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On Thursday night, the Crew defeated the New York Red Bulls by that most comforting and glorious of scorelines, 3-1. Eddie Gaven, Andy Iro, and Emilio Renteria scored for the Massive visitors. The win on national TV vaulted the Crew into first place in the Eastern Conference, snapped the Crew's 11-game road winless streak against the Red Bulls, and made for an exciting first visit to Red Bulla Arena.
But what I will remember most is the noise.
Never mind its traditionalist charms and ample amenities. Let it be known that Red Bull's new $200 million soccer palace roars like a lion. And that lion-sized roar came out of a kitten-sized crowd of 11,940. My eardrums winced when I imagined what a sellout must sound like. With a packed house, the team shop could make a killing by selling soundproof earmuffs like those worn on the tarmac by airport employees. (The Red Bull logo on each muff, of course.)
Accustomed to the breezy openness of Crew Stadium, I found Red Bull Arena to be claustrophobic, but in a good way. The field is surrounded by three walls of blue seats, and a fourth wall of press boxes, broadcast booths, club seats, and luxury suites. The seating is stacked up in close proximity to the playing field, and it is all covered by a translucent polycarbonate and aluminum roofing structure that plays audio pinball with every peep and murmur, every gasp and groan, every boo, every hiss, every 'oh' from each near miss, every chant, every song, every insult when the ref's done wrong, and the cathartic rejoicing from each fan's soul when the Red Bulls actually score a goal.
The area around the stadium leaves a lot to be desired. A choir of high-pitched opera singers in a wine glass warehouse could not replicate the amount of broken glass found on the sidewalks in the surrounding areas. But there is promise of future development to come. Although it looks like a UFO landed in an abandoned lot, Red Bull Arena has risen from the empty decay to serve as a landmark beacon of hope for what this downtrodden area of Harrison can be. And until then, be assured that the moment you walk through the stadium gates, the outside world will cease to exist. The fan-friendly, game-focused design of Red Bull Arena ensures that soccer will be your world for the next few hours.
While constantly gawking at the awesomeness of Red Bull Arena, I said a little thank you to Lamar Hunt. Crew Stadium opened 11 years ago, and it was the first (and therefore most important) domino that eventually led to the creation of this marvelous soccer palace. While the Home Depot Center and other "second generation" MLS stadiums were an improvement over the humble experiment that was Crew Stadium, they weren't a quantum leap from a fan's perspective, especially when considering Crew Stadium's historical significance and the fact that, well, it's still an excellent place to watch a soccer game. And it always will be. But Red Bull Arena makes that quantum leap. Not just over Crew Stadium, but also the Home Depot Center and its brethren. Red Bull Arena is in a class all its own.
At the turn of the last decade, Crew Stadium was a required soccer pilgrimage for American soccer fans. At the turn of this decade, Red Bull Arena holds the same distinction. It's a must-see.
With my arena slobbering out of the way, here's a hastily slapped together Notebook that will consist of separate quote dumps about Red Bull Arena and the Crew's traveling fan support, plus a few goofy follow-up and side items. Also, I posted two separate photo collections on the Crew's official blog, the Black & Gold Standard, and those posts can be found at the following links:
Robert Warzycha: "It's great. There was a great atmosphere. I wish there were more people, to be honest with you. We had 11,000 people, but I think you need to fill the stadium to feel the real atmosphere of the real stadium."
Eddie Gaven: "The stadium is awesome. It's a hundred times better than Giants Stadium. It looks like a stadium from over in Europe somewhere."
Danny O'Rourke: "The stadium is beautiful. To be honest, the field wasn't as nice as I thought it was going to be. It was big and it looked nice, but the field was kinda slick and kinda hard. But other than that, you can tell that they did everything right with this place. Red Bull did a very good job."
Jason Garey: "It's unbelievable, man. Crew Stadium has a special place in all of our hearts, and it should, but this is the newest and shiniest stadium, and it's unbelievable."
William Hesmer: "I think it's awesome. It's a great stadium and I think it's something that MLS should be very proud of. It's really cool because you really feel like the fans are on top of you. It's so loud. I didn't think there were very many people here tonight, but it was still really loud and you could feel that energy on the field. It was really cool."
Andy Iro: "It's unbelievable. The stadium itself is exactly where soccer in America needs to go. The stadium is not overbearing, it's not too big, and the people are very close to the pitch. The structure of the stadium is great. The roof comes over and allows the echo to roar around the stadium. It's a great place to play. When we got off the bus and saw the field, we were like, 'OK, it's time to play.' I think there's a lot of energy in this place. I think it's brilliant. Hopefully they will sell it out soon enough."
Frankie Hejduk: "What a great stadium. I hope more like this come because it is a world-class arena. It's how a soccer stadium should look. It's about 25,000 and the roof hangs over to keep the noise in so that it's loud. Once we get it like this all over, the sky's the limit."
Steven Lenhart: "It's right on. This place is loud. Dude, they gotta pack it out. What are they doing? I thought it was a sweet arena. It was a lot of fun."
In what was dubbed "Nordecke on Tour", approximately 100 Crew fans filled a section in the upper deck, converting a barren, blue-seated wasteland into a flag-waving, smoke-spewing, song-singing hotbed of kinetic Crew craziness. Their numbers and their noisiness did not go unnoticed down on the field. Here's what the players had to say about their Massive road support…
Jason Garey: "Our fans were unbelievable. When we were warming up, we could hear them coming up the concourse. We were like, 'Is that them? Yep, that's them!' That was awesome. They were really loud the whole game and it helped us to have their presence up there. It was very cool. I'm glad we made it worthwhile for them."
Frankie Hejduk: "I'm really happy they came. It was awesome. They were twice as loud as the Red Bull fans. That pumped us before the game. We were looking up at them and thinking, 'Wow!' It got us going. It really did, knowing that we had that support. It meant a lot knowing that people took time out of their day. That's not a small trip. Hopefully they had a good time. We tried to give them one, and I think we did. We're really psyched that they came all this way."
Danny O'Rourke: "It was great to come out of here with a victory and then to be able to applaud them. Hopefully, if we keep doing well, they will follow us around the country. And if they do, hopefully we'll keep producing for them."
William Hesmer: "I can't put into words how much it means to us to have that kind of dedication from our fans. When we see that commitment, and how passionate they are, that's inspiring. In a tough game like this, when we are clawing in the 80th and 90th minute, I think their energy gives us a lot of help. I honestly believe that."
Steven Lenhart: "Dude, that was so cool. What is it, 8 or 9 hours? Just to watch a soccer game? I don't know that I could do that. That's big time. That's solid. I'm really glad they came. We definitely heard them and felt them. I hope they have a fun party on the way back."
For the first time all year, Danny O'Rourke did not get ejected from a Crew road game.
I am happy I got through 90 minutes," he said. "It was nice to walk off the field with the whole team and not by myself."
In the Crew's previous road game in Seattle on May 1, O'Rourke set the Crew's all-time record with his 5th career red card. In the Crew-Revs Notebook a week later, I spoke to Duncan Oughton and previous record-holder Mike Clark about Danny's achievement. In New York, I finally got a chance to catch up with O'Rourke, who was happy that Clark wasn't upset about losing the record. After all, an angry Clarkie is a dangerous Clarkie. Mindful of how the record had been passed from one Indiana Hoosier to another, O'Rourke has plans for the future.
I think I am going to try to keep this new record as close to the old record as possible for our fellow Hoosiers of the future," said O'Rourke. "When they come to Columbus, I will welcome them to break my record. I don't want to make the record so huge that future Crew Hoosiers have no chance to break it."
In his high school days, O'Rourke used to watch Clark thump helpless forwards, and he said it's tough to compare red cards across different MLS eras. A few weeks ago, Oughton had suggested that Clark would have earned at least ten more red cards had he played today.
I remember watching Clark play," O'Rourke said. "His thunder calves were a force to be reckoned with, so in this day and age, I mean, how would Kareem Abdul-Jabbar do in the NBA now?"
His rhetorical question hung in the air for a moment.
I don't know where that came from," he said. "I blanked out."
As for Oughton's suggestion that Danny will get a red card celebrating his first career goal, O'Rourke didn't seem to think it was a legitimate concern.
That would be ironic, but let's face it, we should all kiss our families goodbye if I ever score a goal," he said. "The end would be near. That's one of the stories in Revelation."
Former Crew and current RSL player Chris Wingert scored his first career goal on Saturday night versus Chivas USA. Wingert entered the game with 147 scoreless regular season appearances, but he has now knocked himself off the list of MLS players who have made the most appearances in a scoreless career. In doing so, Wingert has bumped Danny O up another notch. O'Rourke is now second among active players and fourth all-time when it comes to league appearances without ever scoring a single goal.
1. Brandon Prideaux (retired): 252
2. Chris Leitch (Earthquakes): 172
3. Rusty Pierce (retired): 155
4. Danny O'Rourke (Crew): 127
It's funny to see two local boys— Leitch is from Pickerington— leading the way amongst active players. Pittsburgh is the Cradle of Quarterbacks; Miami of Ohio is the Cradle of Coaches; Columbus is the Cradle of Can't Score a Goal.
In the second half, Crew forward Steven Lenhart snapped off a beautiful header that whizzed past the goal post and out of play. He just missed the side netting. These things happen…but they don't typically happen at the defensive end of the field. Lenhart had narrowly missed a dreaded own-goal.
Our talk about the incident quickly turned into a conversation between Steve and a teammate…
ME: You almost scored one there at the wrong end.
LENHART: I just wanted to score. I always want to score. Dude, it's a lot different going the other way. I had to remind myself that we weren't doing crossing and finishing drills on Will.
O'ROURKE: If I would have known you were going back post, I would have made that run and tapped it in for you.
ME: Danny, we've already been over this. Those don't count as scoring a goal. It has to be in the other team's goal.
LENHART: Dude, have you ever scored an own goal?
O'ROURKE: No.
LENHART: You've NEVER scored an own goal?
O'ROURKE: Never. I've never scored a goal in either goal.
LENHART: Dude, that's amazing.
As Craig Merz wrote about back on April Fool's Day, Eddie Gaven is the Crew's chief practitioner of the fumble game, which basically means he goes around knocking stuff out of people's hands when they aren't paying attention. His chief rival in the fumble game is Danny O'Rourke.
As Gaven spoke to the assembled media, O'Rourke came up from behind and smacked Gaven's beverage from his hand. As the bottle thudded to the floor, O'Rourke happily said "fuuuummm-blllllle" in a sing-song voice as he walked back to his locker, then noted that it was the second time that he had caused Gaven to fumble since the game had ended.
I'm a little bit distracted right now, but yeah, he's got me twice," grumbled Gaven.
O'Rourke was in no mood to hear excuses.
He was the MVP of the game, and it was well deserved, but he is not the MVP of the fumble game," O'Rourke said. "He's a long way off. He's got a lot to learn."
O'Rourke didn't seem too worried about retaliation later that night.
We're roommates, so we have a 'no fumble' rule once you come through the door," he explained. "You don't want to be sleeping and have someone fumble the pillow right out from under your head, so it's a solid rule."
I cannot get enough of this photo of Emilio Renteria running to the corner flag after icing the game with an 83rd minute breakaway. New York had scored just two minutes earlier, trimming the Crew's lead to 2-1. The Empire Supporters Club celebrated behind the south goal with an arsenal of smoke bombs. While the celebratory smoke still wafted through the Jersey air, Renteria scored a dagger right in front of the New York supporters. This photo makes it look like Emilio scored in a war zone, but the smoke was really just the smoldering remains of New York's extinguished glimmer of hope. What an amazing image.
[Chris Trotman/Getty Images]
Questions? Comments? Care to share your own thoughts of Red Bull Arena from a traveling fans perspective if you can actually remember anything from the bus trip? Feel free to write at firstname.lastname@example.com or comment via Twitter @stevesirk
Steve Sirk is a contributor to TheCrew.com. His first book, "A Massive Season", which chronicles the Crew's 2008 MLS Cup championship campaign, is currently available at the Crew Gear store and Amazon.com. This article was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.


