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The very same Guinness-verified, "World's Fastest Production Car," official record-breaking, Veyron-besting-with-a-speed-of-256-MPH SSC Ultimate Aero is sitting on eBay right this moment. Unfortunately, there's no "Buy It Now" button.
Currently the SSC Ultimate Aero is holding steady at a $640,100 price with an additional 3 days remaining. The auctioneer, twentyfirstcenturyauctions, is estimating that the car will end up over the $1 million mark at the end of the auction. If you've got cash on hand (which, don't we all??) get your ass moving on this because it's likely you'll never get a chance like this again, at least not until the next "World's Fastest Production Car" emerges.
Included in the auction is not only the car, but the highest bidder will also receive an SSC commemorative watch, a custom record breaking key fob (Oh really...), the original wheels and tires which were removed after breaking the record to preserve their collector value and finally a framed Official Guinness World Records certificate with a commemorative photo signed by the entire Shelby SuperCars team. Sounds like quite the bargain value.
You can find the Ebay auction HERE.
(Hat Tip To Zack!) [via Ebay]


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Power Band
Power Band is an item introduced in Generation IV that adds 4 Special Defense EV points to the Pokémon holding it when it gains Experience Points, regardless of the EV point(s) it normally gains from the opposing Pokémon. While it is held, it reduces the Pokémon's Speed stat by half.
When held in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games it will raise the attack stat of the Pokemon holding it.

subset: commoncrawl


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Total of $3,250,000 will fund the museum's Study Centers in the Humanities
At a press conference today at the University of Georgia, National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Chairman Bruce Cole announced a $750,000 challenge grant awarded to the Georgia Museum of Art to construct its new Study Centers in the Humanities. The Georgia Museum of Art (GMOA), which is both an academic unit of the University of Georgia and the official art museum of the state of Georgia, raised $2,500,000 in matching funds from private contributions. Chairman Cole was joined today by University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams.
The $750,000 challenge grant will fund the construction and furnishings for GMOA Study Centers in the Humanities. These centers will provide expanded facilities for the museum's fine arts library and three research centers: the Pierre Daura Center for the Study of European Art, the Jacob Burns Foundation Center, and the Henry D. Green Center for the Study of Decorative Arts. Plans also include a classroom, a small conference room, and a gallery for the display of exhibitions and works of art related to the activities of the research centers. These centers will enhance the research of museum staff and amplify the museum's capacity to attract and serve students, faculty, and researchers.
"A university museum is not a disposable luxury; it's a vital educational tool, as important for learning about the humanities as a laboratory is for the sciences," said NEH Chairman Bruce Cole. "Through its exemplary Study Centers in the Humanities, the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia is providing an immeasurable educational service to its students, scholars, and patrons not only regionally, but nationwide as well."
The Centers are a major component of the museum's $20 million Phase II museum and library expansion project at GMOA aimed at encouraging the growth of the museum's collection and enhancing access to the museum's galleries and research materials. Currently, the permanent collection, which is considered among the best in the southern United States, consists of American paintings, primarily nineteenth and twentieth century; American, European, and Asian works on paper; the Samuel H. Kress Study Collection of Italian Renaissance paintings; and growing collections of southern decorative arts, European paintings, and Asian art. GMOA houses more than 10,000 objects and serves an audience of 100,000 patrons annually, including university students and faculty.
"The challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities was instrumental in helping us realize our fundraising goal for Phase II of the Georgia Museum of Art. Most important, it allows us to further scholarship in the visual arts and, thus, expand knowledge in the humanities," said the museum's director, Dr. William U. Eiland in a statement.
NEH challenge grants strengthen the humanities by encouraging non-federal sources of support. Challenge grant recipients are required to match NEH funds on a three-to-one or four-to-one basis, helping institutions and organizations secure long-term support for, and improvements in, their humanities programs and resources. The Georgia Museum of Art, asked to raise $2,250,000 in matching funds in the grant requirements, has raised an additional $250,000 for a total of $2,500,000 in non-federal funds.


text: I played the roadshow Angelus and loved it. Since that the only one I've played, I have to have the carbon and nothing else will do. No carbon, no Angelus for me. P.S. A little about me. I've wanted a PRS since '86. Didn't like them at first, but they grew on me. I didn't get my first till three years ago(20th Anni Std w/Birds/59/09's/"210" mod). The second(Std 22 w/Birds/58/08's/Sweet Switch). I'm trying to find an R'Wood to place my set of 53/10's. I have the first MKIIC Boogie made w/original tubes still installed that I bought new on 1 Oct '83(for some reason, I sold my original two-piece 60w MK1 to fund it).


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The president is getting serious about regulatory changes.
President Obama is ready to take one more shot at combating global warming with the last, least-popular, and messiest tool he's got left: regulations administered by the politically besieged Environmental Protection Agency.
It won't be popular, it might not work, and it could cost him his pick to head EPA.
But the hard reality is this: Three years after Congress killed a cap-and-trade bill, Obama is running out of time.
If Obama doesn't finalize EPA rules controlling greenhouse-gas emissions from the nation's carbon-emitting power plants before he leaves the White House, a Republican president or Senate could undo the rules—and his legacy.
"He is serious about making it a second-term priority," Heather Zichal, Obama's top energy and climate adviser, said at an event last week. "He knows this is a legacy issue."
In a speech at Georgetown University on Tuesday, Obama will outline a timeline for EPA to move forward regulating carbon emissions from new and existing power plants, which account for almost 40 percent of the country's heat-trapping emissions. EPA proposed rules for new plants last spring but missed its April deadline to finalize them.
But Obama will immediately faces hurdles in Congress, even as he seeks to unilaterally impose regulations through the executive branch. The Senate has not yet confirmed Gina McCarthy, Obama's nominee to head the agency who is currently EPA's assistant administrator for air. Obama's announcement Tuesday will further inflame McCarthy's already incendiary confirmation process.
"The Obama administration may conclude that the policy priority of moving forward on GHG emissions reductions outweighs the political gain of confirming McCarthy in a timely manner," according to analysis published Monday by ClearView Energy Partners, a Washington-based nonpartisan consulting firm. McCarthy could execute Obama's directive from her current post as EPA's top air chief. Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe could remain in his post indefinitely, which is allowed under EPA's organizational plan.
As a result of the administration's environmental activism, Obama's party may also face newfound trouble in the 2014 midterms. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is already targeting vulnerable red-state Democrats up for reelection, including Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Mark Begich of Alaska, and Mark Pryor of Arkansas. "Landrieu Ushers in Obama's Climate Change Agenda," says one NRSC statement released Monday. "Jobs & Economy Fall Victim to Liberal Wishlist." GOP strategists believe that voters in Republican-leaning, energy-producing states could punish Democratic incumbents who support additional regulations.
"In what amounts to a national energy tax, the president will pivot away from jobs—the No. 1 issue for constituents," said Don Stewart, spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. McConnell will be criticizing the president's plan in a floor speech Tuesday morning.
If Republicans win back the Senate next year, they will have the tools to undo any new regulations. Using the Congressional Review Act, senators would be able to bypass the majority leader and force a vote requiring only 51 votes to pass a resolution nullifying regulations finalized within 60 days. The White House is reportedly worried such an effort could succeed against EPA's climate rules.
"He [Obama] is concerned about whether or not he has enough support in the Senate to defend vetoes of environmental regulations," said Michael Kieschnick, CEO and cofounder of CREDO, a cell-phone company heavily involved in advocating for action on climate change. Kieschnick has attended private fundraisers with Obama in recent months where the president addressed climate change.
Amid these political obstacles, Obama must navigate the significant legal and policy hurdles, which will inevitably come along with a regulation whose wide-reaching scope surpasses any other EPA rule, according to experts.
"Two years is about the minimal time it would take to go from soup to nuts on a rule like this," said Roger Martella, who was EPA general counsel under President George W. Bush. "These rules don't come out of the clear blue sky and involve lengthy internal deliberations before the public even gets a first peak at them."
Once EPA is done writing the rules, a flood of lawsuits will pour in from both sides of the issue. Litigation also takes time, during which it would be ideal if Obama was still in the White House. "We reason the Obama administration wants to defend its power plant GHG … rule(s) against legal challenges rather than leaving it to another, potentially less simpatico administration," states the analysis by ClearView Energy Partners.
Time might be the biggest hurdle of all.
"Part of the challenge is, how much can they do in a limited amount of time," said Jody Freeman, who worked on energy and climate issues in the White House during Obama's first term. "This plan is a race against time. We're already six months into a second term."
NEXT STORY: The Health Benefits of Working With Your Hands


