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These are a few links to posts I've written that have either gotten an awesome response from my lovely followers or that I feel are just plain ole' good reads. But you can decide for yourself. Don't forget to comment!
Nhya Vs. McDonald's Sweet Tea
Hiding from the sun
Tough Love
Work itttt!
Know Your Worth


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The first drain cleaning knowledge you can have is to prevent major blockages in your drains. Clogs and blockages are the number one reason for major drain sewer line repairs and they are completely avoidable.
To start, do not put anything down the drain that your system is not designed to handle. Remember that while toilet paper actually dissolves in water over time, other types of paper do not. Napkins, sanitary products and paper towels will remain whole in the sewer or drain system and eventually clog your sewer line.
If you have a child, make sure they do not put any small objects in the drain such as toys, food, or clothing. Even when something actually flushes down the drain, there is a possibility it will get stuck between your home and the final sewer outlet.
In the kitchen, avoid putting any grease or other food waste down the drain. Only use the garbage disposal for things that it can safely break up and run the faucet at the same time as you grind the food. This will ensure that it completely breaks down whatever you place inside before it is flushed through. Grease in particular is a major problem in pipes as it coats the lining and other items can stick to it.
To save you time, money and headaches down the road, we collected our favorite tips and tricks for solving common household plumbing problems.
Kitchen sinks tend to block due to food or residue that are placed down the drain. Homes with garbage disposals increase the risk of a blocked drains. Drano is good for most of the PVC pipe, when they are not used often. We recommend that if your kitchen sink is completely blocked, without any signs of the water level dropping, DO NOT to use Drano. In most cases, if Drano is placed within a clogged pipe, the chemicals will burn the seals of your pipe causeing water damages.
The most common sign of a clogged main drain or stack will be water rising in the garage drain, basement shower drain or toilet.
In most of the cases, you will start to hear a gurgling sound coming from the drains.
If you notice that when you use the washing machine, the water starts to get in the shower or in the garage drain - This is the first clue that your main drain is blocked. A blocked main drain can cause major damage to your home. We can help you contact us and make an appointment.
When a homeowner noticed a drain is blocked, the first reaction is passing a camera to see what is causing the blockage. Before inspecting your drains, we must first unclogged the drain, to release any water within the pipe, afterwards we pass our vidoe camera to see what may have caused the blockage.
We also offer our video camera inspections for home owers looking to purchase a new home and inspecting the main drain.
TEl: 514-316-1043
Montreal - Laval - South Shore

subset: commoncrawl


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I used to encourage every female who seemed remotely interested in belly dance to give it a try. I said, "It's great for your self-esteem and makes you feel pretty. It's wonderful for feeling empowered and recovering from abuse." It wasn't until recently that I really examined the validity of that.
You see, at my first belly dance class, I saw older, heavier (than me) women who had pretty jingly things on. They moved more gracefully than I. They hung their large, child birth scarred bellies out in such a way that I wouldn't have dared. I thought, "They must feel pretty good about themselves to look so poised and lovely." I wanted that for myself. As I stuck around a while, my confidence and skill increased and I assumed that I had reached a new level of higher self-esteem through belly dance, so belly dance must be a healthy way for all to obtain better self-esteem.
…but then, I wondered, why are so many belly dancers jealous, unhappy, competitive and insecure? Does belly dance really build self-esteem?
The answer to that came to me one day as I was watching a belly dance show. I sat there enjoying the lovely, playful way that one dancer connected with her audience. She transformed from a coy, school girl to a vulnerable, heartbroken woman. She finished with a strong, fiery drum solo that showed she was powerful and in charge. The dancer's body spoke honestly of her experience, pain, innocence, hope, and joy. She took me along with her. And all the while, I never thought about whether she was young, old, beautiful, plain, thin or fat. I just enjoyed her essence and her soul.
Later I mentally compared this wonderfully simple performance to some of the more dynamic performances that were more impressively costumed, tightly choreographed, and technically executed and I thought to myself, "Why is this one so much more compelling?" And then it hit me. Some performers use the goddess role, the sequins, the Earth Mother persona, or the vamp as another mask to hide their low self-esteem. They suck energy from the audience and search for approval. The lady on stage truly seemed to be at peace with herself just as she was.
She wasn't hiding anything. She wasn't trying to make the audience think or feel anything. She wasn't asking for anything. She was just Being one with the music, herself and the audience. How cool.
It may seem simplistic, but that moment transformed the way I approach teaching. I realized that self-esteem doesn't just come from being in a belly dance class room. It doesn't happen by osmosis. It doesn't come from dressing up or daring to wear your skirt below your belly button. It doesn't come from getting a tattoo or wearing bright colors. It doesn't even come from hearing that you are "elegant and beautiful." Lots of insecure dancers have all those things.
No, it seems to me that healthy self-esteem starts with the acceptance of beauty. That acceptance allows others to see their own. I now see it as my duty to point out that beauty for those students who don't yet have the eyes to see it for themselves.
When X dances with her sword and veil, one can choose to see technique or see that she's transformed to another place. She transports you to a fantasy land for just a moment and shows you the pain of love lost then the joy of its return. When Y dances, she tweaks every joyous nuance from the music to make you laugh, helping you forget any troubles of the day. Z oozes with the memory of the first experience of being overwhelmed with passion.
When joy and passion take the stage, you don't see stretch marks, wrinkles, sagging bosoms, or bulging bellies. You can see the juiciness of life.
And none of the physical things that we call "beautiful" matter anymore because the inner beauty is greater than all of that. Celebrating that beauty can allow us to see that we never were an ugly duckling. We were always the beautiful swan all along- and so was everyone else. And that's where true self-esteem comes from.