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Californians got their first look Wednesday at the state's newly designed driver licenses and ID cards.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the makeover is all about security.
"The new security features, coupled with advanced technology, make California driver licenses and identification cards one of the most secure identification documents in the country," said DMV Director George Valverde.
Top news of the day
"We are confident that they will be well-received by residents, businesses and law enforcement officials," Valverde said.
So what's the difference? According to a statement from the DMV:
- A vertical layout for persons under 21
- The cardholder's date of birth and signatures that can be felt by touch
- Images that can be seen only with the use of ultraviolet lights
- A bar code on the back of the card that replicates and verifies only the information on the front of the card (similar to the current magnetic stripe)
- A laser perforation outline of the California Brown Bear, which can be seen from the front of the card when a flashlight is pressed against the back of the card
Current license holders will not need to take any action until their current IDs expire.
"It is very important to understand that cardholders are not required to get new cards until the expiration date printed on their current cards." said Valverde. "Remember, when it is time to renew your card, DMV has many services that are offered online to help customers avoid going into the field offices."
The new cards went into effect earlier this week. This is the first major revision of California driver licenses and ID cards since 2001, according to the DMV.
More than 8.25 million driver licenses and ID cards are issued each year in California.

subset: commoncrawl


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Actually, there's 8 waves planned. To be released:TatooineNabooEndorDeath Star
Quote from: Darth_Anton on March 19, 2006, 10:22 AMActually, there's 8 waves planned. To be released:TatooineNabooEndorDeath StarWonder if we'll be seeing the SA Stormtrooper make an appearance in the Death Star wave.
___ Saga-013 Darth Vader - repaint___ Saga-038 Darth Vader - Bespin Confession___ Saga-xxx Darth Vader - Endor Confrontation
KAY-BEE STANDARD RESPONSE: "All we have is 1990's 'Robocop' toys."WHICH MEANS: "Holy ******* ****, please shoot m
Page created in 0.051 seconds with 19 queries.


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With rapid advancement n science and technology, machines have become an important part of everyday life. They help to make life easier and also get work done at a much faster pace. They help humans save time so that the work is done most efficiently. The numbers of industries have also been rising with time. These industries need other machines to enhance the production process and provide customers with the best possible results.
Kuntai Machinery is one company that is involved in the overall production of a variety of cutting and laminating machines. They produce a variety of machines which include bronzing machines, inspection machines, circle cutting machines, etc. among others. They provide machines to clients across the globe. They also keep in mind the varied requirements of their customers and are committed to deliver quality products.
The company offers a variety of cutting machine. These machines are used to cut through a variety of materials like metals, as per the need of the client. Swing arm cutting machine, double side feeding cutting machine, travel head cutting machine, hydraulic plane cutting machine, conveyor belt type cutting machine, beam cutting machine, receding head cutting machine, etc. are some of the types of cutting machines that the company produces.
Kuntai Machinery also manufactures Sheet Material Travel Head Cutting machine. These machines are suitable for single or multiple layers of rolled non metal materials. They are used for a wide range of applications. They are used in industries such as automotive interior abrasives, etc.
The company manufactures Abrasive paper die cutting machine. This machine is suited for single or multiple layer die cutting of non metal materials. These machines are mainly used in industries such as automotive interior, abrasives, abrasive papers, leather and leather goods – belts, wallets, shoe uppers, etc.
Kuntai Machinery is a well renowned company that has gained a reputation for being reliable and providing its customers with quality products within affordable prices. The research and development team of the company is committed to make new innovations by the use of the most advanced technology available in order to meet the ever changing needs of their customers.
The details and descriptions of all the products manufactured by the company are available on the company's website. Customers can also contact the company's representatives to send in an enquiry or to clear any doubt that they may have regarding any of the products or services offered by the company.
About Kuntai Machinery:
Kuntai Machinery is a company based in China that is involved in the production of cutting and laminating machines. To know more please visit their official website.
Media Contact
Company Name: Kuntai Machinery
Contact Person: Job Lu
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: +86 18261228899
Country: China
Website: http://www.kuntai-group.com


text: Connected to a galaxy-sized network of other Stargates, the members of SG-1 never know what each new mission will bring them. This set of Stargate SG-1 Action Figures features: Col. Jack O'Neill, Dr. Daniel Jackson, and a Jaffa Serpent Guard. Sculpted with the finest details by the masters of Jean St. Jean Studios, these 7-inch scale figures each come with show-accurate weapons and accessories, and are personally approved by Richard Dean Anderson himself!


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38 West 9th Street Living Room
38 West 9th Street Living Room
Posted On Tue, August 4, 2015 By Michelle Cohen In
Posted On Tue, August 4, 2015 By Michelle Cohen In
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- 10 organizations supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in NYC
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- Seven New York regions will be in phase two of reopening this week
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It was always the small details that were going to help deliver the "outlaw" or "cafe racer" image I wanted for the Herald and this is been one I've been waiting to do for a while; I just had to wait for the perfect watch to come along. Unfortunately this missed the Retro Cars shoot due to a shipping delay, but here's a few pics of my Heuer and the brushed alloy mounting plate I made up.
It had to be a Heuer simply due to the motorsport heritage and outlaw Porsche links. It's in perfect condition and fully working; ideal for timing those cross-city races and posing at Goodwood later in the year.