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Photo gallery:
LG Imprint
At first glance, the plastic-smooth and podlike LG Imprint for MetroPCS looks akin to the Kin
One slider, though it's actually a twin to Sprint's LG Remarq, right down to the stylish leaf-shaped speaker punched into the phone's back cover and the Energy Star-rated charger. Interestingly, unlike the Remarq, MetroPCS isn't billing the Imprint as an eco-phone. For one, LG didn't build it with recycled plastic and it doesn't come in the Remarq's soy ink packaging.
With a full QWERTY keyboard and room to spread out, the Imprint matches its design strengths as a texting phone with SMS and MMS capabilities. While its camera is mediocre, its onboard MP3 player and strong call quality make the $109 LG Imprint a sturdy and comfortable handset for texters and e-mailers at a price that won't break the bank.
The Imprint's design is easily the best thing about the phone. With generously rounded corners, the 3.5 inch long by 2.5 inch wide by 0.6 inch thick Imprint is a compact little number. Shiny and smooth, the 3.8-ounce phone feels hearty in the hand, but gentle on the ear, with a sturdy, tightly constructed slider. The square, strong phone is a pocket-friendly and purse-portable, and its girth will ensure it won't get lost among your keys and loose change.
Compact, sturdy, and appealingly podlike. Check, check, and check.
LG paints the Imprint with a simple, but stylish brush. A silver band caps the face of the phone's glossy, black body, then cuts across 45 degrees to cloak half of the spine and most of the back cover.
The 2.2 inch, 320×240-pixel display supports 262,000 colors, though we wish MetroPCS took better advantage of the crisp and clear resolution with more interesting menus and default wallpaper. In our opinion, few displays prove victorious when contending with direct sunlight, and the Imprint is no exception. It helps that you can adjust the screen's backlight time, though not its brightness or contrast. Below the screen lies the navigation array–the ubiquitous four-directional pad with central OK button, two soft keys, and speakerphone and "back" buttons that double up with Talk and End functionality.
Slide the phone face up to reveal a roomy QWERTY keyboard with tall, narrow keys that are fully separated (we like this) and slightly domed surfaces. All it lacks are backlit keys. A dedicated messaging button on the keyboard fast tracks you to the texting window, and another button opens the music player.
The LG Imprint's face slides down to reveal a spacious QWERTY keyboard.
On the phone's left spine is a camera button that flicks on the 1.3-megapixel shooter. Above it sits the Micro-USB slot. The right spine sports the volume rocker, the microSD card slot, and an unfortunately nonstandard 2.5mm headset jack–we prefer a standard 3.5mm jack.
The LG Imprint is socially inclined, with threaded text and multimedia messaging. Fittingly, its phone book stores 1,000 contacts, with room in each entry for seven phone numbers, two e-mail addresses, a photo ID, and a custom ringtone. You can also create caller groups. For ringtones, the Imprint ships with 33 polyphonic tunes. You can also give them all the kibosh and switch to a silent, stealth mode.
MetroPCS keeps things simple, maybe too simple in the case of its absent instant messaging functionality. There is, however, set-up support for POP3 and IMAP e-mail. There's no standalone Web browser, which is fine for this type of phone, but the Imprint does address your Internet needs by supplying the WAP-based MetroWeb and a branded @Metro app store for buying and downloading apps, pictures, ringtones, and games.
On the organizer side, you're looking at a calendar, calculator, tip calculator, alarm clock, world clock, notepad, stopwatch, and unit converter. You can also set up speed dial and voice commands, and the Imprint has Bluetooth, and speakerphone. Voice dialing is a go on the Imprint, as are voice memos up to five minutes long that you can save as ringtones (for all your freestyle songsters.)
The Imprint takes predictably mediocre picture with its 1.3 megapixel camera, but post-production editing tools marginally help.
The Imprint's 1.3-megapixel camera is just fine for this basic phone, though photo quality will never be superb. Still, a multishot mode, three resolutions night mode, a self-timer, 10x digital zoom, and simple image editor go a long way toward framing and beautifying your shots. We should note that the highest resolution–1,280×960 pixels–won't support zooming. You can adjust the brightness and resolution from the photo interface before taking the shot.
When you're done shooting, you can immediately send photos to friends or via Bluetooth, create a slideshow, and save pictures as wallpaper, a photo ID, or as the main image on your lock screen. As we mentioned, there's an editor that can zoom in, rotate, flip photos, and adjust elements like white balance and brightness. Photo effects include practical filters like antiquing and gray sketch alongside wackier effects that add glow, convert to a cartoon, and mirror the image.
The Imprint has an MP3 music player, which is accessible from the main menu or the dedicated music player button on the QWERTY keyboard. In addition to the microSD card slot, which can hold up to a 16GB card, the phone offers a fairly minimal 23MB of internal storage.
Two other features we'll mention include an airplane mode for shutting down data service while aloft and GPS support for a MetroPCS navigator service. Keep in mind that for the latter you'll need to subscribe to certain MetroPCS rate plans.
We tested the 3G-capable LG Imprint (CDMA 1x 800/1,900MHz; AWS Band 1,700/2,100MHz) in San Francisco using MetroPCS. We enjoyed good call quality using the Imprint. Voices sounded clear, strong, and natural. We noticed very few blips and beeps and other distortion that's telltale of a wireless service. If we concentrated on it, our caller's voice did sound slightly muffled, but that was not apparent in the course of a casual conversation.Once in our tests we did hear a strange faded ring in the background on our end, which our caller did not hear. Our callers agreed that the overall high voice quality, noting at one point that it wasn't obvious we were on a mobile phone.
Its speakerphone yielded predictably poorer call audio quality than holding the phone up to your ear. On our end, calls maintained consistent volume, but sounded tinny. On their end, callers could tell we were on a speakerphone but thought our voices sounded strong overall.
The Imprint has a rated battery life of up to 5 hours of talk time, with 170 hours of standby time. It has a tested talk time of 4 hours and 33 minutes. According to FCC radiation tests, the Imprint's digital SAR is 1.22 watts per kilogram.


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Pezinok is a city in Bratislava region.
Pezinok (Hungarian: Bazin; German: Bösing) is a city in western Slovakia, about 20km north-west from Bratislava, and a centre of the Small Carpathian Wine Route. It started out as a mining settlement, as gold and antimony were found in the area, but quickly developed into a wine-making town. To this day, Pezinok produces quality wine and the slopes of Small Carpathians it is located under are covered with wineyards. Pezinok is a also central part of the Small Carpathian Wine Route, a wine producing region stretching between Bratislava and Trnava. Wine-making is also celebrated during several festivals and events an integral part of local life. The city has kept, and recently renovated, many of the preserved historical buildings, including the origial burger's houses, which form a picturesque historic centre of the town, along with a park surrounding the castle dating to 13th century.
More information can be found at the city's website, available in English and German.
Get in[edit]
Pezinok is well-connected by the road network to Bratislava, Trnava and Senec, so getting in by car is usually the most convenient. There is also public transport in form of buses that connects it with these three cities, and villages along the route. Buses from Bratislava leave every 15 minutes in the rush hour and every 1 hour in the evenings. Trains operate between Bratislava and Trnava as well, and most stop in Pezinok along the way. However, when going by the train from Bratislava/Trnava, make sure your train stops in Pezinok, as a few express trains don't. Also note that the last train/bus from bratislava leaves shortly before 11pm and doesn't resume until about 5am.
Get around[edit]
As the city centre is small, walking is probably the most efficient way of getting around Pezinok, though a car will come in handy if you are visiting the more remote residential parts. There is plenty of parking available in and around the city centre.
See[edit][add listing]
The city haqs a well-preserved historic centre, with several buildings worth seeing:
Do[edit][add listing]
Buy[edit][add listing]
There is a number of shops in the city centre, but the best shopping is in the two bigger malls - 'Plus' located straight in the city centre, and 'Molo', which is on the outskirts, on the road to Bratislava.
Eat[edit][add listing]
Budget and snacks
Drink[edit][add listing]
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The city telephone extension is (0)33.
The information centre can be found at Holubyho 42 and can be contacted by phone at 6+421 33 640 69 89. It is open Mon-Fri from 9:00 to 18:00 and 9:00-12:00 on Sat during the high season (1.6-31.8) and 9:00-17:00 Mon-Fri and 9:00-12:00 Sat during the rest of the year.
Get out[edit]


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The Humane Society of the United States and other animal welfare groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday to restore federal protections for gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region that were lifted last year.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in the District of Columbia against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said the decision to take wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan off the endangered list threatens the recovery of wolves throughout most of their historic range.
The Humane Society of the United States provided a copy of the lawsuit to The Associated Press before its public announcement. The other plaintiffs include Born Free USA, Help Our Wolves Live and Friends of Animals and Their Environment.
Hunters and trappers in Minnesota and Wisconsin killed 530 wolves combined during those states' recently concluded seasons - 413 in Minnesota and 116 in Wisconsin. The Michigan Legislature voted in December to authorize wolf hunting, which could resume as early as this fall if the state's Natural Resources Commission approves.
"In the short time since federal protections have been removed, trophy hunters and trappers have killed hundreds of Great Lakes wolves under hostile state management programs that encourage dramatic reductions in wolf populations," Jonathan Lovvorn, chief counsel for animal protection litigation at the HSUS, said in a statement. "This decision rolls back the only line of defense for wolf populations, and paves the way for the same state-sponsored eradication policies that pushed this species to the brink of extinction in the first place."
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
It's been more than 40 years since the federal government imposed protections to prevent wolves from going extinct in the lower 48 states. Gray wolves recovered to more than 4,000 combined in the western Great Lakes and northern Rocky Mountain states by the time the government took them off the list in those areas in January 2012. That action followed several years of court battles and turned responsibility for managing their populations back to the states.
Environmentalists also have gone to court to try to restore federal protections to wolves in Wyoming.
Wildlife managers predicted before the inaugural seasons in Minnesota and Wisconsin that hunters would face stiff challenges in bagging the wary predators. It turned out not to be quite as difficult as expected. Minnesota and Wisconsin slightly exceeded their hunting-and-trapping targets of 400 and 116, respectively, but officials said those were just goals, not firm quotas, so exceeding them was not cause for concern.