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All members can come along on a Sunday and shoot, the only criteria is that we have at least 5 members and two must be over 18 years of age, are experienced archers and know the rules of shooting and can set a shooting range out correctly and that one of the key holders is available to open up and also lock up. Associate members must be accompanied by at least two adult members of Thomas Wall Archers
Ideally these Sundays would be arranged the previous week or on the Saturday, and also the round that would be shot. To do this you will need to talk to one of the key holders, and sort out between yourself how many of you want to shoot. Please remember you will be setting up the field when you shoot on Sunday, there is still the same amount to do and maybe not so many people to do it


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Miss Ma, Nemesis
Miss Ma, Nemesis
Miss Ma, Nemesis was made by the greatest movie producer. Under rated movie, very under rated If you have seen other movies from then you will know the story behind this movie. Miss Ma, Nemesis can be rejected by religious folks without a thought. Go for it, relax, play the movie and let it move your mind. I've seen lots of disappointing comments about this movie, but I honestly think they're just paid haters. I have never left such good review for any movie in my life. did excellent job, just as always. I like that I don't have to pay for cinema or netflix to watch new movies like Miss Ma, Nemesis. It's interesting that you don't need to create account here to watch any movie online, so don't waste your time!
Genre: Mystery
Country: South Korea
Quality: HD
Release: 2018
IMDb: 8,0
Views: 237


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Dew Brew-In Mug, 18 oz.
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Product Details
Enjoy your favorite tea in this generously sized 18 oz mug. The large stainless steel infuser with extra-fine holes allows tea to expand fully, bringing out more flavor and fragrance. The stainless steel lid serves as an infuser holder.
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WATCH SA men wage war on four #KupeChallenge heartbreakers
You've seen them dominating your social media timelines with their fine selves, stealing your girl's attention and leaving many thirstier than a man in the desert. Now the men of Mzansi, including some celebs have hit back.
A video of four fine brothers from France breaking it down to Ghanian muso Ebony's hit song Kupe has flooded the internet and caused a commotion.
Fam, even Gigi Lamayne and Mpho Letsholonyane were up and watching the brethren break it down.
Is that sweat we see, sisters?
Jesus !!! Why why why ? 🔥❤😩 After this , ladies no bad week will prosper against you! pic.twitter.com/TMpPklXrrK— #VI #Twinkle #Iphupho #GigiGang (@Gigi_Lamayne) October 1, 2018
But the men of Mzansi are gatvol of the four grabbing all the attention and have told them to leave Mzansi's women alone.
Even gospel singer Dumi Mkokstad took the mic.
Actor Kay Sibiya shared a video expressing what many men were thinking.
Prince Kaybee was more forgiving, claiming he was just happy that black chocolate is being embraced.


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The Norcross, Georgia-based manufacturer has announced it will be adding 48 new positions to the solar module manufacturing facility at its headquarters with module production about to start on a 24/7 basis, mirroring its cell manufacturing production line.
In a press release on the Suniva website, the company's vice-president of manufacturing and operations, Greg Mihalik, said there have been 'unprecedented' sales bookings in Q1 and Suniva has already sold out its Q2 capacity.
Demand is partly being driven by Suniva's compliance with the terms of the Buy American Act which stipulates any products bought by the U.S. federal government must contain at least 50% American content and must have undergone final assembly in the country.


text: EAB Daily Briefing View the Archives Print Today's Stories Mount St. Mary's president reinstates two fired professors, does not resign Simon Newman has garnered overwhelming support from students but disapproval from faculty 8:50 AM - February 17, 2016 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Save Print Mount St. Mary's University President Simon Newman recently reinstated two professors he fired, but does not plan to resign, despite faculty demands. A push to raise retention Last month, the student newspaper, the Mountain Echo, published an article that suggested Newman wanted to use results from a new freshmen survey to dismiss about 20 to 25 students in the first weeks of college with the goal of improving the institution's reported retention rates. Newman faced significant pushback from faculty members and administrators after proposing the plan. No students were dismissed under it this year. After the story went public, Newman fired the paper's advisor, professor Ed Egan, and tenured associate professor Thane Naberhaus. Additionally, Newman requested and received professor David Rehm's resignation from provost. The three opposed the plan. Newman frames the retention program as an effort—not to push students out—but rather to help identify those who may be better off at another school before they take on significant debt at Mount St. Mary's. Two fired professors rehired Newman announced Friday at a faculty meeting that he was reinstating Egan and Naberhaus. A statement from the university called Newman's actions "a first step of reconciliation and healing in the season of Lent and the Year of Mercy." At a faculty meeting, Newman said the reversal was an effort to "eliminate the feelings of fear and injustice that any may be harboring, work through our misunderstandings, and make a new beginning as a unified team." Rehm, however, has not been reinstated as provost, according to university spokesperson Christian Kendzierski. Nauberhaus initially said he would not return to Mount St. Mary's. He changed his mind Sunday night, stating, "I am returning for my students, who were left without a replacement for me last week. My aim in returning is the same as my aim in teaching generally: to deepen the hunger for truth in my students." Egan said he was also unsure about returning and that he was bothered by Newman's message of forgiveness. He told colleagues at a faculty meeting that Newman's statement suggested "I had done something wrong and was in need of his mercy." "Reinstating me does not make these other problems go away, and Simon Newman needs to show mercy on Mount St. Mary's and resign," Egan says, adding that he is consulting lawyers on next steps. Professors call for resignation, Newman remains Related Administrative Support for Academic Departments Faculty Support Units Faculty members voted over the weekend 87-3 to demand Newman's resignation. "When we were deliberating, some faculty members wanted to make sure that, regardless of the outcome, some of the initiatives that President Newman has started would be continued," David McCarthy, secretary to the faculty, says. The deadline for Newman to resign passed Monday; as such, observers say he does not plan to leave Mount St. Mary's. The university was closed Monday because of a snowstorm, so professors were unable to meet about Newman's decision. However, McCarthy says professors plan to reconvene later in the week. Meanwhile, professors have noted a climate of fear at the university, with some upset about the termination of colleagues and uncertainty about their careers. Students rally in support Newman may not have garnered much praise from faculty, but Newman has received widespread support from the university's student body. Some have organized a "Pro-Newman" petition that states, "While President Newman has been working diligently to improve the school and increase enrollment, many people involved here at the Mount have made the decision to distort his efforts in a very negative connotation." The petition had more than 530 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon. Students have also been circulating fliers, making signs applauding Newman, and pointing to efforts he has made on campus, such as launching new student services and events. Mount St. Mary's Student Government Association conducted a survey on students' approval of Newman, with more than 75% of respondents saying they are in favor of him. Newman attended a rally on Monday organized by students and thanked them for their support (Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed, 2/15; Stack, New York Times, 2/12; Svrluga, "Grade Point," Washington Post, 2/14; Svrluga, "Grade Point," Washington Post, 2/15). Topics Faculty Affairs, Academic Affairs, Student Retention and Success EAB Daily Briefing Mount St. Mary's fires provost, tenured professor, newspaper advisor Next in Today's Briefing Who's the best student? Men and women reply differently Next Briefing Today's EAB Daily Briefing Today's EAB Daily Briefing Featured I was a Pell Grant recipient. It wasn't enough. 6:30 AM - April 19, 2019