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We need to paint our house and detached garage this fall.
Yes, the garage we finished a year and a half ago. I'm sure the neighbors will appreciate this.
I really like the look of yellow houses with white trim. There's something kinda farmhouse-y about it, especially with a long front porch like ours has now after we remodeled our garage into living space. To the yellow and white I want to add sage as a third color, mainly on the doors.
I've already got a sage color that I've used inside that will translate to the exterior, and white is just plain white for this project.
This big question is what shade of yellow? Too light and it's just a cream color that kinda cries out to me "just commit to a color, already!" Too dark and it could resemble something I remember from my kids diaper days (I'm sorry, but you know it's true). Too bright and…
Well, we've all seen yellows that are too bright. Or tried to see them as we peeked around the hand in front of our eyes that to tried, unsuccessfully, to shield us from the glare.
This is a tight rope, people. We don't want to make a mistake with 30 gallons of paint.
So this is where you, beautiful readers, come in- you can help us to make sure those 30 gallons of paint end up being just the right shade of yellow. Tell us what you think of these two options we're starting with (more samples may be needed- I'm not shutting any doors this early in the game):
This is the first color, "lively yellow" (I've tried to paint the samples next to both the white and some of the green to get a perspective).
I don't know about you, but it looks more like "lively mustard" to me.
The second option is "daybreak sun." I like the luminescence of it, but is it too light? Does it look more like cream?
You can see the differences clearly when they are next to each other. I thought I was getting just a shade more yellow than the lighter color, but they are really different here.
Please chime in- do you like either of these colors? Should I try a different shade? Should I just ditch the color scheme and go for an all white house?
Wait. I don't want an all white house, so please don't answer that last question.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you about this earth-shattering question.
In fact, I probably won't be able to sleep tonight, so make sure to leave a comment.
Disclosure: In all honesty, there are a lot of nights I don't sleep all night through which have nothing to do with whether you leave a comment or not, so it's probably not going to affect my sleep directly. I'm just sayin'…
This is linked to:
Power of Paint Wednesday
Show and Tell Wednesday
Make it Yours Day
Remodelaholics Anonymous
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A cockpit in a cube
Lufthansa pilots regularly practice in flight simulators, refreshing their skills at the training center so that they are prepared for any situation.
A smooth flight in a modern jet is something that we take for granted, often forgetting the skill and constant training that the experts in the cockpit need. To find out how pilots stay ahead of the curve, we went to Frankfurt or, to be precise, to the Lufthansa Aviation Training Center right next to the airport. This is where, in flight simulators, Lufthansa pilots practice in meticulous detail all the many things that have to function smoothly on board a real aircraft. And they keep on practicing – even if they've been flying for nearly 30 years, like Captain Wayne Joachim Lehmann, who is waiting for us in the lobby. Lehmann estimates that he has more than 15 000 hours of flying under his belt. Today, he's here to train for the Airbus A380, the world's biggest passenger aircraft. "Hi, I'm Jo," says the 53-year-old with the bright Richard Gere smile, "we're all on first-name terms here."
Captain Lehmann completes four sessions in the simulators per year. Two are required by the Federal Aviation Authority for the twice-yearly renewal of his pilot license. The other two are so-called refreshers, which Lufthansa requires all pilots to complete. "The main focus is on training for out-of-the-ordinary situations to ensure that we're fully prepared for events that will probably never occur," says Lehmann. The sessions are also important to allow pilots to practice manual flying, "because the autopilot takes over long distances in the air." Also, because there are usually three crew members in the cockpit on long-haul services, not every pilot gets to take off and land on each flight.
Lehmann heads to the hall with the flight simulators, which are metal cube-shaped cabins on hydraulic legs that can rise, drop and move in three dimensions – and which look decidedly bizarre from the outside. Two colleagues are waiting for Lehmann: Michael Bock, who will act as copilot, and Mark Bremmer, the training captain. After a theory test, the three enter the simulator, all carrying pilots' cases as if setting off on a long-haul flight. They take their places between all the knobs, switches and screens: "The cockpit is a replica of the A380 cockpit, right down to the single-hand operation oxygen mask," explains Bremmer.
We ensure that we're fully prepared for events that will probably never occur
The instructor sits down behind the pilot and starts the test scenario on his laptop. The computer whirrs briefly and whisks us off to Munich Airport: Runway 26R, outside temperature 15 degrees and air pressure 1021 hectopascals. Thick fog limits visibility to 200 meters. Lehmann enters the flight route to New York. Then he goes through the checklist with Bock, switches on the engines, makes sure that all flaps are operational. They pick up the next checklist: Oil levels okay? Kerosene level okay? All doors closed? Finally, we start rolling, pick up speed and then Lehmann pulls back the side stick and the aircraft, well, lifts off. For the men in the simulator, this feels as authentic as sitting in a real A380 with a takeoff weight of 560 tons.
In fact, there's only one thing that's unrealistic in the flight simulator: the sheer number of difficult situations that the supervisor conjures up digitally. For example, the approach flight. Visibility is just as bad in New York, the runways are blocked, and Lehmann has to land with three instead of four engines. And to top it all, the on-board systems start squawking because in the distance – but too close for comfort – there's another aircraft approaching us. "Traffic! Traffic!" warns a computer voice. If this were really happening, the two aircraft would communicate with each other and decide which of them will descend and which one will rise. "Descend, descend!" commands the voice. Lehmann presses the side stick forward, pushing the nose of the Airbus into the downward position.
As fraught as the situation seems, Lehmann and Bock remain cool, even in the face of a veritable chain of unfortunate events. In unexpected situations they utter codes and keywords at each other. "Pilots need to coordinate their thoughts and actions at all times, and always be on the same level," explains Bremmer. In aviation, there seems to be a precisely documented solution to any problem which the pilots have to follow point by point. You just have to know what it is. Or where to look it up – hence the pilots' cases. These are stuffed with solutions and responses, set out in detail in thick manuals and documentations saved on the pilots' laptops.
Finally, Bremmer has his student perform a "bounce recovery," a super-hard landing where the other pilot has to take over. Copilot Bock descends over Bavarian fields and villages, receives permission to land but – purposely – touches down too firmly, making the Airbus bounce back up and threaten to roll. This maneuver demonstrates the full power of the six-ton simulator. Lehmann immediately presses the red button on his side stick to take back control of the aircraft, stabilizes the attitude and initiates a go-around. "If a landing causes problems, the pilot in control may be momentarily shocked and the other pilot must be able to intervene instantly," he says.
We roll to a stop. It's now for some personal talk. After so many years at the helm, does a veteran pilot like Lehmann still have goals? He considers the question for a moment: "In the past, all I wanted to do was fly. Now, my main hope is that everything continues to run as smoothly as it always has." As one of Lufthansa's fleet captains, Lehmann is responsible for other pilots. He has also seen many retire: "I've noticed that the thing that was most important to them was to be able to look back on a career without accidents," he says before joining Bremmer for debriefing. Today's exercise has definitely taken Lehmann a step closer to achieving this goal. Supervisor Bremmer is satisfied with his examinee, who steps out into the Frankfurt night prepared for any eventuality.
The way into the cockpit
Interested in becoming a pilot? The European Flight Academy (EFA), the Lufthansa Group 's flight school, trains the pilots of tomorrow for all of the Group's airlines. To find out more, visit one of EFA's regular information events or take a look at the website


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Interoperable Technologies LLC (Deerfield Beach, FL, US)
Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc. (New York, NY, US)
XM Satellite Radio, Inc. (Washington, DC, US)
Abstract:A system and method for automated activation of a radio, or content receiver, used to receive subscription radio services such as XM or Sirius radio. A wireless communications device with a short range data link wirelessly communicates with the content receiver to control the content receiver and receive a unique identification code from the content receiver. The wireless communications device also has its own unique identification code. The wireless communications device transmits an activation request message over a long range wireless communications link to a control station. The activation request message contains the receivers unique identification code and the communications device's own unique identification code. The control station maintains a database of valid identification codes that is used to authenticate the request. If the control station receives a valid request, an activation signal is sent to the receiver to allow operation of the receiver


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According to the in-game tooltip, the official site, and practically every other source the duration of the Viking's transform ability is 3 seconds (either from ground to air or air to ground). However, when transforming a large group of vikings it seems that they don't all finish the transformation at precisely the same instant.
I've read that this divergence is simply created by them moving a little before starting the transformation, for spacing, but upon testing it behaves the same even if I space them in advance. Besides, it happens in the ground to air transformation as well, which doesn't really have any positioning issues.
Is it just a cosmetic effect and the ability does have a constant duration, or does it actually have a random element, just like burrowing has a random element in the duration?