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Results tagged ' Will Ferrell '
Friday Night Excitement
Written by K Crew's Megan.
Bright lights. Enthusiastic fans. Fireworks. There is something so euphoric about Friday Night games at The K. Last Friday was no different. Whether you are there for work or to enjoy a baseball game, walking in to the stadium on a Friday night has a way of putting a smile on just about anyone's face.
With smiles already on, an extra boost of excitement was added upon hearing who would be gracing Royals fans with their presence. While we love all of our Royals fans and think they are all beyond amazing, it is not every day big-time celebrities attend a baseball game at The K. Many whispers and questions were asked by fans wondering if Will Ferrell was really in the third base dugout suite. It was so fun to say, "Yes! He actually is here tonight!"
Along with the beloved Will Ferrell was Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Horatio Sanz and Rob Riggle. With these great guys being in the dugout suite, seeing them from afar was our only real option. During the 8th inning, Sandy, Kelly, Kristina, Taylor and I all got the opportunity to change that. Walking excitedly to the dugout suite with camera in hand, we were all ready for our celebrity encounter. Between the five guys, they made us feel like we were the celebrities, yelling "Hey, it's the K Crew!!!"
Cheering as we walked in, they were no different than the awesome fans sitting up in the view level. They were courteous to take pictures with us, letting us know that it would look best with one K Crew member between each of them!
Everyone eagerly accepted tattoos and pins, especially Paul Rudd's four-year-old son, Jack. He was SO excited to be at the baseball game, exclaiming that Sluggerrr came down and even gave him an autograph just for him. Jack was beyond adorable and even more lovable when he admitted, "Sluggerrr and the Royals are the greatest and bestest in baseball." While hanging out with Paul Rudd's little boy I had to drop in that myself and one other K Crew girl went to the same high school as he and Jason (Go Vikings!), telling him that's my claim to fame! They were overzealous talking about the '"good ol' days from high school"!
All of these men have made appearances on Saturday Night Live, blockbuster movies and popular TV shows. While they are all funny business most of the time, that was not the case on Friday night. With three of the five hailing from the Overland Park area, Royals baseball and Kansas City is home to them. Coming back to help out and give back to the community was not only an option but also a necessity. They all participated in the Big Slick Poker Tournament on Saturday to raise money for Children's Mercy Hospital.
While the opportunity to throw the first pitch(s) and sing the Seventh Inning Stretch was enticing, coming back to Kansas City was important to them for more reasons then soaking up a Friday night game. Showing the support and love for this great town, which holds many memories for them, was just one of the things these men do for others.


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Since 1997, the Law Offices of Kevin T. Barnes has focused on providing legal advice and representation to employees throughout California, particularly wage and hour class action litigation. Our attorneys are dedicated to representing employees, former employees, and recently fired employees.
If you are working overtime and not being paid for it, we can help. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
What Sets Us Apart?
Kevin Barnes has been almost exclusively focusing on representing employees in wage and hour class action cases in California. Mr. Barnes has been invited on numerous occasions to speak on class action and wage and hour employment issues by numerous labor associations. Mr. Barnes was selected as one of the Top 10 Plaintiff Employment Lawyers in 2008 by the Daily Journal and named Daily Journals' Top 75 Labor & Employment Lawyers in California for 2017, as well as being selected as a Southern California Super Lawyer in each year from 2007 to present. This recognition is a selection by his peers based upon ethics, experience and reputation and represents the top 5% of his profession. Mr. Barnes is also AV rated* by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for a lawyer.
Kevin Barnes also received a landmark verdict against Huntington Memorial Hospital in 2008. The precedent setting case was tried in front of a Los Angeles Superior Court, which ruled that a nonprofit hospital cannot pay nurses two rates of pay for the same work and issued a $32,857,014.83 verdict. This case later settled for $60 million dollar lump sum. As the first dual-rate payment case tried to any court, it has affected the way other hospitals pay employees. In fact, as a result of this verdict, the Law Offices of Kevin Barnes subsequently settled a similar case against Tenet Hospital for $85 million dollars, as well as a settlement against Arcadia Methodist Hospital for $20.25 million dollars.


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COROT started its launch campaign in Baikonur
The COROT satellite, designed to detect exoplanets and study the interiors of stars, safely reached the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on board an Antonov 124 cargo plane on 15 November 2006, and it is now being prepared for launch.
COROT, a CNES mission with ESA participation, will be sent into Earth orbit by a Soyuz rocket on 21 December 2006. CNES in collaboration with Alcatel - who built the satellite - have just kicked-off COROT's 5-week launch campaign. In parallel, those responsible for ground and science operations are rehearsing the procedures by which the satellite will be placed and operate in its orbit and by which its instruments will start working once in space.
After being removed from its container, COROT will be tested to check possible damage due to transportation. After this, its fuel tanks will be filled with hydrazine, which will power its attitude-control system once in orbit. Finally, further tests will verify the correct positioning of the satellite's multi-layer insulation sheets, to ensure proper thermal protection in space.


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Early Book Review: Die Empty by @ToddHenry
So I'm a HUGE fan of the Accidental Creative podcast so when I heard Todd Henry had a new book called Die Empty coming out, I stepped up to be one of the early readers/reviewers.
What I love about this book is deals with living the creative life and getting all your best work out now, while you're alive.
"Embrace the importance of now, and refuse to allow the lull of comfort, fear, familiarity, and ego to prevent you from taking action on your ambitions...The cost of inaction is vast. Don't go to your grave with your best work inside of you. Choose to die empty."
The book confronts a lot of things we deal with as artists and people in general--are we doing our best work & using our time wisely? Are we passionate about it? Are we spending our time the way we want? Are we stepping outside of our confront zone?
I love books like this. Books that help you be a better creative person. Trust me, there aren't many.
And I believe Todd Henry wrote this book because he is passionate about his own work in the world and wants to contribute to helping others. He's definitely an inspiring speaker and writer. I know his is the first podcast I listen to and I'm finding myself highlighting a lot in this book.
Die Empty will be released on September 26th. I'm about halfway through with it and loving it. I just got the book a few days ago and I can't put it down.
Anyway, wanted to give you the head's up if you're a fan of the Accidental Creative or are looking for an inspiring read to help you get back into your creative projects this fall.
I hope to post more on it once I'm done. As I said, I have A LOT of highlighting and notes!
~ Kells
~ Don't Miss a Post ~ Subscribe to Book of Kells by Email


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PBS is setting the table for the "Downton Abbey" feast ahead with a preview special planned for broadcast in December.
PBS' "Masterpiece" says "Return to Downton Abbey" will air Dec. 1 with what's billed as "a tantalizing taste" of the upcoming season, which begins Jan. 5.
It also will look at the series' past three seasons.
U.S. & World
Susan Sarandon serves as host for the special, a mix of behind-the-scenes footage, clips of favorite moments and interviews with cast members. Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter and Shirley MacLaine are among the stars who will appear in the special.
"Downton Abbey," the wildly popular drama about British class and culture a century ago, will move into the Roaring Twenties in the new season.
Copyright AP - Associated Press


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This year�s Kinston boys basketball team is aspiring for greatness.
Its next hurdle in that quest comes against a team known for upsets.
This year�s Kinston boys basketball team is aspiring for greatness.
Its next hurdle in that quest comes against a team known for upsets.
The Vikings will host North Pitt tonight in a battle of the Eastern Plains 2A Conference�s lone unbeatens in league play.
The Panthers (7-6, 3-0) were the only EP2A team to defeat Kinston (11-2, 4-0) last season when they did so by 11 points on Jan. 26, 2012.
While finishing out the season with a perfect run through conference play on their way to the state 2A championship is the Vikings goal, senior guard Josh Dawson knows his team is going to have to play at a high level every game to achieve it.
�We�re just trying to be great, really,� Dawson said. �When we go out, we just have to play together as a whole.�
Since its 50-47 loss to Waxhaw Cuthbertson on Dec. 28, Kinston has been nearly unstoppable. The Vikings won a pair of league games against Farmville Central and Tarboro by a combined score of 148-63.
Dawson said the one thing the Vikings learned from their last loss � they surrendered a late 13-point lead and didn�t score in the fourth quarter � is they have to play as a team.
So far, playing as a unit hasn�t been a problem, as 13 different players have scored since.
�We just have to play as a whole team, because when we don�t play together that�s when things fall apart,� Dawson said.
�If we don�t play together, any team can beat us. When we play together, it�s hard for anybody to beat us.�
Greatness may be something Dawson and his teammates are aiming for, but their head coach, Perry Tyndall, simply wants his team to improve with each practice and focus on one game at a time.
Next up is North Pitt.
�I think greatness for this team is continuing to get better and, ultimately, playing up to our full potential when it�s all said and done,� Tyndall said.
�We just want to reach our full potential.�
Even with a pair of blowout wins in their last two games, Tyndall still sees areas of concern.
He feels Kinston can improve upon stopping dribble penetration, which is something Tarboro actually excelled at on Tuesday even though Kinston won handily, 75-32.
The motivation to get better every day � and finding specific things to work on � is why the Vikings are looking for their seventh consecutive league championship.
�Defensively we can get better, there�s no doubt about it � focusing on the little things,� Tyndall said.
�Our mission right now is, night in and night out, to take care of every conference opponent we play, and get better while we�re doing it.�
Ryan Herman can be reached at 252-559-1073 or email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter: @KFPSports.


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We are a very busy office and are looking for our next great team member. This busy insurance and financial services office has a passion to make a difference in the lives of others and better the community. We are an established, growth-oriented agency with a team of highly motivated individuals. We want to work alongside those who are equally committed to excellence and personal achievement. Our team is comprised of results-oriented individuals that are serious about their development. We take pride in using our years of valuable experience to mentor individual team members and prepare them for successful careers. If you are self-motivated, possess an entrepreneurial spirit and have a desire to win and achieve results, please consider joining our team.
State Farm agents are independent contractors who hire their own employees. State Farm agents' employees are not employees of State Farm. Agents are responsible for and make all employment decisions regarding their employees.
Company Website: www.alclark.net


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Here you will find a large, well stocked range of plastic, wooden and decorative planters. Our selection includes a range of very practical yet stylish plastic pots and troughs from Stewart Company. The Balconniere trough features a self watering reservoir whilst the decorative planters feature traditional designs as well as modern colours and shapes.
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Our hanging baskets and wall baskets are excellent value and some feature quirky, unusual designs from the straw basket range.
Outdoor Pots & Planters: 1 products found
Availability: Out of Stock