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2003: Dublin, INTEGER House
Innovative four bedroom private house to demonstrate Intelligent & Green ideas and technologies. The house was built in the garden of an adjoining property and was carefully designed for best solar aspect, outlook and privacy and to minimise impact on its neighbours.
It consists of three timber pavilions joined by a glazed solar space – granny annex, living space, and bedroom wing. Features include: off-site fabrication using highly insulated timber panel construction, sedum turf roof, air source heat pump, networked technology cabling etc.
Next Project
Previous Project


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The fight better still be on. If Omega drops out Bullshido will never hear the end of this
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Bullshido Video
The fight better still be on. If Omega drops out Bullshido will never hear the end of this
6 comments:
It's nice to see some people still have class in this world. For someone putting out a challenge, it's funny that Mr Bullshido hasn't clearly accepted these mere terms yet.
I guess we'll just wait for yet another BS member to pull out of yet another fight.
- Aaron
- July 16, 2008 at 6:07 PM
- Squerlli said...
Wow. Truly an epic troll.
Seriously, for as much drama as you've stirred up you deserve an award. In all honestly you should get a trophy.
- July 16, 2008 at 10:22 PM
How exactly is this any different from how Bullshido treats anyone who studies most tradional arts?
e.g. TKD, Wing Tsun, Aikido, etc
Sometimes I think the site is just one big troll attempt for people who are students of these arts.
- Aaron
- July 17, 2008 at 10:38 PM
- OmegaSucks said...
This is the irony these morons fail to grasp. Their entire site is a troll (circa 2003 when TMA bashing was funny and new) yet they cry troll because they are finally on the recieving end.
- July 19, 2008 at 8:21 AM
- Squerlli said...
What's wrong Lawrence? Too scared to post my other comment?
It's cute how I post a response to aaron's question, call you out on being a washed up troll, make a valid point on Bullshido, and for some reason it's not here?
Veerd right? You are a sad man. Whatever thanks for proving you're never going to show for a fight.
- July 19, 2008 at 2:15 PM
- OmegaSucks said...
There was no other comment and I'm not scared of anything that derives from bullshido.
You'll notice I publish ALL comments.
Your hero Omega has ducked. Case closed. So there's no 'fight' for me to 'show' for.
- July 19, 2008 at 11:01 PM


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E-posten eller passordet du skrev inn, er feil. Hvis du har glemt passordet, kan du tilbakestille det. Klikk her
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Fra USD 639,00
Absolutely awe-inspiring!!! Firstly, I must commend the company for ensuring smooth, timely movements during the trip..We were met at the airport at the luggage carousel, by the incomparable Andres- such a genuine warmth, and an absolute font of information.
We were unfortunately hampered by the effects of altitude, and were forced to cut short the Cusco tour, though again, we were met at the hotel as previously agreed, and joined a small group to begin the tour of the church. This is the one thing I'd perhaps change...allowing guests a full day to become acclimatized should they be susceptible to altitude sickness, rather than scheduling activities several hours after arrival. Fully recovered on day two, we were again on schedule, in the capable hands of Mr. Timothee, comfortably, taken to the train station for the journey to Machu Picchu.. I must make special mention of Messrs. Andres and Timothee, who allowed us opportunity to stop along the way to revisit highlights of the Cusco tour -Sacred Valley-which we'd missed the day prior. Seamless transition along the journey, was apparent throughout...comfortable, scenic train transfer, again, being met immediately upon arrival by our excellent guide Javier.
I guess there several things I would say to convey our satisfaction with the tour...The destination is spectacular..beautiful vistas, opportunities for immersion in a culture whose history dates back more than 5 thousand years. The staff involved in presenting the destination to the traveler are special.. warm, informative, with genuine passion for their home and interest in sharing this with visitors. The attention to detail, in ensuring the itinerary was followed, certainly added to our peace of mind, placing ourselves fully in the staff's capable hands.
Tremendous..thanks Andres, Javier, Mr. Timothy
It's impossible to describe the experience of being at Machu Picchu...Awe-inspiring, -struck, -some
We had used Viator for day trips but never a multiday trip and had some trepidation about that but we were pleasantly surprised The rep.from Valencia Cusco Travel, Andres, did a good job of briefing us, was knowledgeable and was a great people person! Everyone showed up on time, and it ran smoothly. We had good guides for Cusco and Machu Picchu. Other people joined us for different parts of our small group tour which was fun.