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Monday, January 21, 2013
Three questions from the 1964 Freedom Summer
For example, the voter registration efforts in Mississippi in the "Freedom Summer" of 1964 are often cited as an important part of our history. But we might also learn something by remembering the Freedom Schools set up that same summer, which served both to give segregated students access to college-prep curriculum and to encourage conversations about the future of the black community in America.
The Freedom Schools' citizenship curriculum, for example, was organized around three important questions:
1. What does the majority culture have that we want?
2. What does majority culture have that we don't want?
3. What do we have that we want to keep?
I think those discussion questions are brilliant, because they give participants the chance to sort through the complicated feelings that come with belonging to a minority culture in a reflective way. The questions give you permission to borrow without assimilating, to critique without wholesale rejecting, and to discuss your own traditions on their terms without having to justify them by majority mindsets and values.
I also think that we as Latter-day Saints today, in any society, would benefit from discussing the same three questions. We are a separate culture within our various majority host cultures, and I think we ought to remember that as we sort out which majority culture values we want to integrate into our culture and which would disrupt something we don't want to lose.
What does the majority culture have that we want?
What does majority culture have that we don't want?
What do we have that we want to keep?
4 comments:
- AnonymousJanuary 21, 2013 at 6:51 PM
A prominent LDS leader whose name escapes me at the moment told people that when they join the Church, they should ask themselves very similar questions: what aspects of my culture are compatible with the gospel and should be kept, and which are not compatible and should be discarded. That's really the process of working toward perfection--constantly discarding what is not in harmony with who we really want to be.ReplyDelete
My husband and I have asked ourselves a couple of these questions frequently as we've raised our children and built a family life together. We've just worded them a little differently:ReplyDelete
What do our families of origin have that we want to incorporate and pass on.
What do our families of origin have that we don't want to incorporate and pass on?
These questions have allowed us to maintain a deep respect and love for our parents and ancestors, benefit from many of the values and traditions they passed on to us, while at the same time, weeding out some of the more dysfuntional aspects of our family cultures. My greatest wish for my kids is that they will do the same.
Essential questions to ask. I suppose that the ancient Israelites asked the same questions, as did the people of Limhi, and the people of Ammon . . .ReplyDelete
Here's a link to the citizenship curriculum.ReplyDelete


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Here's Why Families Choose Medilodge
We wanted to give a big shout out to all of our Case Managers at Bronson and Borgess Hospitals. Thank you for all your hard work! We truly appreciate your...
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I (thats me and no-one else), being of sound mind and body (?), do lawfully and unreservedly declare that I, King Mordecai Obadiah Montgomery Sven Magic, will not be making any New Years resolutions this year. Until next year maybe…depending on my state of mind and amount of Guinness consumed.
Everyone…have a safe and brilliant New Year and if you ever get low or you are feeling down then remember my family motto…
"Semper In Faciebus, Sumus Sole Profundum Variat!"
"Were always in the shit, its just the depth that varies!"


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Blackburn 0 Wigan 1
Antolin Alcaraz headed a late winner as Wigan condemned Blackburn to relegation and ensured their own Barclays Premier League survival tonight.
The Latics defender powered in from a corner with four minutes remaining as the visitors completed their remarkable survival act and hammered the final nail in Rovers' miserable season.
Blackburn supporters, perhaps already resigned to their fate, had turned the game into one long protest against manager Steve Kean and owners Venky's and several invaded the pitch at the final whistle.
A live chicken had even been released early in the game, presumably in protest against Indian poultry giants Venky's, whose takeover in 2010 is pinpointed by many as the start of the club's demise.
The hen, draped in Rovers colours, walked around Ali Al Habsi's goal area before it was caught by the Wigan goalkeeper and Blackburn striker Ayegbeni Yakubu and carried away by a steward.
By then there had already been several anti-Kean or Venky's chants from the supporters.
With banners as well, the Rovers fans were preoccupied with the state of their club with the action clearly of secondary importance.
On a worrying note, Gael Givet, who has a heart condition, left the action at half-time amid rumours of further problems but he was seen soon after taking a seat in the stand.
What action there was saw Wigan do the early attacking with Franco di Santo bursting clear only to shoot straight at Paul Robinson.
Di Santo then fired over with another effort after a good knockdown by Jean Beausejour.
For Blackburn, Junior Hoilett blasted over and then briefly excited with a mazy run before shooting tamely at Al Habsi.
David Dunn failed to trouble the keeper with an optimistic long-range effort before James McCarthy sparked a good Wigan counter-attack which ended when Robinson claimed Emmerson Boyce's cross.
Victor Moses almost punished Scott Dann as he pinched the ball on the touchline and skipped into the box but Robinson was equal to his effort.
A free-kick from Shaun Maloney caused more problems in the Blackburn box as Anthony Modeste failed to clear but Gary Caldwell shot wide.
Rovers briefly sparked into life as Yakubu broke from deep but he was crudely barged over by James McArthur, who was lucky not to be booked.
When Morten Gamst Pedersen smashed a free-kick from wide on the right straight through the box it seemed Rovers fans were ready to give up.
"That's why we're going down," they sang, in reply to a chant from Wigan fans suggesting similar.
Dunn, a lifelong Rovers fan, seemed dejected as he was forced off the field just before half-time, perhaps after suffering a further recurrence of his Achilles problem.
As the second half began, a Rovers fan ran across the pitch waving his season ticket in the air.
It was a curious protest because when he reached the dugout he showed it to Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, rather than anyone connected to his own club.
As the game proceeded, Rovers began to play some of their best football of the game in spite of their dreadful predicament.
Dann headed down a Pedersen corner and Yakubu acrobatically got a shot on target but it was blocked on the line and Wigan scrambled clear.
The hosts were then unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after Boyce appeared to kick Hoilett's standing leg as he shaped to shoot.
There were appeals from the players but not so many from the fans, who were soon back chanting about Venky's.
Modeste then shot at Al Habsi before Wigan had their own penalty appeal turned down when Moses went down in the area.
Martin Olsson weaved his way into the Wigan box but Al Habsi gathered his cross-shot well.
Wigan then rallied to produce a strong finish and snatch their priceless victory.
Robinson did brilliantly to keep out a fierce shot from Moses and McCarthy's follow-up attempt before Maloney headed a golden chance over.
The winner came from a corner as time ran out.
Alcaraz timed his leap superbly to meet Beausejour's deep cross and powered a header goalwards which Robinson, despite a valiant effort, could not palm out.
The Wigan players all ran to the Paraguay international while their large 3,500 following celebrated jubilantly.
Rovers fans, by contrast, continued their protests with some throwing off their shirts and others invading the pitch at the final whistle.


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Installed in 2011 Audi A5 and they fit perfect the only negative thing I have is they did not come with new clips.
This is a quality brake pad that I bought to replace the Akebono brake that created a lot of high pitch noise when in reverse. So far, I like it....
this is now my 2nd and 3rd full set I have installed on three of my cars. No issuses, surprises, just excellent
The pads are priced reasonably and work as good (if not better) than the OEM pads they replaced
They're real easy to install and I had no fit issues with them. Had them on my car for a month or so now, and haven't had any issues with them. They grip very well and don't have a lot of brake dust. Inexpensive too. Highly recommend!
This is the third set of Chromebrakes Ultrimax brake pads I've used on two different cars and they have always perform great with zero problems.
Pads are still in the break in period, but are working great so far. Should get better over time!
Better stopping power than stock brake pads. No excessive dust, no squeal - yet. I might switch to these for all my other cars. So far (1,500 mi.) very good. Need more miles and time before I decide.
I've been using Chromebrakes pads for about 10 years. and it always performs great especially on a vehicle that is for use of daily commute.
Auto Anything had the best price on theses pads and the pads themselves are far better than the OEM pads. They look great and are quieter than the stock pads. Overall very happy with my purchase.
Good braking so far and easy installation. Need new rotors to thoroughly assess brakes as rotor noise drowns out performance.
Very happy with quality and performance of these brake pads. Will use on other vehicles in the future.