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Amazon Warehouse Fulfillment Associate
Braselton, Georgia Job ID: 180015826
Where do YOU want to work at Amazon?
Job title
Amazon Warehouse Fulfillment Associate
Hiring Organization
Wherever fits you best, including Jefferson and Braselton
Availability at each location is dependent on business need and changes regularly
Position type
A position that works for you
$11 an hour or more
Job description
Whether you are looking for a career opportunity or a chance to earn some extra cash, welcome to Amazon. Our associates – people just like you – have been on the front lines of making Amazon's magic happen. Associate roles range from selecting items and sorting packages inside our warehouse fulfillment centers to shopping for Prime Now customers in a grocery store. The opportunities at Amazon are designed to help you find an hourly role that fits your life right now, including full-time, flex-time, and part-time positions.
We designed a process that makes it easy for you to get to your start date
Our new job application process is changing the way you find your next job. We have streamlined everything and added a little sprinkle of Amazon fun. Forget about that lengthy resume, or even an interview. In about 30 minutes on your smart phone or computer, you answer some questions, play a few fun games designed to show you what it's like to work at Amazon, and you get to select when and where you start your next job at Amazon.
Where do you want to work at Amazon?
We have a few basic requirements to get you started:
Most important, a desire for a job at Amazon
About 30 minutes of your time to answer a few questions, play some job specific games, and provide us some information about you
You must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent
You have an idea of the schedule that would fit you best
Are you ready to apply? Click HERE to get started and, by the end of this process, you may end up with a job offer and a confirmed start date! It's that easy.
Amazon is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minority / Women / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation


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During the podcast, it was mentioned that the percentage of favorable decisions drops from 65% to 0% over the number of cases that are decided upon. This sounded unlikely. I looked at Figure 1 from the paper (below), and I couldn't believe my eyes. Not only is the drop indeed as large as mentioned – it occurs three times in a row over the course of the day, and after a break, it returns to exactly 65%!
I'm not the first person to be surprised by this data (thanks to Nick Brown for pointing me to these papers on Twitter). There was a published criticism on the study in PNAS (which no one reads or cites), and more recently, an article by Andreas Glöckner explaining how the data could be explained through a more plausible mechanism (for a nice write up, see this blog by Tom Stafford). I appreciate that people have tried to think about which mechanism could cause this effect, and if you are interested, highly recommend reading the commentaries (and perhaps even the response by the authors).
As Glöckner notes, one surprising aspect of this study is the magnitude of the effect: 'A drop of favorable decisions from 65% in the first trial to 5% in the last trial as observed in DLA is equivalent to an odds ratio of 35 or a standardized mean difference of d = 1.96 (Chinn, 2000)'.
Some people dislike statistics. They are only interested in effects that are so large, you can see them by just plotting the data. This study might seem to be a convincing illustration of such an effect. My goal in this blog is to argue against this idea. You need statistics, maybe especially when effects are so large they jump out at you.
When reporting findings, authors should report and interpret effect sizes. An important reason for this is that effects can be impossibly large. An example I give in my MOOC is the Ig Nobel prize winning finding that suicide rates among white people increased with the amount of airtime dedicated to country music. The reported (but not interpreted) correlation was a whopping r = 0.54. I once went to a Dolly Parton concert with my wife. It was a great 2 hour show. If the true correlation between listening to country music and white suicide rates was 0.54, this would not have been a great concert, but a mass-suicide.
Based on this data, the difference between the height of 21-year old men and women in The Netherlands is approximately 13 centimeters. That is a Cohen's d of 2. That's the effect size in the hungry judges study.
If hunger had an effect on our mental resources of this magnitude, our society would fall into minor chaos every day at 11:45. Or at the very least, our society would have organized itself around this incredibly strong effect of mental depletion. Just like manufacturers take size differences between men and women into account when producing items such as golf clubs or watches, we would stop teaching in the time before lunch, doctors would not schedule surgery, and driving before lunch would be illegal. If a psychological effect is this big, we don't need to discover it and publish it in a scientific journal - you would already know it exists. Sort of how the 'after lunch dip' is a strong and replicable finding that you can feel yourself (and that, as it happens, is directly in conflict with the finding that judges perform better immediately after lunch – surprisingly, the authors don't discuss the after lunch dip).
We can look at the review paper by Richard, Bond, & Stokes-Zoota (2003) to see which effect sizes in law psychology are close to a Cohen's d of 2, and find two that are slightly smaller. The first is the effect that a jury's final verdict is likely to be the verdict a majority initially favored, which 13 studies show has an effect size of r = 0.63, or d = 1.62. The second is that when a jury is initially split on a verdict, its final verdict is likely to be lenient, which 13 studies show to have an effect size of r = .63 as well. In their entire database, some effect sizes that come close to d = 2 are the finding that personality traits are stable over time (r = 0.66, d = 1.76), people who deviate from a group are rejected from that group (r = .6, d = 1.5), or that leaders have charisma (r = .62, d = 1.58). You might notice the almost tautological nature of these effects. The biggest effect in their database is for 'psychological ratings are reliable' (r = .75, d = 2.26) – if we try to develop a reliable rating, it is pretty reliable. That is the type of effects that has a Cohen's d of around 2: Tautologies. And that is, supposedly, the effect size that the passing of time (and subsequently eating lunch) has on parole hearing sentencings.
I think it is telling that most psychologists don't seem to be able to recognize data patterns that are too large to be caused by psychological mechanisms. There are simply no plausible psychological effects that are strong enough to cause the data pattern in the hungry judges study. Implausibility is not a reason to completely dismiss empirical findings, but impossibility is. It is up to authors to interpret the effect size in their study, and to show the mechanism through which an effect that is impossibly large, becomes plausible. Without such an explanation, the finding should simply be dismissed.


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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Lipscomb cross country squad has announced the schedule for the upcoming 2014 season.
The group will begin the season at the Belmont Opener on August 29 at the Vaughn's Gap course in Percy Warner Park.
"We traditionally start each cross country season at Belmont," said Bill Taylor, director of track and field. "The meet is on our home course, and we have a lot of historical data to compare.
"It's one of two great opportunities for our Lipscomb fans to see us in action, and we get really good support."
While the rest of the team will be competing at Belmont, Taylor will send his top-seven men to compete at Stetson in Sanford, Florida on August 30.
"It's the site for our Atlantic Sun Championships, and I think it's important to get a scouting report," Taylor said. "The men are going to be in a dogfight to repeat as Atlantic Sun champions, so we really want them to see the course."
The team will see competition in Nashville again in the Vanderbilt Invite on September 14.
"This is the second opportunity to run on our home course and race in front of the Lipscomb fans," Taylor said. "We enjoy racing at Vaughn's Gap and this meet always offers solid competition.
"It will be a great dress rehearsal before we hit the big national points meets."
Following a two-meet run in Nashville, the team will travel to Boston for the Coast to Coast Battle in Bean Town.
"We are really excited about this meet," Taylor said. "This is the first weekend to compete for at-large points for National Championship qualifying.
"We've never competed in Boston, and I believe this is only the second year for this meet. However Boston College is doing an incredible job of pulling in nationally and regionally ranked NCAA I teams to create a meet that gives teams great at-large point opportunities."
The primary reason for the Lipscomb teams to compete is to continue to build towards the Nationals.
"That's why we are there, to represent the South and give ourselves more chances to qualify for Nationals," Taylor said. "The course looks incredible, and Boston is a really cool destination.
"We'll have some fun taking in the history while we are there, and we get a great competition opportunity."
Following the showdown in Boston, the team will move on to Louisville, Kentucky on October 4 for the Louisville Classic.
"Louisville has traditionally been on our schedule for years, however last year we travelled to Notre Dame as a changeup," Taylor said. "It's a fast course if it's dry and doesn't require extensive travel. There should be some teams that we can compete for at-large points against."
Taylor believes Louisville will be a great follow-up to the meet in Boston.
The excursion continues as several of the Bisons travel to Terre Haute, Indiana for a chance to prove their talents at Pre-Nationals on October 18.
"Last year was our first year on the National Championship course at Terre Haute," Taylor said. "It was a good experience, but we were overwhelmed by the level of competition there.
"It is still going to be great national competition and another opportunity for at-large points. However it sounds like there won't be quite as many teams there this year."
With Terre Haute being the stage for national competition, Taylor wants the team to get comfortable on the course.
The rest of the team will return to action in the Volunteer State for the Front Runner Invite in Chattanooga, the final meet of the regular season.
The Bisons teams will then try to repeat as conference champions in the Atlantic Sun Championships on November 1 in Sanford, Florida.
"The first big goal of the season is to do well at our conference championships," Taylor said. "Our men are defending A-Sun champions, after winning their first ever title last season.
"Our women are three-time defending A-Sun champions, looking to win their fourth in a row. We are looking forward to the challenge down there."
On November 14, the team looks to up the ante in the NCAA South Regional Championships.
"The NCAA I South Region Championships return to Florida State this year, and we love their course in Tallahassee," Taylor said. "It's a fast course and we ran really well on it two years ago.
"I know everyone who had that experience is really happy the regional meet is there. The goal is to qualify for the National Championships and both teams are in the hunt."
The final event on the team's schedule will be the NCAA I National Championships November 22 in Terre Haute.
"Racing at Terre Haute twice this season is what we want to be doing and that is what we expect to be doing," Taylor said. "Since the day I arrived at Lipscomb and started building the program this has been the main athletic goal, to qualify for Nationals every year and to strive to win the National Championship.
"We are on the doorstep of getting there. The teams are young and experienced, which is a good combination. We have attained new milestones every season I've been here, and we are ready to go to nationals."