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So we had a mask night and tried some of the many masks I've gotten but haven't really managed to try.
Omg it's so cold & I look like Jim Carey!
I've been under a lot of stress emotionally and physically lately and I can tell my body is so unbalanced right now I need a compass to get right! Do let me know if you have any good tips on how to unwind and stop stressing about things.
We tried two masks from two different brands but kind of felt the same results; moisturized & smooth like an operator!
Kocostar slice sheet masks
Comes in various flavors such as cucumber, watermelon, lemon and so on. The scent is as the name reveals and so yummy one forgets it's a face mask and not a real eatable! It's not like the regular sheet masks that covers your entire face rather it's tiny circles that you place here and there as in wherever you feel needed. You do need to tap the sheets a bit for them to stick and if you're a person with hairy face it won't stick so no need trying.
The Kocostar masks are said to give your face a natural glow, rehydration and softer surface and Ous used the watermelon flavored one.
Kiss NY Pro does have a few masks to choose from such as the ones I used (Hydrogel face mask, charcoal powder) or their broad range of face sheets and hydrogel face masks. As most mask theirs also come in various flavors as mentioned above where each flavor has it's own perks and focus areas. One that I really want to try is the African black soap mask!
The hydrogel mask I used is said to have a pore minimizing & purifying effect for your pretty face!
It's a water based gel mask with essential oils and natural extracts. Dermatologically tested, without parabens or artificial colorants.
Both masks at supposed to be applied on a clean dry skin for approximately 15-30 minutes but can be used as a overnight mask as well.
My favorite amongst the two types is the full face masks as I don't like sticky things and applying the slice sheets seems a bit trickier than the face mask which only consists of two pieces whilst the slice sheets has twelve smaller pieces. It also feels like the face masks gets all of your face however the slice sheets allows you to only "mask where you need it" and is preferable if you want to double mask (use different type of masks for individual trouble areas).
Well. To buy the masks please click here for masks from Kiss NY Pro or click here for masks from Kocostar. If you do buy any and tries them, please let me know what you think by sending me a dm on Instagram. You'll find me there as iamayshajones.
Stay maskalicious everyone!


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New update to WhatsApp could introduce much asked for âsent message deleteâ feature: Check out nowReuters
It now seems that popular Instant Messaging Service WhatsApp would soon be updated with a much demanded feature that lets senders delete sent messages in case of wrong recipients.Going by a new report, a new beta version incorporating this functionality would be released soon.
Therefore, it should do no harm for WhatsApp users (irrespective of platforms) to keep track of new beta releases of the app's versions. Going by the above newly surfaced report, it seems that the new beta version of the app would provide options to trash messages after being sent to recipients, before these get read by the intended person(s).
Also, a feature that is rumoured to offer 'autocorrect' solutions may also be introduced with the future incremental update to WhatsApp.
However, at this juncture, it is not known as to when this next important update to WhatsApp would be released. Hence, it only becomes imperative for WhatsApp loyalists to update the IM on a regular basis.
The above rumoured feature should do WhatsApp users a world of good, considering the fact that another much requested feature viz. video calling was also made live officially across the world. This functionality has turned out to be a boon and is being considered, even by non WhatsApp loyalists, as a communication bridge irrespective of geographical barriers.


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Business Wire 10-Aug-2018 4:55 PM
Mannatech, Incorporated (NASDAQ: MTEX), a global health and wellness company committed to transforming lives to make a better world, announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the company to begin the repurchase of up to $0.5 million of the company's outstanding common shares from time to time in the open market pursuant to the company's existing share repurchase program. As of July 31, 2018, the company had approximately 2.4 million shares outstanding.
The timing, volume and nature of share repurchases will be at the discretion of management and dependent on market conditions, applicable securities laws and other factors and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Repurchases will be subject to market conditions and other factors, including our company's black-out periods during which the company and its insiders are prohibited from trading in the company's common shares. While black-out periods typically occur after the end of a fiscal quarter in anticipation of the public release of quarterly earnings, the company may impose a black-out period at any time without advance public notice. No assurance can be given that any particular amount of common stock will be repurchased. This repurchase program may be modified or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
About Mannatech
Mannatech, Incorporated is committed to transforming lives through the development of high quality integrated health, weight management, fitness and skin care products distributed through its global network of independent associates and members. The company has been operating for more than 20 years with operations in 26 markets^. For more information, visit Mannatech.com.
^ Mannatech operates in China under a cross-border e-commerce platform that is separate from its network marketing model.
Please Note: This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of phrases or terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "hope," "could," "would," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "approximates," "predicts," "projects," "potential," and "continues" or other similar words or the negative of such terminology. Similarly, descriptions of Mannatech's objectives, strategies, plans, goals or targets contained herein are also considered forward-looking statements. Mannatech believes this release should be read in conjunction with all of its filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and cautions its readers that these forward-looking statements are subject to certain events, risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Some of these factors include, among others, Mannatech's inability to attract and retain associates and members, increases in competition, litigation, regulatory changes, and its planned growth into new international markets. Although Mannatech believes that the expectations, statements, and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cautions readers to always consider all of the risk factors and any other cautionary statements carefully in evaluating each forward-looking statement in this release, as well as those set forth in its latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other filings filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including its current reports on Form 8-K. All of the forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this release.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180810005403/en/
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Pro Wiring Harness
Cut install times in half with the Nitrous Outlet Pro Wiring Harness!
The Nitrous Outlet Pro Wiring Harness was designed to eliminate the problems associated with nitrous installs. With the electronics and accessories available in today's nitrous systems, wiring can quickly become an intimidating and extremely time consuming job. This harness is user friendly, and can be used by beginners and pros alike. The end result is a professional prebuilt harness that will simplify any nitrous install saving you time and money.
All Nitrous Outlet harnesses are assembled with pre-terminated Deutch connectiors for a 2-stages, a single opener, single heater, dedicated fuel system, purge, and either WinMax or Promax controllers. Leads provided for TPS input, RPM input, Nitrous Outlet switch panel, and timing retard on GM vehicles. Harnesses are available for all vehicle types..
We can add on dual heaters and dual openers for an additional charge. Contact a Nitrous Outlet Tech Specialist at 254-848-4300!