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EL PASO (AP) - The Marine shot this week at Camp Lejeune, N.C., had to overcome physical hurdles to join his twin brother and another sibling in the Marine Corps.
Lance Cpl. Mark N. Boterf died after a single gunshot wound to the chest while on watch at the main entrance to the sprawling base, the Marine Corps said in a statement late Wednesday. No charges have been filed, and the Pentagon said the shooting appears to have been an accident.
The second of seven brothers and three sisters, Boterf underwent surgery to correct a hernia and then pushed himself to pass the fitness tests the Marine Corps requires of candidates.
"He excelled at the (physical) standards. It is three pull-ups; he could do 20. To be able to do that, so quickly after surgery, he made an example," his twin brother Michael Stephen told The Associated Press in a phone call Thursday.
His father, Aubrey Boterf, said the 21-year-old had a "giving heart, was a cheerful person and loved God."
Boterf moved to Crowley with his family in 2012. He joined the Marines in August of that year.
He joined the 2nd Radio Battalion in 2013, served as a special intelligence system communicator and was promoted to his current rank on Oct. 1. He was on temporary assignment as a sentry.
His brother said Boterf was paying his own way through college so he could be on the same education level as his peers in the 2nd Radio Battalion.
Michael said his brother was a selfless man. "He would do anything for anything for anyone," he said. "No matter what it was, if you needed it, he'd do it for you."
Camp Lejeune spokesman Capt. Joshua Smith said Wednesday that a Marine colleague discharged a single shot from his M4 rifle in a guard shack at the main base entrance Tuesday and remains in custody. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating.
The name of the shooter, who is male, hasn't been released. No charges have been filed at this time. Other guards were at the gate, but no one else was hurt, officials said.
Indications point to a "negligent discharge" as the cause of Boterf's death, Department of Defense spokesman Army Col. Steven Warren told reporters.
Emergency personnel attempted to revive Boterf, but he was later pronounced dead at a base hospital.


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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Thursday, October 08, 2009
I suddenly have a bit more time outside of work in my hands now that I have finished working on the End credits sequence for Princess and the frog.
Here is a set of three micro-paintings each are 2" by 2". Is a drink theme, and each drink of course it relates to its country.
Another update is that I will be having a booth with my friend Ed Juan at the APE CON in San Francisco on the 17 and the 18th of this month of October. I'll be selling my canvas prints of lots of my paintings! I can''t wait it'll be fun!!!


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Steel Buildings
The open design of Sukup Ag and Industrial Buildings allows you to adapt the space to your specific needs.
Need room to fold out your planter to check the row units? Want to add an office? Or a bay for your combine? You can have it with a Sukup Building.
- Sukup's sturdy, rigid frame structure allows plenty of open area to house your machinery.
- I-Beam structural steel used in corners and end wall columns for additional strength.
- Clear span up to 200' for large open areas.
- Multi-span construction available to reduce cost.
- Structural framing available in either red or gray oxide primer.
- Pre-punched purlins and girts ensure a proper fit.
- Pre-punching also speeds installation for lower construction costs.
- Purlins and girts are galvanized for long life.
- Framed openings for standard and oversized doors.
Wall Panels
- Sukup wall and roof panels are made from Galvalume+ AZ-55 substrate for extreme corrosion resistance.
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Roof Panels
Standing Seam Roof
- The seams on Sukup standing seam roofs are mechanically-rolled in the field to create a 360o Pittsburgh double-lock seam.
- Creates a tight, durable, virtually leak-proof seal.
- Available in Galvalume+ and Polar White.
- Movable roof clips allow the roof sheets to expand and contract with temperature changes.
- Allowing for expansion and contraction prevents stress on the roof components that could make the roof more prone to leaks and wind damage.
Screw-Down Roof
- This style of roof is economical and simple to install.
- 26 gauge
- 36" coverage
- 1-1/2" rib height
- 12" on center
- 50 grade
Available in Galvalume+ and all standard Sukup colors.
- Wide selection of steel-framed, easy-to-install doors and windows.
- Wainscot wall panels to accent the outside of your building.
- Interior partition walls to section off your building.
- Commercial grade fiberglass insulation systems (up to R-45 in the roof!)
- Eave and gable extensions and canopies
- Gutters and downspouts
- Complete trim packages in all of Sukup's standard colors.


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One-Step Makeup Remover Wipes
One-Step Makeup Remover Wipes
Remove makeup and cleanse your skin in one step. Using a naturally derived micellar formula, each super soft wipe traps makeup, dirt, and impurities, then gently whisks it away with no need to rinse. Aloe Vera delivers hydration, while cornflower water soothes delicate skin. Gentle enough to use on face and eyes every day. These breakthrough wipes are also biodegradable - just dispose in your home compost.*
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Consumer Panel Test Results:
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*Dispose in your home composting system or municipal receptacle program (in communities that have municipal composting systems). European standard EN 13432, biodegradability and disintegration tests, conducted at ambient temperatures.
†Results obtained from a consumer panel study of 32 women


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RSportz Privacy Policy
RSportz, Inc. ("Company"or"We") respects your privacy and are committed to protecting it through our compliance with this Privacy Policy. Please read it carefully to understand the collection of your information and how we will treat it.
We do not require you to provide personal information to visit our website www.rsportz.com (our "Website); however, this policy describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide when you visit our Website or use our mobile application (our "App, and together with our Website, our" Service) and our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, protecting and disclosing that information.
This policy applies to information we collect:
● Through the Service,
including our App that provides dedicated non-browser-based interaction between
you and our Website.
● In E-mail, text and other electronic messages.
● Through the APIs of popular social networks such as Facebook or Twitter based on your choice to interact from our Service. We will abide by all of the terms of service and privacy of those APIs. However, RSportz has no control over and no liability for the use of your information by its users.
● Through your interaction with our advertising and applications on third party websites, apps and services, if those applications or advertisements include links to this policy.
It does not apply to information collected by:
● Us offline or
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Children Under the Age of 13
Our Service is not
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Given that our Service supports youth organizations within the sports industry, we may collect certain personal information such as name, birth date and gender of children under 13 years of age only with permission and directly from the parent or legal guardian in connection with the provision of the Service. In such cases, the parent or legal guardian is identified and required to hold the RSportz account. In addition, the parent or legal guardian can protect the child's information with certain safeguards such as omitting all or part of the child's name on public displays. If you believe any information was taken from or improperly provided about a child under 13 years of age, please contact us.
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You also may provide information to be published or displayed (hereinafter, "posted") on public areas of the Website or App, or transmitted to other users of the Service or to third parties (collectively, "User Contributions"). Your User Contributions are posted on and transmitted to others at your own risk. Please be aware that no security measures are perfect or impenetrable. Additionally, we cannot control the actions of other users of the Service with whom you may choose to share your User Contributions. Therefore, we cannot and do not guarantee that your User Contributions will not be viewed by unauthorized persons.
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As you navigate through and interact with our Service, we may use automatic data collection technologies to collect certain information about your equipment, browsing actions and patterns, including:
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We also may use these technologies to collect information about your online activities over time and across third party websites or other online services (behavioral tracking).
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● Web Beacons. Pages of our the Website and our emails may contain small electronic files known as web beacons (also referred to as clear gifs, pixel tags and single pixel gifs) that permit the Company, for example, to count users who have visited those pages or opened an email and for other related website statistics (for example, recording the popularity of certain website content and verifying system and server integrity).
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We may use the information we have collected from you to enable us to display advertisements to our advertisers' target audiences. If you click on or otherwise interact with an advertisement, the advertiser may assume that you meet its target criteria.
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court order, law or legal process, including to respond to any government or
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information is protected by a password for your privacy and security. You need
to prevent unauthorized access to your account and personal information by
selecting and protecting your password appropriately and limiting access to our
computer and browser by signing off after you have finished accessing your
account. Any payment transaction information is encrypted and stored on a 3rd
party server for additional security.
We endeavor to protect user account information to ensure that it is kept private, however, we cannot guarantee the security of user account information. Unauthorized entry or use, hardware or software failure, and other factors, may compromise the security of user information at any time. We continuously upgrade and enhance our security measures as new tools, techniques and technology become available. However, we do not guarantee that any such information will not be misused or disclosed to third parties. We will not have any liability to you for any such misuse or disclosure.
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You have the right to be forgotten and any individual, or personally identifying data you wish to be deleted or hidden from public view will be within 24 hours and removed within 30 days.
Questions, comments and requests regarding
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Last modified: 5/4/18


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Happ not guaranteed rotation spot when he returns
On DL with lower back tightness, Blue Jays lefty throws bullpen session
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ threw a bullpen session Wednesday afternoon, but there's no guarantee that he'll have a spot in the rotation once healthy.
Happ was placed on the 15-day disabled list at the end of Spring Training with tightness in his lower back. The timing of the DL stint was rather curious because Happ appeared to have lost his starting job even before the official injury announcement.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos was pressed for details on the injury and Happ's future role on the team during a Wednesday evening scrum with the reporters.
"We'll deal with all of that," Anthopoulos said. "Look, hopefully, like anything, we have five starters that are rolling and they're winning all of their games and we have too many starters. That would be a great problem to have. I would sign up for that right now.
"But you deal with those things as they come. Every day something else could happen, in the next 10 days, two weeks, you can't plan that far ahead."
Happ dealt with a sore back early in camp but eventually returned to the mound with several weeks remaining and was adamant that everything was fine. That tone continued through his final outing of the year but quickly changed when the Blue Jays announced their 25-man roster on March 26.
There had been some speculation that Happ would be headed for a role in the bullpen, but instead the club announced his back was still an issue and placed him on the DL. Anthopoulos stressed that there was still a spot for the seven-year veteran in the rotation.
Toronto started the year with R.A. Dickey, Drew Hutchison, Mark Buehrle, Brandon Morrow and Dustin McGowan in the rotation. It would likely take one of those starters to either falter or get injured for Happ to get another chance. Anthopoulos remained vague about that, though, and said that's not something the club will seriously consider until Happ eventually goes through a rehab assignment in the Minor Leagues.
"If we all of a sudden have six starters that are performing great, I don't think we're going to go to a six-man rotation; we would deal with that then," Anthopoulos said. "We expect J.A. to be a part of the rotation and we expect that when he's healthy to be a really good performer for us."
But there's no guarantee that Happ will have a spot?
"No, certainly, the same way there's no guarantee with every single starter over time, things can happen, performances, things like that," Anthopoulos said.