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By Teachers, For Teachers
One teaching objective frequently used by administrators and educational evaluators is the old adage "Teach bell-to-bell." Sometimes, however, this wise advice is easier given than done.
Teachers find themselves with five or even ten vacant minutes at the end of class, and they ask themselves, "What now?" While some may opt to allow students additional "study time" or "early homework time," such a plan usually goes awry, and students begin chattering, antagonizing one another, and generally become disruptive in the absence of an actual purpose.
A better answer to the "dead time" issue comes in the form of Exit Slips: simple index cards or short sentence strips that allow students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery over the day's subject matter.
When those final few minutes of class arrive, three classroom activities are available:
Each option comprises a worthy role that exit slips can play in even the most diverse classrooms.
The first of these options, review, is perhaps the most basic. It seems only natural to most professional educators that daily class should end with a brief overview of facts covered in the minutes prior to the end of the period.
One of my personal favorite ways to do this is with a five-fact (or five-finger) review – "List five things we learned in class today on your exit slip." Such an inquiry can be re-worded or reworked for more advanced learners – "Recall five things discussed in class, and rank them in importance from most relevant to least relevant."
Another possible purpose for exit slips is to allow students to use their prediction skills.
A common question used to stimulate students' predicting is, "Considering what we discussed in class today, what might we do tomorrow?" This style of prompt works for nearly any subject area, as nearly every class uses continuing curriculum. A good rle to give students regarding exit slip responses has to do with the subject of length. Ordinarily, three to five well-written sentences should suffice, unless the question involves deeper thinking (see next paragraph).
Critical Thinking Classroom Activities
A final purpose for exit slips involves critical thinking. The possibilities for this type of exit slip prompt are endless: "How might you have taught today's lesson if you were the teacher?" is one of my all-time favorites.
Such a question forces students to recall and reflect upon the day's class content, while simultaneously, students provide the teacher with a metacognitive analysis. What strategy would have worked best for this student? The answer is usually found in his or her exit slip response. Whether the student is a visual, auditory, musical, naturalistic, or tactile-kinesthetic learner, their reply will reveal how they would have learned best. By using these responses, the teacher can better plan and prepare for future lessons that are effective, relevant, and retainable.
So the next time those last few minutes of class are rolling around, as books close and laptops shut, exit slips may be the answer for teaching bell-to-bell. Review, prediction, and critical thinking can happen at any time, but having students do so quickly at the end of class will serve to reinforce and cement subject matter into the minds of targeted learners. Teaching an entire class period is a realistic and worthwhile expectation, and by using best practices such as exit slips, fulfilling that expectation becomes easier and more enjoyable.
What bell-ringer activities do you use in class? Share in the comments section!


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Buying a fast car is one thing, but taking it to the drag strip is the leap of faith that lets you find out how badass your ride really is. Doing well can bring elation, but falling short of your own expectations can really ruin your mood.
A BMW M5 owner was stoked when his car ran the quarter mile in 11.78 seconds, reaching 119 mph. He was happy enough to share the results on a BMW M5 forum.
Although the car performed well, its owner admitted that he didn't really have the hang of the launch control function. He thinks he can do better next time by playing around with the car's various settings.
Photo credit: BMW M5 Forum


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LeagueTennis.com Winter Singles flex league registration closes 1/20! 6 regular season matches followed by playoffs to determine city champs at all levels. Men's and Women's - beginner to advanced levels! No set date/time, schedule when it's convenient by each match deadline.
$10 off for new players in your area with this promo code LTNEW14 - that's only $15 per person for a full season!
All players receive a 20% off Sports Authority coupon!
SINGLES Registration Deadline: 1/20/14
Season: 1/28/2014 -3/23/2014
Playoffs: 3/25/2013 – 4/19/2013
Register or learn more at: http://www.leaguetennis.com/Default.aspx?ref=G43DS98
Register now for some fun tennis!
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moonstruck had een nieuw webpagina ontwerp nodig en lanceerde daarom een wedstrijd op 99designs.
Een winnaar werd gekozen uit23 ontwerpen ingezonden door13 freelance designers.
Current design is poor, and needs a new face lift. Looking for a new way for users to browse through the system. The layout, and content must stay the same, but the design needs to be completely changed. Please see compete brief for more details.
There are about four screen shots available so you can see what the site currently looks like.
The current site does not reflect, at all, what we are looking for in a redesign.
Remember, same basic layout - new design.
Thanks, good luck to all!
Accepted File Formats:
All submissions should send a high quality JPG. If you win the contest, PSD or similiar file will be expected.
Here are four screenshots of the current design:
Screenshot 1
Screenshot 2
Screenshot 3
Screenshot 4
As you can see the site needs a face lift. Remember, the site is completed and the layout has very little room to move (although it can move a little). Keeping the layout generally the same, please alter the look and design of the site.
The current look of the site should not have any influence on your design. The current design can be completely scratched and a new one thought of.
Please pay special attention to the BUTTONS. Please design attractive buttons, checkmarks, folders etc. for optimal selection. Attractive buttons and the rest are the small hinges that swing big doors.
Please keep the site WIDE, as opposed to LONG. Fit it for 1280x1024 resolution.
Thank you.


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Quest Journals are an opportunity for Shifters to share and document their own unfolding spiritual journey as part of the collective shift in consciousness. Personal introspections, visions and intentions, local Shiftivism adventures, community updates, dream journals, personal creations, art, poetry, music, videos, and more. This is a space for us to practice gonzo journalism and creating conscious media.
Together our stories weave a bigger story.
Go forth and create your own mythos.


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(CNN) -- "We all dream of a team of Carraghers" is a tribute to Liverpool FC's former player and cult hero, Jamie Carragher, which dares to imagine a first 11 made up entirely of the club's legendary defender.
It seems Italy's Mario Balotelli's mind is set on something else.
The striker posted a photo on his Facebook page featuring a Panini sticker book featuring the entire Italy squad made up entirely of his own stickers. It shows some real application on the part of Balo, as he is affectionately known -- it wouldn't have been that easy to get so many copies of his own sticker.
The Italian is a divisive figure and has had more than his fair share of off-field headlines.
The A.C. Milan striker, who broke English hearts in Manaus over the weekend by scoring the winning goal in their group D match, is well known for not only his on-field prowess but also a series of ill-judged pranks, including one which culminated in his setting his house on fire with fireworks while at Manchester City.
That got him plenty of column inches, which he lapped up, acknowledging the fascination with his hijinks by wearing a t-shirt on-field which read, "Why always me?"
Now, it seems he's answered his own question with his vision for the perfect Italian lineup. Why not only him?


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Former fighting foes Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield are set to meet in Las Vegas again when "The Hangover" star inducts his longtime rival into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
Seventeen years after Tyson infamously nibbled off part of Holyfield's ear in a 1997 championship bout, the boxer-turned-actor and promoter will be on hand to salute Holyfield on 9 August.
The two former boxers have since patched up their differences and have become friends.
Rich Marotta, the president of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, tells the Los Angeles Times, "This is the kind of thing we showed is possible in boxing last year at our inaugural induction ceremony – former and even current rivals coming together under the same roof to celebrate boxing. Everyone checks those rivalries at the door. Tyson presenting Holyfield is sheer magic."
Holyfield will join Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Larry Holmes, Oscar De La Hoya and Sugar Ray Leonard, among others, who were inducted into the Hall of Fame last year.