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In our third and final installment of Sami and Anjana's wedding we get to see highlights from their reception. If you haven't already seen their morning or ceremony photos be sure to check those earlier blog posts.
Their reception at the US Grant had decor by florist Jennifer Cole, planning by Crown Weddings, beauty by Oscar Naranjo, dress by my favorite designer Sabyasachi and photography by Braja Mandala The golden tones matched perfectly to their wedding ceremony and tied everything together so perfectly.
Anjana and Sami were such a fun couple to photograph. Anjana's bigger than life personality lit up the dance floor and made for some amazing candid photographs. Photography tip – when choosing your photographer be sure to get to know them and establish a connection with them it makes a world of difference in your wedding photographs. The more comfortable you are with your photographer the more at ease you will feel and thats when your photographer will be able to capture some real life moments of you, your family and friends.


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It's that time of year again: The Images of Edina photo contest has returned for its 14th year of beautiful photos of our community. This photo contest, presented by Edina Magazine and the city of Edina, showcases the best photographers in our community—not to mention the subjects that give them inspiration.
We're looking for photos that show off the core values of Edina in five categories:
- Business
- Community Events
- People
- Places
- Plants & Animals
We'll accept submissions April 3—June 16, and Readers' Choice voting will take place June 19—July 21. A panel of judges from the city of Edina, Edina Magazine and the community will select the best in each category and announce on or around August 20.
Start looking back at your favorite photos from the past year and select some favorites. You'll be able to submit your photos via this page beginning April 3, so keep this address bookmarked! Be sure to read the Images of Edina FAQ and our official Rules and Guidelines before submitting your photos.
2017 Images of Edina Photo Contest Timeline
- Submissions accepted online from April 3, 2017-June 16, 2017.
- Readers' Choice voting will take place online from June 19, 2017-July 21, 2017.
- Winners will be announced online on or around August 20, 2017.
Have questions?
- Images of Edina photo contest Rules and Guidelines
- Images of Edina photo contest FAQ
- For additional questions please contact web editor Caitlin Crees


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Please follow the following steps exactly to submit your paper for indexing.
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Transformation and affluenza in an unjust, unequal and unsustainable world
Humanity is standing on a precipice. The convergence of multiple crises including the climate and environmental crises along with a shrinking democratic space, the rise of national populism and deepening global inequality as made the future of humanity seem bleak and unpredictable. How do we address these issues and effect deep transformational change in the face of the current political, social and economic situation? How do we "unadjust" ourselves to the over consumptive lifestyles that even those in the INGO and NGO sector have fallen victim too? How do we address affluenza, a disease that is crippling humanity? Understanding the role that all of us play as part of the problem is part of the solution but is only the first step. Bold systemic change requires courage and tenacity to challenge immoral conventions and orthodoxies.
Kumi will be speaking at 18:30 on the 31st of August – we will be streaming the event live and inviting questions for Kumi for the end of the talk. If you'd like to ask a question related to the talk then use #AskKumi and #TCONFDD17 on Twitter.


