.
So, despite the fact it's even more work for me, I'm going to bring back the System of the Week as a sidebar (look to the right) in The Early Line columns. I'm just that magnanimous.
Meanwhile, there are some new teams to look at near the top of the BCS standings that need some handicapping. We don't just do this so you can get a leg up should one of these matchups come to fruition in January. We do it to get a sense of how the people who know these teams a lot better than the computers feel about the status of the rankings.
For example, last week Bob Scucci from The Orleans told me that Oklahoma wasn't that good and would be a dog to both Boise State and Oregon. So did wiseguy Sal from madduxsports.com. Ta da. They were right.
This week those two fellas, along with the guys from AccuScore, broke down how the BCS's new No. 1, Auburn, would fare against the same No. 2, Oregon, and No. 3, Boise.
So here goes:
Auburn vs. Oregon
Scucci's line: Oregon minus-7.5 over Auburn


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New York -- Shares of Sears Holdings were under heavy selling pressure Thursday morning, sliding 7% to $53.38 on Standard & Poor's. S&P plans to remove the chain from its S&P 500 Index because the chain's public float has has been below the index's 50% threshold for an extended period of time.
The Sears' name, in one form or another, has been in the S&P 500 since it was created some 55 years ago. Sears will be removed from the index at the close of trading on Sept. 4. The retailer will be replaced by chemical maker LyondellBasell.


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On January 1, 2012, Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP announced they had expanded their service area to Elizabethtown and Harrisburg by a merger with Devaney & Co., P.C. The professionals at Devaney & Co. joined the Trout, Ebersole & Groff team, enhancing the high-quality accounting services provided by both firms. The merged firms will continue operations as Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP.
"We are excited about the merger with Devaney & Co.", said Don Johnson, Managing Partner, Trout, Ebersole & Groff. "Not only does it provide us with opportunities in new markets by the addition of the Elizabethtown and Harrisburg offices, but it provides our firm with greater capacity and additional expertise to provide services to our current and future clients."
The partners and staff from both firms will continue to service clients at 1705 Oregon Pike in Lancaster, 222 South Market Street in Elizabethtown, and 2000 Linglestown Road in Harrisburg.
Johnson added",The similar guiding principles and values of the two firms provide cultural synergy allowing for seamless delivery of services to our combined clients."
For over 80 years, Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP has provided quality accounting, auditing, tax, and business consulting services to their clients in the central Pennsylvania region. The firm consists of experts in a variety of financial areas, enabling them to assist a diverse group of companies and individuals. They have the expertise to provide complete financial services to individuals, large and small businesses, as well as other agencies and organizations.
Devaney & Co., P.C. was founded in 1998 and has twelve employees. "Our jointure with TEG gives us the opportunity to provide our clients with a wide range of specialization and expertise, while continuing to provide close and personal working relationships to which they have become accustomed", said John Srogoncik, Partner, Devaney & Co.
After the merger, Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP will employ a professional staff of over a hundred team members, more than fifty of whom are CPAs. Many hold advanced designations in areas such as business valuation, fraud examination, estate and trust taxation, and financial planning, among others.
Learn more about Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP on the firm's website.


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Spacious, relaxed and designed for living.
The release of Capestone by Urbex heralds the beginning of a new benchmark for stylish, spacious and tranquil lakeside living in Brisbane's north.
With contemporary designer homes surrounded by wide streetscapes, spacious shaded landscapes, cooling bay breezes, a future central lake, new train station and a vibrant town and business centre, Capstone promises to be lakeside living the way it should be.
Drop into our on-site sales office today.


text: "You never have to plug it in." Ignore this insipid spin the manufacturers are using. The whole point is to be able to plug it in, so it can be charged by power plants running at their most efficient capacity, reducing the net pollution. Don't buy a hybrid until the manufacturers get it right.


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The story of Family Dollar (FDO) is puzzling to the casual observer. This major player in the increasingly important dollar store sector can't quite manage to make it into the good graces of the Street. The company has added new square footage, remodeled older stores, closed poorly performing sites, and upgraded the overall shopping experience.
Theoretically, these should all be positive aspects to the investment thesis on a retailer in an expanding sector. Yet, the stock trades on discounted multiples relative to Wall Street favorites Dollar General (DG) and Dollar Tree (DLTR) -- and believe me, the valuation disparity is well-deserved.
This dollar-store behemoth has taken on too many projects while its competitors are executing well and bathing in the waters of incoming food-stamp revenue and spending by thrifty middle-class Americans. As Family Dollar plays a game of catch-up to its competitors in terms of shopping experience, it's suppressing operating margins and returns.
Coming into the quarter today, I wanted to unearth a tidbit or two to become constructive on the stock, in light of the valuation. Unfortunately, I did not uncover much in the way of encouraging aspects that would convince me that Family Dollar has unappreciated earnings in the near term.
The Unfortunate Family Dollar Shopping List:
- +4.5% same-store sales result fell short of management's +5% guidance.
- +4.5% same store sales result underperformed competitors, badly.
- There was literally no acceleration in the same-store sales trend from December (+4% was called out for that month) despite favorable weather and the value offered by a Family Dollar against a gas-price spike.
- In two quarters, gross margin has eroded to the tune of 160 basis points (bps), and as sales of low margin goods intensifies in the second half of its fiscal year, the drawdown in gross margin could be greater.
- Inventory per store increased 11% compared to a 10% rise in the prior quarter. Why was there no work-through of this inventory in three months and with a +4.5% comp?
Family Dollar is banking the attainment of its fiscal-year guidance on winning new customers later this year, as previously unsold merchandise is put on the shelves. But I expect low-income consumers focused on one-stop destinations to save money will continue to shop with their trusted brands, which in this case is a Dollar Tree or a Dollar General.


text:
Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston richest women in Hollywood
Forbes just released its list of top female moneymakers in Hollywood, and Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston take first and second place. Hanging around with Brad Pitt sure does make you rich.
The list, not to be confused with the recent most-powerful compilation Forbes released, says Jolie raked in $27 million from June 2008 to June 2009, mostly from global box office from Wanted and an advance on Salt. Aniston came up with $25 million. That SmartWater deal and residuals from Friends are really working out for Jen -- oh and Marley & Me.
Meryl Streep was third with $24 million, Sarah Jessica Parker topped $23 million, just in time for her new twins to get in the will.
The rest of the Top 10 includes Cameron Diaz ($20 million), Sandra Bullock and Reese Witherspoon (both with $15 million), Nicole Kidman and Drew Barrymore ($12 million each) and Renee Zellweger ($10 million). Too bad Harrison Ford's $65 million topper for last month's men's list could buy and sell them all.
[Photos: Getty Images]