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cl-migratum - Database Schema Migration System for Common Lisp
Continuing my Lisp journey over the past few months I went ahead and started another side project, so I could spend more time with Common Lisp.
A place about Open Source Software, Operating Systems and some random thoughts
Continuing my Lisp journey over the past few months I went ahead and started another side project, so I could spend more time with Common Lisp.
In this post we will see how to install and configure a Kubernetes cluster on Arch Linux nodes.
Python provides a useful function for enumerating a sequence of
numbers in the form of the range
If you are looking for
range function in Common Lisp you would find
lots of various implementations.
Emacs provides a mechanism for advising functions, which is useful in situations when you need to override the original function with your own one, transform the arguments before passing them down to the advised function, execute some code before, or after the function being advised is called, etc.
Common Lisp provides a variety of data structures for mapping key/value pairs.
In my spare time (whenever I get to have some these days) I like to poke around in the world of Lisp.
The vSAN Management SDK for Python is distributed as a Zip archive available at code.vmware.com. The latest version as of writing this document is 6.7.0 and can be found here.
In Clojure when you need to work with maps you get the option to choose from a number of builtin core functions such as get, assoc, dissoc, merge, select-keys, zipmap, keys, vals and many others.
For the past couple of months or so I've been programming in Clojure and I really enjoy it.
One of the API services that I have developed recently for internal project returns a flat sequence of items, where each item in the sequence may or may not be related to other items with a parent-child relationship.
As mentioned in a previous blog post one of the past projects I've been involved in was an internal CMDB system and the development of collection of Cisco UCS Configuration Items (CIs) such as Fabric Interconnects, Chassis and Blade servers.
One of the recent projects that I'm working on is an internal CMDB system.
Recently I had a need to parse some OpenSSH certificate keys, and since it's been a while since I've written anything in Rust I thought I'd dive into the language again and create a library for parsing OpenSSH certificates in it.
When Nintendo first announced the NES Classic Edition I was sure I would get one of these consoles.
Amongst the various improvements and fixes in Gru orchestration framework one of the highlights of version 0.5.0 of the project is the added support for managing VMware vSphere environments.
Latest version of Gru orchestration framework ships with a new feature called triggers.
Traditional configuration management systems perform operations on the target systems they manage after doing topological sorting of the operations that need to be performed.
One of the projects I work on during my spare time these days is Gru, which is an orchestration and configuration management framework written in Go and Lua.
The membership test operators in Python make things easy when we need to test whether a given item is contained within a given container or mapping object instance.
Gopher Lua is a Lua 5.1 VM and compiler written in Go.
For the past few months I've continued working on my first Go project and overall I am very pleased with how the project evolved as a whole.
I've been continuing to improve Gru over the past days and one thing I thought would be nice to have is a way to express commands in Gru in a declarative way. That way I would not have to bother about the underlying details about a minion and have an easy way to express things, e.g. install packages, manage services, deploy configurations, etc.
During the last few months or so I've been playing with Go in my spare time in order to get myself familiar with the language and build some experience with it.
go-vcr is a Go package which allows you to record and replay your HTTP interactions, in order to provide fast, deterministic and accurate testing of your code.
Go is a language well known for it's concurrency primitives.
Testing is an important part of software development, which gives information about the quality of a product. It is that process by which we ensure that the product we deliver meets the expectations and requirements by testing and verifying its functionality, performance and reliability.
So, I've finally received my copy of The Go Programming Language by Alan A. A. Donovan and Brian W. Kernighan!
Pulp is a platform for managing repositories of content, such as software packages, and pushing that content out to large numbers of consumers.
Since Zabbix release 2.2.0, users and developers of Zabbix can now extend Zabbix monitoring features by using loadable modules.
ZeroMQ is a lightweight messaging library which makes it fairly easy for developers to design and implement distributed systems.
A few days ago I've received my copy of the Zabbix Cookbook by Patrik Uytterhoeven.
Security Account Manager (SAM) in Windows is used to store users' passwords and can be used to authenticate local users on your Windows systems.
traceroute(8) is one of these tools that sysadmins often use
when a networking issue arises and needs troubleshooting.
A process holding an open handle to a file and eventually removing that file while the process still runs often results in a stale file handle.
Network Connect has been replaced by Junos Pulse for some time already, but GNU/Linux users were left in the dark, since there is currently no official package provided by Juniper for Junos Pulse on GNU/Linux.
Connecting to a Juniper VPN from a GNU/Linux system using Network Connect could be a bit tricky, so here are instructions on how to properly configure your GNU/Linux system for establishing connection to a Juniper VPN using Network Connect.
PVC is an interactive text-mode VMware vSphere Client with a dialog(1) interface for GNU/Linux systems built on top of the pyVmomi VMware vSphere API Python bindings.
With Python 2.7.9 release the default HTTPS behaviour has changed, which is now to always verify the remote HTTPS certificate to which you are initiating a connection.
Another day, another Python project: vEvents - an application that allows you to view and monitor VMware vSphere Events from the command-line.
In this post we will see how we can export data from a VMware vSphere environment from the command-line and then plot some nice graphs of it, because everybody loves graphs, right? :)
I've been a Zabbix user for quite some time already, but one thing that Zabbix lacked for a long time is the ability to monitor VMware vSphere environment.
In a previous post we have seen how we can use Zabbix with vPoller working together in order to perform monitoring of our VMware vSphere environment.
Some time ago I've been testing the security of groklearning.com - a platform for online education using Python.
In this post we will see how we can use the Python vSphere API bindings in order to login to a VMware Virtual Machine and run some commands.
The v0.2.0 release of vPoller comes with a lot of new features, bug fixes and lots of new methods for discovery and collecting of vSphere Object properties!
As a sysadmin I often have the need to get information about an environment quickly and efficiently. I am sure that most of the fellow sysadmins out there also automate their daily tasks in some form of scripts and tools, which make their life easier.
Some time ago, I've started a project with educational purposes
called the
UNIX/Linux Wargames.
I've been an owner of an Arduino board for some time already, but until very recently I didn't really find some time to play with it.
groklearning.com provides a platform for online education where one can learn how to program in Python.
Another project I've been playing with recently is the
Asynchronous Service Manager.
Infoblox develops some really nice products for automating and managing your network infrastructure services such as DNS, DHCP, IP Address Management (IPAM) and others.
I've been a Zabbix user for quite some time already, but one thing that I always wanted and which Zabbix lacks as a feature so far is the ability to import AD/LDAP users and groups.
The VMware vSphere Distributed Pollers, a.k.a vPoller has reached version 0.1.1.
vPoller is a distributed system written in Python for discoverying and polling of vSphere Objects properties.
Recently I had the need of an Apache module, which would allow me to browse Zip archives on a remote server, without having the need to download first the whole Zip archive.
For the past few weeks I've been working on a Python project and since then I really enjoy using Python everyday.
It is time again to add a few more metrics to be monitored on my FreeBSD systems and I thought I'd add monitoring of the CPU temperature this time.
This post is about Python and FreeBSD Jails.
Yesterday, while browsing on the Net, I've stumbled upon the website of edX - The Future of Online Education.
In the first post about monitoring FreeBSD pkgng in Zabbix, Part I, we've seen how to get some nice graphs of the disk space usage and number of packages installed on our systems.
In this post I'm going to show you how to do monitoring of your FreeBSD pkgng-ready system in Zabbix.
In this post we'll see how we can setup Zabbix in order to monitor our ZFS pools.
In a previous post we've seen how to resize a KVM disk image on LVM, which was explained in the Resizing a KVM disk image on LVM, The Hard Way post.
Continuing our CFEngine saga in this post I'm going to show you how to do basic monitoring of the CFEngine's services in Zabbix.
Knowing that your CFEngine agents are complying to the promises is nice to have in your monitoring system, if not even required.
In this post we'll see how to find and remove locked files on a NetApp filer.
Sometimes when working with OpenVPN it is nice to have a way to tell the OpenVPN server that you'd like to get the same IP address each time you connect to it, or in other words you'd like to get a static IP address instead a dynamic one from the IP pool.
Some time ago in a previous handbook I've posted about how to install and configure OpenVPN on FreeBSD.
This post is a follow-up of installing OpenVPN on Debian GNU/Linux post and provides information on setting up your firewall rules with iptables(8) for OpenVPN.
Kernel Samepage Merging is a cool feature of the Linux kernel, which you would really want to have if you are running a virtualized environment, but you would also benefit from it on a regular system as well.
In this post I'm going to show you how to resize your KVM Virtual Machine guest disk images.
In this blog post I'll share with you how to setup the networking part of your virtualization solution using KVM.
Login to the system you want to install MySQL and install the mysql-server package.
Recently I keep playing with KVM and testing things out, and today I started noticing strange networking issues with the communication between the VM guest domains after migration to a brand new Debian Wheezy B2 hypervisor.
In this short blog I'll show you how to migrate a KVM guest machine from host to another by using virsh(1).
Following up the CFEngine series of OpenStack for Debian and Ubuntu here's another one, but this time for Proxmox VE and Debian.
As promised in previous post it is time to post the Cfengine configuration of OpenStack for Debian Wheezy!
Probably this is something that most people working with Proxmox VE have stumbled upon.
These are just some notes I was keeping around for installing a KVM machine that can be used as a template for creating new KVM instances.
If you've seen the blog post about creating a template for KVM virtual machines then you probably were wondering how to actually clone an already existing template system.
In a previous post I've blogged about the OpenStack Folsom installation under Ubuntu 12.04 Server system.
If you are a Star Wars fan and also like ASCII art, then you would really enjoy this one.
Had to install OpenStack recently for our internal cloud management solution and just wanted to share with you my experience.
Sometimes when a Blade's MM goes down and you cannot access the web interface of the MM your last resort is the SSH and/or Telnet interface.
CFEngine 2 does not provide a native class to determine a VMware machine, thus if you want to put VMware machines under CFEngine 2 control you have no native way of recognizing these machines by CFEngine 2.
CFEngine 2 does not provide interfaces for direct manipulation of users and groups on a UNIX/Linux system, but it provides the primitives we need in order to create our own.
Another nice feature of CFEngine is that you are able to do process accounting as well.
In this handbook we we will see how to install and do the initial configuration of Gerrit - a code review and project management system for Git based project.
Soon after the 1.0 release announcement of pkgng, the development branch of pkgng got support for plugins.
In a previous handbook about Jenkins we have shown you how to install and configure Jenkins and how to set up a Jenkins job for building a software project.
In this handbook we will see how we can use Jenkins and the Clang static analyzer scan-build for analyzing our project's code.
In a previous handbook about Jenkins we have shown you how to install and configure Jenkins and how to set up a Jenkins job for building a software project.
In this post we will see how to install and configure Jenkins CI on FreeBSD.
In a previous handbook about CFEngine 3 on FreeBSD we have seen how to install, configure and do configuration management of our FreBSD systems using CFEngine 3.
In this handbook we will see how to install and configure a Postfix server which relays through Gmail.
In the following handbook we will show you how to install and configure Squid acting as a transparent proxy server and DansGuardian for content filtering on a FreeBSD system.
Tinderbox is a package building system system, which we will be using in order to build our packages and then install them to our FreeBSD hosts and jails.
If you've followed the handbook by this step, that means that now you have a basic CFEngine 3 policy server and clients already installed and configured.
Now that we have our CFEngine policy servers configured properly and running, the next thing we are going to do is to configure the clients (agents), that will be controlled via CFEngine.
The work directory of CFEngine consists of a number of other directories and files:
Administrating a couple hundreds of systems might easily become a tedious tasks, even for the very experienced system administrators.
In this handbook we will have a look at OpenVPN - a full-featured open-source SSL VPN solution and see how to install and configure it under FreeBSD.
In this handbook we will have a look at Cacti - The complete RRDTool based graphing solution.
In this post we will see how you can find and remove locked files on a GNU/Linux system.
Sometimes when connecting to a Windows(R) machine you might see an error messsage saying that the maximum number of remote connections has exceeded.
In this document we will see how to install and configure
Mpd5 - a
netgraph(4) based impelementation of the multi-link
PPP protocol for FreeBSD.
In this handbook we will see how to install and configure the Very Secure FTP Daemon - vsftpd
In this article we will see how you can configure Apache to as a reverse proxy server.
MySQL is an RDBMS database that is freely distributed under the terms of the GPL license.
In this handbook we will see how you can create a software RAID-1 with GPT on a FreeBSD host.
The Apache web server is a free open-source HTTP server, that powers most of the web servers accross the Internet.


text:
Ok.. Instead of detailing what I did in the game last night (malygos and it sucked big time), I'm putting out a request for comments (RFC). What I'd like to know is..
Why do you read my blog? Do you read each post completely? Do you read via reader or directly on the site? Are there any things specifically that you like? Don't like? Can you think of any more questions I didn't ask but you have answers for? Are you sitting down? Do you ride the bus or bring your lunch?
I'm just on a kick to try to make this blog better.. However, if you all are happy with the way things are, I don't want to bork it for you. Let me know. If you don't want to leave a comment for everyone to see, use the contact form. Let me hear your voices, well, um, read your writing..??
Thanks in advance everyone! Oh! And go listen to Twisted Nether EP 31.