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The team at POST-IS experts have well over 20 years of automatic identification (Auto ID) experience in concepting, designing and implementing a wide variety of automatic identification systems utilizing laser and camera-based technology. Based on a very thorough understanding of the underlying technology and applications, POST-IS guides customers through the entire process:
- Selecting a particular bar code or two-dimensional code symbology if these aren't currently designated.
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- Determining the application parameters such as minimum and maximum product sizes, transport type, size and speed, system mounting constraints and upstream/downstream processes.
- Based on upstream material movement as well as operator handling, analyzing the need for multi-sided systems that can locate the symbol on up to 6 sides of an item.
- Analyzing the cost/benefit/performance difference between camera and laser-based systems
- Defining host and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) messaging requirements
- Complete installation, commissioning and handover
- Spares provisioning
- Maintenance training
- Post-sale support (telephone, remote access or on-site)
Laser Scanning
Laser-based bar code scanners are part of a mature and very well developed technology with high flexibility, superb performance and an outstanding price/performance ratio. The price of laser scanning technology has come down such that customers can more easily afford multiple read points and/or redundant scanning.
Featuring products from SICK, POST-IS offers a complete line of scanners for typical applications such as:
- Carton identification for dimensioning/routing/sorting/manifesting
- Label verification
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- Airline baggage identification
- Tote routing
- Packaging
Scanners today have tremendous performance in a package that easily fits in the palm of your hand. These scanners are very small size (perfect for reading codes in tight applications), have adjustable focus distance making them extremely configurable, dynamic focusing, and are able to handle a variety of product sizes with little control of product positioning necessary.
Imager-Based Scanning
Advances in imaging technology have made it possibly to use relatively inexpensive "array" cameras to read traditional bar codes as well as two-dimensional codes such as Data Matrix. These systems essentially take a picture of the item and use special algorithms to locate the bar code or 2-D code and decipher the information in the code. While array cameras such as these can't scan over the distances that a typical laser scanner can, the array cameras work very well in applications where the bar code appears at a relatively consistent position in front of the imager. The pictures that the imagers take can be transmitted to a computer for later use for archiving, product tracking, customer service and failure analysis.
A perfect example of a capable image-based scanner is the SICK Lector 62X. Built-in LED lighting provides the illumination necessary to read codes printed with different technologies and printed on varied backgrounds; even when the symbol is etched directly into the surface of the parts. A wealth of built-in connectivity options means that the Lector 62X can be connected to just about any host system with little effort.
CCD Cameras
For the highest possible read rates on demanding codes, customers have increasingly turned to Charge Coupled Device (CCD) Line Scan Cameras. Where the smaller array cameras provide acceptable performance where the item is at a relatively consistent distance from the camera, CCD cameras have been used to read codes on the largest possible mix of product sizes at very high conveyor speeds. The technology has proven itself so well that all the major parcel carriers and many of the largest retailers use this type of camera in their sortation and distribution facilities. The systems can be configured so that all six sides of a parcel (including the bottom) can be read and images stored for the entire parcel. The high-resolution images captured by these cameras can be compressed for easier storage and can also be used for high performance Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to decipher address and other information.
Because these systems are imager-based, they can read two-dimensional codes such as Data Matrix, PDF417 and Maxicode plus postal codes such as USPS Postnet, Planet and Intelligent Mail Bar Code in addition to postal codes from other postal administrations. Once the image is captured, it can be sent to an operator key station to have information added to the record regarding ship-to and ship-from addresses, package contents, package conditions, etc. This process is known a video encoding and can be used to automatically process packages that would normally be handled manually to improve overall system throughput.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Early, widespread use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) occurred in postal administrations as a way to speed mail that didn't have any bar codes to enable automated sortation. OCR algorithms and computer processor speed have advanced to the point where OCR doesn't have to be limited to a few technically sophisticated customers who were able to fund the original expensive development of the technology. Today, OCR can be used more readily to identify shipping information (ship-to and ship-from) on mail items but in other applications such as manufacturing and distribution.
Today, OCR is available from a variety of sources such as Bell + Howell, Lockheed Martin, Siemens, Planet, Parascript, PrimeVision and RAF. POST-IS can help integrate these packages into a complete system to meet specific customer requirements.
Parcel carriers are increasingly turning to dimensional weight (essentially a determination of cubic volume) rather than weight as the method for determining shipping costs. Since the space inside a truck or plane is filled by parcels and freight before the weight limit is reached, carriers want shippers who are sending larger cubic volume packages to pay higher rates. To determine dimensional weight, carriers measure the cubic volume of the package and divide by a constant factor to calculate the dimensional weight. If the dimensional weight is greater than the actual weight, the customer pays the calculated dimensional weight.
Shippers who don't measure their package's dimensions and include these measurements in shipping manifests are likely to be charged a billing adjustment when the carrier's material handling system measures the package as is progresses through their system. Since the shipper has already charged the freight to its own customer, the billing adjustment from the carrier can't be recaptured and ends up as uncaptured freight cost.
To avoid these billing adjustments, POST-IS can provide dimensioning systems that can be incorporated into automatic identification and sortation systems. These dimensioning systems can then feed dimensional information (and weight) to the customer's manifest system so all items are correctly identified, weighed and measured. Systems can be created for regular, cuboidal freight and irregular, non-cuboidal freight as well.