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The first round is over, the mid-major malware is gone, and now it's time for the Elite Eight of Malware Madness 2012.
In the last bracket of Round One, Conficker blew out StonedAngelina, while Zeus scored a comfortable if unimpressive win over Storm Worm, completing the field for Round Two.
Our first two matchups pit top-seeded Stuxnet against No. 9 Melissa, which scored a mild upset in Round One, and No. 4 Code Red against No. 5 Nimda.
Can Melissa, which made its bones flooding mail servers in 1999, knock off the currently feared, industrial-control scourge Stuxnet? And which of the mass-infecting Code Red and Nimda, both from the 2001 recruiting class, has more staying power? The winner of each of these matches moves to the semi-finals, so make your vote count.
Go to the Malware Madness page, put in your two cents and check in on the results to date.
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Priority pass
This is Priority Pass,with over 850 lounges in 400 cities across more than 120 countries worldwide, you're never far away from a Priority Pass lounge. With a Priority Pass membership card, you will enjoy a premium airport experience, whatever your class of travel. Whether you want to make the most of the business facilities or simply sit back and relax, your Priority Pass enables you to escape the crowded departure halls and wait for your flight in peace and comfort. Priority Pass is the world's leading and most prestigious independent provider of airport VIP lounge access.
Enjoy the benefits of your membership
Wherever you are, whoever you're flying with, in whatever class of travel, sit back in a premium airport lounge and relax in total comfort.
Your Priority Pass membership entitles you to a range of benefits;
- Access to over 850 VIP lounges in more than 120 countries and 400 cities worldwide
- Access to the lounge regardless of class of travel or the airline you are flying
- Complimentary refreshments in a relaxing ambiance – for both you and your guests
- Access to business facilities - email, internet, phones, fax machines and even conference space in selected cities.
Activating your Priority pass is simple
Sign the back of your Priority Pass Card as soon as you receive it.
Register your Priority Pass card here. Click on 'My account' and follow the instructions.
Once you have registered your Priority Pass Card, you can download the lounge directory here, use the lounge finder option.
You can view the latest Priority Pass newsletter, or retrieve your account password by using the 'Forgotten password' link.
Enjoy a warm welcome in any one of 850+ airport lounges by presenting your Priority Pass membership card.
Your card will be swiped and you'll sign a receipt – or directly onscreen – to confirm your visit.
Finding a lounge is quick and easy
Wherever you are and whatever device you're using, the Priority Pass lounge finder tools will give directions to, and details for, your nearest lounge, including:
Exact location in the airport
Opening hours
Guest restrictions
Any other relevant information
The Priority Pass lounge finder tools:
Use the Priority Pass free app available for iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry. The app allows users to search for a lounge by typing the city or airport name as well as by scrolling through lists. You can save lounges as favorites, see recent searches and activate GPS to quickly find your nearest lounge. You can even update the data at any time and then use offline.
You can also download the latest lounge directory on www.PriorityPass.com
You can text the 3 letter airport code to: +44 7624 809 977 and Priority Pass will send you the lounge details by text. For example for London Heathrow you would text LHR.
If you're unsure of the airport code, check your ticket or ask a member of staff.
You can also use our mobile website www.prioritypass.com/mobile to check if there is a lounge at your chosen airport by entering the three digit airport code, for example LHR for London Heathrow Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter a lounge without my Membership Card?
- No. Unfortunately unless you can produce your membership card the lounge staff will not allow you access. Lounges are third party owned and operated and therefore Priority Pass is unable to influence lounge access should you attempt to enter without your membership card.
What is Priority Pass's policy for taking guests into a lounge?
- You can invite friends or guests to join you in a lounge. Most lounges will allow any number of guests but where there are limits; details are shown via the lounge search functionality on the website. There will be a charge for each guest at US$ 27 each.
What is Priority Pass's policy for taking children into a lounge?Many lounges will allow children entry at the prevailing guest rate of US$ 27 each however where there are limits, details are shown via the lounge search functionality on the website.
Can someone else use my card to gain access?
- No. Your membership card is only valid for the member stated on the card.
How do I view my lounge visits?
- Log-in to your account on the Priority Pass website where you can view all your lounge visits under the 'Lounge Visits' tab.
Report any suspicious transactions, lost or stolen cards to your Private Banker or our contact centre immediately. Your Private Banker will issue you a new card.
Three Standard Priority Pass Numbers are also available on the back of the Card to contact should you experience any issues.
Lounge Visit Fees
Please note there is no charge for the Priority Pass Membership and Card.
Lost Priority Pass Cards are replaced at a cost of $10.00 each.
Lounge Visit Access Fees are as follows:
- Priority Pass Principal Member lounge visit rate is US$ 27.00 per member, per visit.
- Guest lounge visit rate is US$ 27.00 per guest, per visit.
Some Priority Pass Lounges are free for children under the age of 12 but that depends on the Lounge visited. Please refer to the Priority Pass Website (www.prioritypass.com) for information in the regard.
Contact us
Lounge opening times, facilities and entry conditions are subject to change. Find the latest information updates via:
Website: prioritypass.com
Twitter: @prioritypasscom
Facebook: facebook.com/prioritypasscommunity
Newsletter: Monthly email newsletter. Sign up on the Members Area of the Priority Pass website.
All lounge information is refreshed on the Priority Pass website every 24 hours to ensure you always have the most up-to-date information.
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 8680 1338
email: [email protected]
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2866 1964
email: [email protected]
United States of America
Tel: Toll-Free in USA/Canada/Mexico +1 800 352 2834
Elsewhere USA +1 972 735 0536
email: [email protected]
• Each lounge visit will be charged at a nominal fee of US$ 27.00.
• Accompanying guests are welcome for a fee of just US$ 27.00 per guest.


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Are you one of the millions of Americans without dental insurance? These resources can help you score great dental care at a discount.
Being without health insurance can be terrifying — and it's a growing problem. These resources can help you find coverage for less.
Those of us without traditional dental insurance may have been tempted to buy a dental "discount" plan. On paper, it looks good. In practicality, it could save you some, or more
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Te mana o te moana, a non-profit organization in French Polynesia and a new member of IUCN, has been promoting their Honu Toolkit to the people of French Polynesia since its launch on World Oceans Day, in June of this year.
In their increasing efforts to protect the marine environment, Te mana o te moana is raising sea turtle conservation through their Honu toolkit and is reaching out to children to help them understand sea turtles - their environment, the danger they face and what people can do to help save these ancient creatures of the sea.
The toolkit, which will be distributed to all primary schools in French Polynesia, contains more than 30 educational tools, which range from books, educational games to posters and DVDs. Also included is a comprehensive teacher's guide designed to provide teachers with the necessary tools to study sea turtles with their students.
Further plans to translate the toolkit into the English language for wider distribution in the South Pacific is envisaged for the year 2010.
The development of the Honu toolkit was made possible through the support of the Foundation Nature & Decouvertes, the French Global Environment Fund (FFEM), the Ministry of the Environment of French Polynesia, the Moorea Dolphin Center, the Inter-continental Hotels Group and the company Tikiphone.
Click here more information on the Honu Toolkit.


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The Eurail Benelux Pass is the ultimate pass to discover Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. All three countries are commonly known as Benelux and are offered as a single destination in your Eurail Pass.
Belgium is the land of chocolates, waffles, beer and chips whereas the Netherlands is famed for its colorful tulips fields, canals, bicycles, iconic windmills and tasty cheese. In Luxembourg, you will find beautiful historic monuments.
The Eurail Benelux Pass allows you unlimited travel with the freedom to hit the tracks whenever and wherever you want! You can take as many trains as you like and there is no limit on the distance you can travel within a travel day. All of this at a fixed price.
Hop on and off trains at any time according to your desires and encounters. Just show up at the nearest train station and get ready to go and explore a new destination. (See 'Things to know' for more information about seat reservations).
The Eurail Benelux Pass is packed with bonuses to make your trip even more enjoyable. Hotel discounts, reduced museum fares, discounted ferry trips and more are included in your pass.
It also comes with a Eurail travel pack (Travel map and user guide).
Whether you are the adventurous traveller or the avid planner the Eurail Benelux Pass is your pass to freedom and the key to an unforgettable trip!