text:
Fox's Asman Channels GOP To Attack Obama Jobs Plan
Criticizing President Obama's new jobs plan, Fox Business host David Asman complained that the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act "gave people $45 to tell them how much malt liquor they were drinking and how much pot they were smoking." He also brought up a stimulus-funded study that researched "the sex lives of female college freshmen," adding that such a study "should be left up to the parents rather than government researchers." However, both of Asman's examples were contained in a 2009 Republican report blasting the stimulus and its billions in supposed wasteful projects.
Citing a report issued by Republican Senators John McCain and Tom Coburn, The Hill reported in December 2009:
GOP senators on Tuesday highlighted "pure waste" in the billions of stimulus funds spent this year, including money for fossil research in Argentina, puppet shows and to protect cruise ships from terrorist attacks.
The Obama administration has spent $217 billion in economic stimulus funds as of the end of November. A new report issued Tuesday by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Tom Coburn (Okla.), the ranking Republican on the Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, concluded that $7 billion was wasted or mismanaged.
The State University of New York at Buffalo won $390,000 to study young adults who drink malt liquor and smoke marijuana. The National Institutes of Health got $219,000 in funds to study whether female college students are more likely to "hook up" after drinking alcohol.
Highlighting these examples of scientific research in such a manner misses the point, however. PolitiFact reported that the study on female college students' sexual habits was "a public health study," and the findings would be used to "to inform parents, educators, medical and public health professionals, and to guide the development of more effective health promotion and disease prevention programs."
The psychologist directing the malt liquor and marijuana research stated that the project did not simply study the effects of the substances in conjunction with one another, "she examine[d] methods by which public health officials can limit [the] use" of those substances.
Science writer Chris Mooney had this to say about the projects and the effect of highlighting them for ridicule:
McCain and Coburn also target various medical studies: For instance, a malt liquor and marijuana study in Buffalo, New York, funded to the tune of $389,357. Coburn and McCain turn this entirely legitimate public health research inquiry into a joke, simply because the substances may have particular lifestyles associated with them. But so what? Young adults abuse these substances, and it is quite legitimate to study the associated effects. This is particularly the case for malt liquor, as the grant reports that it has received little research attention. Understanding early alcohol abuse patterns, as well as the deaths and injuries that result from drug abuse among young men, are clear public health benefits. Moreover, as with any major medical study, it's inevitable that jobs will be created to support the work.
Something similar goes for another NIH-funded study on sexual behaviors of young women in college, determining whether they are more likely to "hook up" after drinking -- once again, public health research that is greeted by McCain and Coburn only with a sneer.
In the end, McCain and Coburn can certainly enjoy their yucks at the expense of science. But there's virtually no substance to their complaints. In each instance, closer investigation reveals that the research is legitimate science. Moreover, McCain and Coburn never show that a particular grant fails to stimulate the economy, either -- they just assume as much, even though scientific grants are known to create jobs.


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I must say the best part of this video is James Harrison at 2:30
Good lord that is one awful freaking song.
My group was in this video...
I'm not sure I can watch Warren long snap quite the same way anymore after that angle
Something about Harrison pumping iron and lip syncing to a pop song that just makes me fall over laughing or run away in fear!
Man this thing is all over the place, I still it on my facebook and all over twitter..LOL
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


text:
Physical Therapy
Please call 703.814.9151 to make an appointment today!
Specialized Physical Therapy – In a Specialized Environment – Achieving Measurable Results
At Family Medicine of Clifton/Centreville Physical Therapy, we believe that no matter your lifestyle, activity, or sport, if you're having pain then we can provide the physical therapy treatment you need to get back on track and keep you active. We pride ourselves on being able to provide better outcomes for our patients.
Our staff features highly skilled and experienced physical therapists with specialized training in the treatment of a wide range of orthopaedic conditions. Our goal is to provide you patient satisfaction by delivering the best physical therapy care with superior customer service.
Physical Therapy On-Site at Family Medicine of Clifton/Centreville Location
Family Medicine of Clifton/Centreville has chosen to provide therapy on site because our physicians feel your therapy experience is absolutely critical to your recovery from injury. Direct access to your physician and his/her staff allows us to efficiently report and adjust your treatment plans. The result for you is a custom, personal therapy program tailored specifically to your needs, all in a specialized environment.
Services & Specialty Programs
- Ankle Sprains
- Arthritis Management
- Back & Neck Pain Stabilization
- Knee Pain
- Manual Therapy
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Posture & Body Mechanics
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
- Shoulder Therapy
Specialty Programs
- Sports Medicine
- Sportsmetrics – ACL Injury Prevention Program
- Women's Health
Appointments are available as early as 7:30 am Monday – Friday.
Your therapy appointments are critical to your progress and recovery, so it is imperative that you make every effort to attend all your scheduled sessions. If you are unable to make your appointment, we require that you call (703.814.9151) at least 24 hours in advance.
What to Expect During your Visit
- Remember to wear comfortable clothes. You are welcome to bring clothing to change into.
- During your initial evaluation, your therapist will develop a treatment program that will address areas for improvement: strength, posture, flexibility, neurological status, joint motion, and functional limitation with activities.
- Physical therapy treatment may include the use of manual therapy techniques and exercises. Therapeutic modalities may be used to decrease swelling, decrease pain and/or soothe injured muscles.
Patient Responsibilities
As a valued patient of Family Medicine of Clifton/Centreville Physical Therapy, you are responsible for the following:
- Keeping your therapy appointment and arriving at your appointment on time
- Any required deductibles or co-pays
- Turning off cell phones during your visit or setting phones to vibrate or silent
Patient Education
- How to Use Crutches, Canes and Walkers
- Low Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Preventing Back Pain at Work and Home
- Shoulder Pain
- What are NSAIDS?
Family Medicine of Clifton/Centreville Physical Therapy facility is owned by the physician practice. Your physical therapy referral does not restrict you to therapy services in our facility. Instead, you may elect to receive care at an alternative therapy clinic of your choice. Choosing an alternative therapy provider and location has no bearing on the quality of medical care that you receive at Family Medicine of Clifton/Centreville.


text:
Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant shines in Greenwich
Greenwich Avenue is a tough restaurant address. The street is lined with restaurants, many of them exceedingly good. Does a newcomer have much of a chance?
Most definitely yes, if the place has charm, originality, great food and even better service. Harvest has it all.
This space, on the lower and foodier end of the Avenue, has been beautifully renovated with an eclectic design of old brick walls, warm lighting and wood-hewn tables and chairs in the front dining room. Traveling to the back of the narrow space, the energy heightens along the long, usually busy bar and tables opening to a wall of windows in the rear.
An extensive wine list is heightened by many options available by the glass.
Service throughout the place and throughout the meal is uniformly cheerful, knowledgeable and attentive.
This kind of professionalism right out of the gate comes, no doubt, from the owners three other successful restaurants in Cava/New Canaan, Scene/Darien and 55 Wine Bar/Fairfield.
Here, however, the menu is quite different from the others with an exciting list of interpretative American classics.
Chief among the starters, and reason enough to return, is the shaved Brussels sprouts salad.
Often overcooked and under loved, the beleaguered mini-member of the cabbage family has of late enjoyed increasing status among veggies. This dish, however, might be the Brussels sprouts pinnacle. A veritable heap of shaved raw sprouts and shaved Parmesan cheese are tossed with a magnificent mix of truffle and olive oils and lemon, then showered atop a warm, crusty-edged Parmesan risotto cake. This is a brilliant dish.
Also intriguing among the starters is mussels steamed in beer with bits of spicy Chinese sausage, baby potatoes and kale; carpetbagger oysters wrapped in beef carpaccio on truffled whipped potatoes, or a sophisticated rendition of mac and cheese enriched with short ribs and white cheddar.
Our only slight disappointments was charred octopus with an odd mix of lentils, bacon and avocado and a slightly bland chicken noodle soup.
Salads are beautiful and tasty, whether choosing the colorful pear salad with pomegranate, manchego, spiced pecans and sherry vinaigrette, a vivid beet and red watercress mix with toasted walnuts, shaved onion, blue cheese, and banyals vinaigrette, or the signature Harvest chopped salad with a tangy buttermilk dressing.
Main courses are an intriguing variety. Top among our choices is the excellent wood-grilled veal chop beautifully accented with homemade veal ravioli, baby carrots and a truffle red wine glaze.
We also loved the excellent beef burger, perfectly cooked, and served on a toasted English muffin with crispy bacon and onions, smoky tomato mayo, Grafton cheddar and spicy fries.
Other main courses range from ricotta gnocchi in a classic Bolognese, wood-grilled salmon with cranberry beans, kale and preserved lemon and charred tomato vinaigrette.
Lobster pot pie, while bursting with sweet lobster chunks and a crisp buttery pastry, could use a few herbs to enrich the broth. Mixed seafood pan roast, however, is lovely with herbed basmati rice.
Desserts are updates of all-American favorites. Apple pie is warm and fragrant with melting caramel sea-salt ice cream and a wedge of Grafton cheddar and a decadent warm brownie sundae is grown-up kid heaven with both espresso and peanut butter cup ice cream, strawberry jam, toasted peanuts and warm dark-chocolate sauce.
Carrot cake would have been perfection had it not been refrigerator cold, and the oddly watery carrot sorbet is a cute, but unnecessary accent. Banana bread pudding, however, is perfect with butter pecan ice cream and bourbon caramel sauce.
Harvest Wine Bar and Restaurant has wide appeal, an intriguing and diverse menu, inviting atmosphere and excellent service.
This newcomer is likely to have a long life on the Avenue.
372 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-869-4080 www.harvestwinebar.com
HOURS: Lunch daily 11:30 a.m.--5 p.m.; dinner Sunday- Thursday 5--10 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 5--11 p.m.
RESERVATIONS: Accepted
PRICES: Dinner appetizers $13-$8; main courses $34-$18; desserts $8