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Adoremus, CH III
<<< Back to Adoremus, Chapter II
The first thing Rodney noticed about this planet of Wraith Worshippers was that they certainly hadn't used their connections to improve their quality of life.
The Stargate had opened up into swampy plain filled with tall, white-gold grasses. The MALP they'd sent had gotten stuck just a few feet from the gate, and beyond assuring them no Wraith Worshippers were waiting in ambush, had really provided very little other information, though the stuck part should have warned them of the morass of water and mud that they were now trudging through.
"Whose brilliant idea was it not to do this from a Jumper?" he snapped in a whisper.
"Wraith Worshippers are not traditionally hostile upon first greeting," Teyla whispered back. "They practice deception and false trust. If we approach them in a way that frightens them, we may never discover the truth of their practices."
"Because these," Rodney lifted his P-90 a little, "are completely not scary."
"Not if you don't use it," John shot back from the head of the line. "Now shut it and keep your eyes open."
They worked through the sludge slowly, with nothing seeming amiss beyond the few waterfowl and animals they scared out of hiding. Though the area was open, Rodney was sure he saw a few serpents slither within striking range.
Sheppard was the first to hit solid Earth, a thousand or so feet from the Gate. It was not much of an improvement, the ground being soft and soggy, but they were no longer in water up to their knees.
They trudged along a little further, the Gate growing to a small circle behind them, when they came atop a rise which suddenly and inadvertently sloped swiftly downward, to a circle of grass-built huts. Around them, the high white-gold grass waved breezily until it met with the edge of the village.
Sheppard crouched down a little, pointing two fingers forward. Ronon took point and Teyla worked her way behind Rodney. They progressed carefully down the plain, within the shelter of the grasses, trying not to look obvious but obviously very obvious.
They'd come within a few hundred yards of the village when something shifted in the grasses to their left. Sheppard's response was instantaneous; he fell into a crouch, P-90 raised. Ronon whirled towards the sound, gun raised.
A thin figure moved through the brush, almost invisible, arms raised. The character studied them as he moved into the light, a boy, maybe twelve or thirteen, almost completely pale white save for the dark circles beneath his light blue eyes. His smile revealed what Rodney already knew the moment he saw him.
The sound of stunner fire was the last thing he heard.
Richard slowly lowered the mission report he was reading, eyes flickering towards the figure who'd been standing in the doorway for the last thirty-seconds, watching him.
Mayel Serrana eyes wide and questioning, was before him, her arms tucked behind her back. He smiled politely, which she took as a cue to enter.
"May I ask you a question?" she said, an awkward expression on her face.
He smiled. "Of course. Please, have a seat."
She remained standing. "Is there a reason why Joh…Colonel Sheppard dislikes Commander Radim so much?"
Richard sat back. He'd heard a rumor that there'd been an argument in the dining hall, and Sheppard's earlier behavior had seemed to indicate as much. But he hadn't expected her to confirm it quite this directly. "That's a bit of a loaded question, Commander Serrana."
"Loaded? What does that mean?"
He sat back in his chair, removing his glasses. "It means it's…complicated. To start, I wouldn't say he hates him, exactly, but he certainly doesn't trust him."
"Well, truthfully, that is something I'm not terribly familiar with. I have the information on Colonel Sheppard's involvement with Commander Radim, but honestly, I couldn't tell you if their feelings towards one another are personal or relating to some of the decisions made regarding the Genii and Atlantis. Most of the dealings with Commander Radim occurred with my predecessor."
"Colonel Carter?"
"No. Doctor Elizabeth Weir."
There was a flash of recognition in Serrana's eyes.
"You knew Doctor Weir, I take it?"
"No, not directly," she murmured, finally sitting. "But the man under whom I served a few years ago—he was quite…interested…in Elizabeth Weir."
"And who was that?"
She looked up at him. "Acastus Kolya."
"Ah." The name of Kolya wasn't unfamiliar at all to Richard; he knew most of the exploits by the former Genii. But on a personal level, Kolya was no different for him than any of the other faceless adversaries the Atlantis Expedition had encountered early in its mission. He'd never met Kolya and didn't think he'd have wanted to, but he also had no more information on him than what had been written in the mission reports.
"I can tell you some of what I know regarding Ladon's rise to power, but I'm sure you're aware of the coup he initiated and Atlantis's involvement in that," he said. At her nod in response, he continued, "but on a personal level I have very little information on Ladon Radim other than what I know of him now. I'm not sure why there is animosity between them. Truthfully, the best person to ask that question of is, of course, Colonel Sheppard."
Her face flushed. "O-of course. I'll see if I can find him."
Richard frowned. "You won't—he's gone off-world."
"Off-world?" Mayel looked surprised. "He didn't say anything to me about that. Of course, if it is not my concern…"
"It may be. They went to investigate a potential threat to our newest allies."
"Threat?" She bit on her bottom lip. "I had not realized there was danger involved with them."
"We don't know all the details yet. I felt it might be premeditated to fully involve the Coalition until we knew more."
"Perhaps. But I believe if we hope to build our alliance, the Coalition should be kept informed of all dealings with our allies—even if Atlantis has not traditionally shared such information in the past."
He pursed his lips, then smiled. "Perhaps you're right."
She rose with a small smile. "Please let me know when they return."
"I will. And don't worry…Colonel Sheppard and his team can take care of themselves."
Her face colored. "Thank you, Mr. Woolsey."
As she turned to leave, he took up his pen, and raised it in her direction, feeling a little bit of pity for her. "You may want to speak with Doctor Zelenka. He would be the best person to ask. He was present during many of the early encounters with Commander Radim. Doctor Beckett may also be able to tell you more, but he's off-world at present."
"Thank you, again," she said, turning to leave. Her head popped back through the doorway a moment later. "Doctor Weir—she was killed, wasn't she?"
"In a manner of speaking," he said softly. "Yes."
Her mouth quirked at his cryptic response, but she asked no more questions. He clicked the light on his desk lamp and went back to his report.
John blinked twice, his head swimming. His body had the same uncomfortable numbness he always got when hit with a Wraith stunner, only there was a much more pleasant breeze brushing across his face than he normally felt in Hive ships.
I'm not on a Hive ship.
The world around him flew into focus and he found himself bound on a dirt floor, with a straw roof above his head. Nearby, the other members of his team were squirming a little, returning to consciousness.