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BOSTON — In a study published on line this week in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, Drs. Donita Garland, Rosario Fernandez-Godino, and Eric Pierce of the Ocular Genomics Institute at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School along with their colleagues, reported the unexpected finding that in mice genetically engineered to have an inherited form of macular degeneration, turning off the animals' complement system, a part of the immune system, prevented the disease.
Macular degenerations, which occur in several forms, are important causes of vision loss. Juvenile or early-onset macular degeneration includes several inherited disorders that can affect children and young adults. In contrast, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects older individuals; it is the leading cause of blindness for individuals over 65 years of age in developed countries, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Both inherited macular degeneration and AMD lead to the loss of central vision. While therapies exist for some forms of late AMD, and nutritional supplements can slow the progression of early AMD for some patients, improved therapies to prevent vision loss from these disorders are needed.
This is the first report to demonstrate a role for the complement system in an inherited macular degeneration. Previous genetic studies have shown that variants in the genes that encode several complement system components are important risk factors for AMD. Based on this, drugs that inhibit specific complement system activities are being tested clinically as treatments for AMD. However, it is not entirely clear how alterations in complement system components lead to AMD.
The new results reported suggest that complement activation by abnormalities in the extracellular matrix or the scaffold secreted by retinal cells plays an important role in the formation of basal deposits, one of the earliest stages of macular degeneration. Basal deposits are precursors of drusen, which appear as spots in the retina on clinical examination, and are accumulations of proteins and lipids outside the retinal cells; their presence is the first clinical indication of a risk of developing macular degeneration.
The findings are important because they suggest that inherited macular degenerations share common features with AMD, such as a complement-mediated response to abnormal extracellular matrix. The results also suggest that alterations in the activity of the complement system are involved in the earliest stages of disease pathogenesis. This finding has important implications for the use of drugs that modulate the complement system for treating macular degenerations.
For these studies, the investigators used a mouse model of the inherited macular dystrophy Doyne Honeycomb Retinal Dystrophy/Malattia Leventinese (DHRD/ML) which is caused by the p.Arg345Trp mutation in the EFEMP1 gene. This mutation leads to extensive drusen in patients with DHRD/ML, and the gene targeted Efemp1R345W/R345W mice develop extensive basal deposits.
As a first step in their studies, Dr. Garland and colleagues used proteomic techniques to identify the proteins present in the basal deposits of the Efemp1R345W/R345W mice. Like they do in people, these deposits form between the retinal pigment epithelial cells and their basement membrane, which is called Bruch's membrane and is composed of extracellular matrix. These studies showed that the basal deposits are composed of normal extracellular matrix components that are present in abnormal amounts. This is logical because the EFEMP1 protein is secreted by retinal cells and is thought to be required for maturation of elastin fibers, which are part of Bruch's membrane.
The proteomic analyses also suggest that the altered extracellular matrix stimulates a local immune response, including activation of the complement system. The complement system is part of our innate immune system, and helps fend off infections, but under certain circumstances can also lead to cell and tissue damage.
The Mass. Eye and Ear team applied the power of mouse genetics to study the role of complement in basal deposit formation, and generated Efemp1R345W/R345W:C3-/- double mutant mice, which have the disease-causing mutation in Efemp1 and also lack the key complement component C3. Without C3, the complement system cannot be activated. In contrast to their single mutant Efemp1-R345W cousins, the double mutant Efemp1R345W/R345W:C3-/- mice did not develop basal deposits, demonstrating that the complement system is required for formation of basal deposits.
The investigators plan to continue their studies to help identify additional treatments to prevent vision loss from macular degenerations.
About Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Mass. Eye and Ear clinicians and scientists are driven by a mission to find cures for blindness, deafness and diseases of the head and neck. After uniting with Schepens Eye Research Institute in 2011, Mass. Eye and Ear in Boston became the world's largest vision and hearing research center, offering hope and healing to patients everywhere through discovery and innovation. Mass. Eye and Ear is a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital and trains future medical leaders in ophthalmology and otolaryngology, through residency as well as clinical and research fellowships. Internationally acclaimed since its founding in 1824, Mass. Eye and Ear employs full-time, board-certified physicians who offer high-quality and affordable specialty care that ranges from the routine to the very complex. U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals Survey" has consistently ranked the Mass. Eye and Ear Departments of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology as among the top hospitals in the nation. Mass. Eye and Ear is home to the Ocular Genomics Institute which aims to translate the promise of personalized genomic medicine into clinical care for ophthalmic disorders. For more information about life-changing care and research, or to learn how you can help, please visit MassEyeAndEar.org and oculargenomics.meei.harvard.edu.
Title: Mouse genetics and proteomic analyses demonstrate a critical role for complement in a model of DHRD/ML, an inherited macular degeneration
Authors: Donita L. Garland, Rosario Fernandez-Godino, Inderjeet Kaur, Kaye D. Speicher, James M. Harnly, John D. Lambris, David W. Speicher, Eric A. Pierce
Journal: Human Molecular Genetics
Grant support:
This work was supported by grants from the Rosanne Silbermann Foundation, Research to Prevent Blindness, and the Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School.
Contact: Mary Leach
(617) 573-4170


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Program details are provided lower on the page.
Classes start July 7, 2020!
Re-Admission Students
We're Glad You're Back
Life happens. We understand. Sometimes circumstances cause you to take a break from your education, and then new circumstances bring you back. If you withdrew from the University (not a dismissal*) and want to return to complete your degree, we welcome you to submit a new admissions application for consideration.
Keep in mind that when you re-enter the University, you're subject to the current policies and tuition and fees in effect at the time of your return. That means there may be new or different requirements for you to fulfill. Rest assured, we'll carefully evaluate all documentation, as well as your previous University record, to ensure any advanced standing earned will be accurately applied toward your current degree program.
How to Apply for Re-Admission
Online students
Contact the Re-Entry Department at 1.844.783.8630
Colorado Springs Students
Contact an Admissions Advisor at 719.598.0200
Aurora (outside Denver) Students
Contact an Admissions Advisor at 303.632.2300
You can also begin the readmission process online.
NOTE: If you attended another institution during your time away from CTU, please have copies of your transcripts ready to send to your Admissions Advisor.
* If you wish to return to CTU following a dismissal, please refer to the Dismissal Appeal section of the Colorado Technical University catalog.


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CFFreedom necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 110 diseños de 30 diseñadores freelance.
We are a successful company looking to improve the visual appeal of our site. With no graphic designer on staff, we're always looking for good partners to work with.
Our typical client is a real estate agent/broker and or mortgage broker (primarily real estate though). They tend to be high energy and interested in using technology to help automate their business.
Looking for you to provide your creativity, but would like to see the site name included (CallCaptureHotline.com - with or without spaces between words). Would also be nice to include real estate related items like a house, for sale sign, real estate agent, phone, etc.
Would think the final image should be around 62px high by 250+ wide (open to other sizes suitable for website header).
Take a look at the site (http://www.callcapturehotline.com) and blow me away.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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March 14, 2012
Ed Piskor's complex portrait of hackers and tech culture, Wizzywig, is still several months away... but this week we decided to share a peek at the amazing cover designed by Ed and our digital director Chris Ross. Heidi MacDonald got the exclusive over at The Beat, and adds "it's definitely on our must list for 2012." Johanna Draper Carlson adds additional praise & commentary at Comics Worth Reading.
Pre-order the book now, remember to bookmark Ed's webcomic Brain Rot over at Boing Boing, and keep your eyes peeled for more Wizzywig news to come!
Click to view the full cover at higher resolution!
by Ed Piskor
Mobile Site Go to Full Site
Top Shelf Productions® and the Top Shelf logo are registered trademarks of Top Shelf Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.
Site by Clixel


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Here's a beta version of an experimental flash game project I've been working on a bit, called 'Starshine'. If people like it, I'll release a refined version a little down the line.
The aim of the game is to collect the spinning stars, using a player controlled comet. There are selectable centres of gravity that if chosen at the right time, will allow you to manoeuvre the comet to collect stars.
Try to collect them in as quick a time as possible, there's a points bonus if you complete each level within a certain time frame, and you may make it onto the leader-board : ) Please do leave a comment if you like it, or have any suggestions as to how to improve it – I'll work suggestions into the next version. Feel free to nick the game and put it where you like. Also, if you like it and use stumbleupon, a thumbs up would be great! : )
- Found this post useful? Clicky Clicky!:
- Tenuously Related Posts:


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By Connie Hughes Designs©
Minion Inspired Crochet Combo Pattern©
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Minion Inspired Crochet Combo Pattern©
Thanks for Supporting Connie's Spot©
The Above Picture is Connie's Spot© Classic Crochet Rag Doll Pattern for only $2.99 All the patterns are Available at my Shops on ETSY or Raverly
Welcome to the Multiple Award Winning Connie's Spot© & Connie Hughes Designs© Crocheting, Crafting and Creating Blog!! Now in our 7th Year We Want to Thank All Our Customers/Friends Who Have Helped Us Grow to Over 90,000 Pattern Sales/Downloads, and Over 890,000 Page Views from all over the World!!!
If you are new to Connie's Spot© make sure to take the time to follow Connie's Spot© to get her latest Patterns available at her shops on Etsy and Ravelry. Check out Connie's Spot© Blog Archive of 300+Posts!! That includes Free Crochet Patterns from Connie Hughes Designs© Free Recipes, Crafting & Decorating Tips, Travel & Poetry!
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Connie's Spot© Crocheting & Connie Hughes Designs© Characters, Photo's, Designs & Patterns are All Copyright© Protected All Rights Reserved.


text: Responses to a questionnaire compiled by the Irish Folklore Commission on the Irish Famine (1845-1852) / collected by Tadhg Ó Murchadha (An Coirreán, Iveragh, Co. Kerry), 1936-1946. Information collected from various sources in the townlands and parishes of the baronies of Iveragh and Dunkerron South. Includes information collected by Tadhg Ó Murchadha from his father (Tadhg Ó Murchadha 1842-1928). Title-page stamped: Coimisiún Béaloideas Éireann. 29 September 1945. 20 April 1945.


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Verizon Wireless customers should soon be able to surf a lot faster around the Bay Area.
The popular iPhone-carrier announced it is expanding its 4G service in the Bay Area. The news doesn't mean much to iPhone users now but Verizon users of 4G-enabled smartphones and laptops using the 4G network will get speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon's 3G service.
Verizon already offers 4G service in parts of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose.
But not Verizon says it plans to expand that service to parts of Marin and Solano counties.
The company plans to blanket the entire Bay Area and the rest of the country that currently receives 3G service with 4G service by the end of 2013.


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WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's calmly assured response to the economic crisis and solid debate performance have bolstered the view among voters that he is ready to be chief executive, a crucial threshold he needs to cross to win the presidency.
WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's calmly assured response to the economic crisis and solid debate performance have bolstered the view among voters that he is ready to be chief executive, a crucial threshold he needs to cross to win the presidency.
The improved standing for Obama, a candidate still not well-known, was captured by polling this weekend, in interviews with Democrats and Republicans and by the response of his rival, John McCain, who intensified his criticism that the young senator lacks the experience and judgment to lead the nation.
"A vote for Senator Obama will leave this country at risk," McCain told a rally in Columbus, Ohio, ratcheting up the criticism in a speech that acknowledged his likeliest path to the White House is casting his Democratic rival as unacceptable. McCain said the choice voters face is: "Country first or Obama first?"
Obama countered that McCain is the one who "doesn't get it" and likened his GOP rival to "a bet we can't afford." Aligning McCain with the unpopular President Bush on the economy, Obama said: "The greatest risk in this election is to repeat the same mistakes of the past. We can't take a chance on the same losing game."
McCain lags in recent polls that also show Obama gaining some ground in overcoming his candidacy's biggest hurdle - convincing skeptics who have trouble seeing the 47-year-old freshman senator, vying to be the first black president, in the White House.
Still, the political environment remains unpredictable, underscored by stocks plunging dramatically Monday amid the House's rejection of a $700 billion financial industry bailout.
Lawmakers warned of catastrophe.
That raised the question anew of whether voters will be willing to take a chance on the untested Obama and his message of change, or whether they will opt for the more experienced McCain despite public antipathy toward the GOP, his acknowledgment that economics is not his strongest issue and his uneven reaction to the crisis. Conversely, it's possible that hunger for economic change may outweigh voters' concerns about the Democrat and the public may blame Republicans.
Within an hour of the House defeating the bill, Obama sought to calm fears by saying: "I'm confident we're going to get there, but it's going to be rocky." McCain issued a statement from senior policy adviser Doug Holtz-Eakin that blamed Obama and Democrats for the legislation's failure - even though more Republicans than Democrats voted against it.
Unconventional in many ways, this campaign has become a referendum on Obama's readiness to serve rather than a judgment on McCain after eight years of GOP rule under Bush. Thus, Obama is trying to meet the qualification threshold as McCain seeks to undercut him.
In an election year that favors Democrats, Obama has been unable to sustain a lead of a couple of percentage points in key electoral-rich states such as Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Race is certainly a factor. A recent AP-Yahoo News poll suggested that Obama's support would be as much as 6 percentage points higher if there were no white racial prejudice.
However, the poll also showed that doubts about Obama's competency loom even larger than race. More than a quarter of all Democrats expressed doubt that Obama can bring about the change they want, and they are likely to vote against him because of that. And, three in 10 of those Democrats who don't trust Obama's change-making credentials say they plan to vote for McCain.
Thus, Obama has sought to allay such concerns through words and actions.
Amid wrangling over the bailout last week, Obama kept his distance from Washington while making it known that he was checking with key players. He balked when McCain put most campaign activities on hold, called for a postponement of the first debate and returned to Capitol Hill, saying presidents need to "deal with more than one thing at once."
After Bush summoned him to Washington, Obama was credited as the candidate who took charge inside the Cabinet Room. He suggested McCain's return had muddied negotiations. "It's important not to inject presidential politics into this," Obama said afterward and added: "It's amazing what you can get done when you're not looking to try to get credit for it."
A day later, Obama held his own in a debate on McCain's forte - foreign policy. The Democrat displayed a comfortable understanding of the issues and took the Republican to task over Iraq, repeatedly saying: "You were wrong."
McCain, for his part, faces dwindling options to derail Obama.
The Republican has two more debates with Obama - a town hall-style forum in which McCain should thrive and one focused on the economy in which Obama goes in with the edge. Analysts in both parties say it's difficult to see how McCain changes the campaign trajectory without a major Obama gaffe or an outside event breaking in the Republican's favor.
McCain is unwilling to wait.
He assailed Obama over his response to the economic crisis, calling the Democrat's hesitancy to return to Washington a failure of leadership. He also questioned Obama's honesty on taxes, saying: "We need a president who will always tell the American people the truth."
This week, the focus will be on a debate between vice presidential nominees Joe Biden and Sarah Palin.
Biden, a veteran senator, is an experienced debater though prone to verbal missteps. Palin has come across poorly in the few interviews she's granted, and even conservative commentators who once praised her selection now say she's not ready to be president should the need arise.
The first rule of thumb for both running mates is do no harm. Yet both could do plenty - and again upend this topsy turvy race.
EDITOR'S NOTE - Liz Sidoti covers the presidential campaign for The Associated Press and has covered national politics since 2003.


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Big names playing in upcoming pro-am
Saints coach, GM, cheerleaders will be in Madison for July tourney
The Sanderson Farms Championship is bringing big names to the Trustmark Wealth Management Pro-Am next month.
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Peyton and general manager Mickey Loomis will join Ole Miss head football coach Hugh Freeze and former NFL star and Mississippi native Archie Manning in the pro-am, which is set for July 17 at the Annandale Golf Club in Madison, organizers said.
A few of the Saints cheerleaders, the Saintsations, will also attend the event.
The pro-am is one of the events leading up to PGA tournament, which will be held from July 18-21.
The Sanderson Farms Championship is one of 45 PGA Tour tournaments held each year. The tournament has been part of the PGA Tour schedule since 1968 and is now in its third year as part of the FedEx Cup.
This event has raised more than $7.3 million for statewide charities, organizers said. Past champions of the tournament include defending champion Scott Stallings, Chris Kirk, past FedExCup Champion Bill Haas and Luke Donald.
Other events this year include the Friends of Children's Hospital Pro-Am on July 15 and the BankPlus Friends of Children's Golf Junior Pro-Am on July 16.
The July 15 and July 16 pro-ams are open to the public with free admission, organizers said. Admission for the July 17 Trustmark Wealth Management Pro-Am will require the purchase of a tournament ticket. Tickets can be purchased at www.sandersonfarmschampionship.com, by calling 601-898-4653 or at the main entrance at Annadale.