text:
Check BNN and Bulbanews for up-to-date Pokémon news and discuss it on the forums or in the Bulbagarden Discord server.
As regarding the comment about why she would worry about a dead grandmother, well, she *is* a ghost trainer. Maybe she can see spirits of humans as well. We don't know, hence the confusion. --BJG
>Well, yes. But everything points against that. Unless it's a Pet Semitary thing. People generally don't go "Oh my, I hope grandmother is doing well" if said grandmother is dead. Even if one is able to see ghosts, how "well" can a ghost be doing anyways? It doesn't get sick or have bad luck or glands or anything. O_o;; - Zeta
I always thought her grandmother was the old lady at the top of mt. pyre. Who else would it be? Noname
Umm... I have a question, why is phoebe barefoot? -PhMl
- Because that's how Sugimori drew her? Look at her clothes. She's obviously designed as being at the beach, and her attire seems Hawaiian to me. Any further questions of this nature should be taken to the forums. Werdnae (talk) 07:43, 19 May 2010 (UTC)
Someone need to add her Pokémon in this page! - --Ishlishl (talk) 20:49, 10 June 2012 (UTC)
- Her Pokémon are already listed on the page, you have to click the [show] button in the purple box to see them. --Pokemaster97 22:14, 10 June 2012 (UTC)
Phoebe's Team
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Phoebe the only (currently known) Elite Four member in any region to use two of two different Pokemon on her team? I know Lance uses 2 Dragonite and Agatha uses 2 Gengar but Phoebe is the only one I remember using two pair (2 Banette and 2 Dusclops). Maybe a good bit of trivia (?) or just an observation. Idk if it qualifies as notable though. Shambles12 (talk) 07:59, 11 December 2012 (UTC)
In the trivia: "Phoebe is the only notablel specialist that doesn't use a Gengar".But If i relember correctly Shauntal Never has used a Gengar.Anyway sorry for my bad english. --- User:Ishlishl
- She has. It's only in Challenge Mode of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 though. Is that trivia even notable? --Abcboy (talk) 04:12, 30 January 2013 (UTC)
New artwork
I found Phoebe's new artwork from OmegaRuby and AlphaSapphire on the official Pokémon website. Here it is.
Agumonex 14:43, 14 July 2014 (UTC)
Notable trivia?
Ok, so the first time I was playing through Alpha Sapphire prior to the 1.1 patch and I saw a flash out of the corner of my eye and I thought it was a glitch. This, however, proves that it wasn't a glitch: https://twitter.com/NateWantsToBtl/status/539636418105319425 . ORAS has its ghost person too. Adamws (talk) 18:06, 5 December 2014 (UTC)


text: Spent a few minutes on Android 5 yesterday. The GUI looks nice and the response is much faster than 4.4.2. It seems a little unstable and I can't play YouTube videos but I expect you guys will have those things sorted by the time of the official release. If you need any help from me please let me know.


text:
Bringing Balance to the Force
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CAPE OF DECEIT; CHAPTER 2; Brewing Conflict
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Topic: CAPE OF DECEIT; CHAPTER 2; Brewing Conflict (Read 3177 times)
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CAPE OF DECEIT; CHAPTER 2; Brewing Conflict
February 22, 2007, 03:23 AM »
Later on board the Trade Federation cruiser, Vicreroy Nute Gunray and Rune Haako met secretly to discuss matters with their mysterious over-lord.
Meeting via hologram, Gunray still wasn't 100% confident about his trust with the Dark Lord.
"My Lord?" Gunray asked. "The Senate will meet tomorrow to discuss the issue concerning the arming of the Federation."
"I expect that the attack has given you more support?" Sidious rasped.
"We hope it will seem that way my Lord." Gunray replied, "What of the terrorists, what would your plans be my lord after the senate session, if indeed we manage to get our bill passed?"
"That, we shall have to wait to discover Viceroy." Sidious rasped, "But I have every confidence that the Senate will see fit to pass this bill."
CORUSCANT; At that end of the Senate District, three Jedi Masters conferred while on their way for a meeting with the Supreme Chancellor.
"Our sources point towards the Aluga Front." Qui Gon Jinn said, "Hiding out in the Semola system."
"Then that should be our first port of call." Master Mace Windu said, "We can inform the Chancellor of this when we meet with him."
"And that will be the first place I start to look through." Master Hanuck said.
The next day, in the Senate Session, Chancellor Valorum opened Senate with the usual debates concerning health and education, before moving onto the more pressing matters.
"We now recognise the threat posed by these terrorists." Valorum said, "And it won't be before long that their cause picks up pace. Which is why we have decided to draft some legislation, on the recommendation of Senator Palpatine of Naboo."
"Will the Trade Federation finally be given the right to defend itself?" Senator Lott Dod shouted from his senate pod.
"Quite possibly so." Valorum replied, "However, the administration as a whole considers an army to be a negative move...therefore we feel the need to hold some accountability over the armed forces of the Federation. Senator Palpatine?"
Palpatine cleared his throat, "Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate, after commissioning a report, in which I myself took part in, I believe the best way in which to hold this army to account is to place a taxation on the Corporations, notably a taxation of the current free shipping zones."
"This is outrageous!" Lott Dod shrieked, "You have no right Senator. You would suggest that the Federation must be taxed simply to defend itself?! This is incredible!"
Soon after that, like many senate sessions, the congress fell into chaos.
Later that afternoon, Hanuck and several leading Jedi members met Chancellor Valorum in the grounds of the Senate gardens.
"The Senate wishes to grant the Federation an army, and I cannot disagree with them." Valorum said, "My majority is so thin nowadays that the opposition groups hold the key to passing legislation."
"The Jedi Council shall do whatever it can to crush the terrorist threat." Master Windu said, "You have our support Chancellor."
"My investigation will soon have results Chancellor. Master Qui Ginn has located a possible hideaway belonging the whereabouts of the terrorists." Master Hanuck said.
"And with the Senate baying for blood, they jump upon every fault, every weakness in my administration. I fear that without a majority the government will be crippled and weakened." Valorum sighed, "Master Yoda, what are your thoughts?"
"Difficult this situation is. More than meets the eye, this terrorist plot is." Yoda said, "If to be solved, concessions are to be made, by the Senate and the Trade Federation."
Jedi Master Hanuck arrived on the barren world of Semola.
Silence...was the first thing that he noticed. It was a deathly silent world. But, nonetheless, something spooked him about it. He could sense the ripples in the force. The terrorists were here.
Hanuck looked around, the place appeared empty. Not a sign of life anywhere, but his sensitivity to the force told him otherwise.
Suddenly, without warning, not even from the force, a Geonosian leapt upon Hanuck from behind, restraining his arms against his sides.
Before he knew what was happening, he was surrounded by geonosians.
Then came the leader, Griger the Terrible. A known terrorist, who evaded Jedi arrest years prior.
"Welcome Jedi." Griger clicked. "What brings you to our sanctuary?"
"I am investigating a series of terrorist activity culminating in the destruction of a Trade Federation cargo ship." Hanuck said, "I thought I'd start here, Griger."
"And you think we had something to do with the attack?" Griger said with a slimey click to his voice.
"Your ship was located in the area by Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn." Hanuck said, "You are a known enemy to the Federation, with convictions in the Republic for terrorism against the Corporate Alliance."
"This chap does his history." Griger clicked. He waved an insectoid arm up, "Kill him."
Knowing that the time for attack had come, Hanuck sprung his lightsabre from his belt and swung it towards his captor, severing the Geonosians head.
"Drop It!" Another Geonosian shouted, wielding a heavy blaster rifle, "I said drop it!"
Hanuck pierced the bug's exoskeleton, which crackled with a short hiss. The Geonosian howled and crumbled to the ground.
Spinning on his heels, Hanuck turned towards the other Geonosian warrior, wielding a heavy force pike, about to strike.
Hanuck slashed across, cutting the Geonosians arm from it's socket, and slashing deep into the bug's body.
Hanuck turned and finished off the remaining Geonosians, cutting the bug's throat out from it's body.
Turning, he surveyed the scene of carnage, looking for the leader, Griger, and it was only then, that Hanuck realised that the Geonosian had fled.
Griger had fled the moment the lightsabre had been ignited, although committed to bringing down the corrupt system of the Republic, Griger had no intention to going head to head with a Jedi warrior.
Griger leapt onto the structure, trying to climb to his shuttle where he would flee the planet. This was part of the deal that Lord Sidious had failed to mention.
Suddenly, looking up, Griger saw another figure standing above him.
Hanuck ran in the direction that he believed Griger had fled to. When he heard what sounded like a lightsabre being ignited up ahead.
It must be the hum of my own sabre.
Hanuck thought to himself.
By the time Hanuck arrived, he found Griger's body, decapitated and slashed across the middle, by what looked like lightsabre wounds.
Standing in the shadows, another figure stood watching the Jedi Master, hoping for the day when he could strike the Jedi down.
Deanna Rash
Jedi Padawan
Posts: 836
AH ! Whatta you know a jedi
Re: CAPE OF DECEIT; CHAPTER 2; Brewing Conflict
Reply #1 on:
February 22, 2007, 04:14 PM »
Awesome!! I love anything with Jedi in it especially Qui-Gon
The ablity to speak does not make you intelligent - now get out of here!
Posts: 7
Re: CAPE OF DECEIT; CHAPTER 2; Brewing Conflict
Reply #2 on:
February 23, 2007, 03:08 AM »
Cheers for the comments, later on, we shall see Qui Gon Jinn in action...on Naboo...and yesterday I shot a photo of him being impaled by Darth Maul's lightsabre in the Theed Generator Room. Hint to where this photonovel is heading.
Glad you are enjoying this.
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