Footsteps sounded close to him and he rolled over, blinking once more, and followed the pair of white-mudstreaked legs now near his head upwards, until he caught sight of a muddy, white-tinted face staring down at him.
"Hello," he coughed.
"Are you here to attack us?" asked the figure, whose voice and manner were both surprisingly subdued. Or maybe surprisingly was the wrong word—his last encounter with Wraith Worshippers had proven they were nothing like they appeared, so sounding subdued may be par for the course.
"Do we look like we want to attack you?" asked John. The man made a face, and pointed towards the pile of Atlantis weapons now stacked against a far wall.
"Those are for defense," John replied in answer to his silent inquiry. He struggled to sit up, still having to crane his neck to see his interrogator's face. "Our defense. Which is something very helpful. Sometimes."
"If you come peaceably, you should not have snuck up on our village," said the man. "Who are you?"
"We are explorers, from the City of Atlantis," Teyla said, rolling over on her side. "We did not come to harm you."
"Atlantis? The City of the Ancestors?"
The man frowned. "We had heard the City of the Ancestors was a peaceful place. Why do you carry such weapons?"
"As Colonel Sheppard mentioned, they are our protection against the Wraith. We acted no differently here than we act on other worlds upon which we first arrive," said Teyla. She was sitting up now, looking earnest. "For our own safety and protection we are very cautious as to how we approach new worlds."
Very convincing.
"Let them go, Tugh," said a voice from behind them. An older man entered the hut, scanning the group with interest. "They pose no threat to us."
"We do not know this, Lyo," said Tugh. "They could be involved."
"Obviously they are not, or they would not regard our people with such interest." He nodded towards McKay, who was blinking and staring some of the observers up and down in unmitigated fascination. "Had they been aware of us, they would not find our attire unique."
They were definitely unique, John gave them that. What had appeared as white figures were actually figures painted from head to toe in mud—the same white mud in the swamp surrounding the Stargate, which John found himself coated in from the knees down. Everything, from faces to hair to clothing, was painted white.
"Who are you?" John asked.
The man named Lyo continued to smile his pleasant smile. "We are the Artho."
"The Artho?" Ronon said in surprise. "I heard your people were destroyed."
"Our original homeworld was destroyed by the Wraith, but we found this one as a suitable alternative. I am certain a Satedan can understand."
John studied Ronon, who was looking over the group with respect, and nodded his head in the big guy's direction. "The Artho?"
Teyla, who was staring at them with almost as much fascination on her face as Rodney, answered him. "We called them the Tribe of Shadows. They had the ability to evade almost any enemy. They were as legendary as they were elusive."
"Not anymore, I am afraid." The one named Tugh threw Lyo a sharp look, but the elder continued on, apparently unperturbed by Tugh's silent criticism. "When we were attacked, many of our number were lost. Those trained in the arts of concealment were mostly destroyed. These disguises you see before you, based upon the habitat of this planet, was the best we were able to mirror of our old traits. Now, the Artho are no different than any other race trying to survive in these troubled times."
"We have said enough," said Tugh, stepping in front of his elder. "Just because they say they are one thing does not mean they speak the truth. We were fooled as easily last time."
"Last time we welcomed a race with whom none of us were familiar," Lyo replied. "In this instance, we meet with an Athosian and a Satedan, who have both placed their trust in the two from Atlantis. Our own scouts have heard of the marvels of the City. What makes you believe they know anything about the Wraith Worshippers?"
John flicked a glance back at Rodney, who was staring wide-eyed between him and the other members of the team. Tugh caught sight of the scientist's face and immediately gestured to a couple of guards in the shadows, who held stunners.
"Because they know of what we speak," he said, moving forward menacingly. "They know about the children."
Carson tapped his patient on the shoulder, urging him to go join his friends, then yawned and stretched. The examinations were almost all done, and he would be glad to be heading back to Atlantis.
The number of children protected in the cave shelter was rather large; not surprising, perhaps, for a race that spent this much trouble preserving their youth in such a way.
The Elder had been a little hesitant to allow examination of every child, but as soon as she saw a few of them go through the relatively painless procedure, she had relented and even seemed to appreciate the gesture, now. Almost all the children were in relatively good health and having a ball in their underground wonderland.
He had three more left to see, two little girls and a boy, about seven, who was trembling in anticipation at the edge of the circle. Carson gestured to him kindly, and he trudged forward, rubbing one arm with his hand.
Carson turned him around, speaking soothingly, and placed his stethoscope to the boy's chest. His heart was beating quickly, though that wasn't perhaps unusual before something as scary as an exam.
He turned the boy around, asking him a few questions, when the noticed the edge of the boy's fringes had a hard, cakey material on them, tinged white. He pulled at it and it came off on his fingers, crumbling as he rubbed them together.
"Been playing in the mud?" he asked genially. The boy shook his head.
"Don't worry—it'll come off with another good rinse. Now I'm going to touch your neck for a moment, just to make sure you're well and healthy. Nothing scary, just a bit of a touch here—"
He paused, glancing down at the nape of the boy's neck as he did the exam. A small, dark tattoo stained the skin. It was a distinctive mark, one Carson had seen before. Recently. He dropped his hands, and tilted the young man's head a little further to the right.
The boy's eyes widened and he twisted away, frightened. Carson tried to smile a comforting smile, but it felt a bit fake.
It was a bit fake. The mark was one Carson had seen on the neck of the attackers to the village—the Wraith worshippers. Men who had been covered in mud. Just the color of the kind the boy wore in his hair.
He grasped the boy's wrist softly, smiled, and continued with the exam, his eyes searching the cave area inadvertently.
The Elder was near the doorway, a pleasant smile on her face. But her eyes were fixed on Carson, and the look in them wasn't nearly so pleasant.
Mayel Serrana peered into one of the labs on Atlantis, searching for the small, blond scientist she knew as Radek Zelenka.
Her instincts had told her to leave the matter regarding John and Ladon alone, to allow John time to regain composure. He had always had an antipathy towards Ladon, so his reaction was not wholly unexpected, though his actions were somewhat extreme.
Perhaps it was the closeness in which they now found themselves entwined which had heightened his anger to such an extent. But it was disconcerting to her that he still could not distinguish between her loyalty to Ladon and her personal feelings. She felt she needed to know more about John's relationship with her Genii commander, to better understand how to handle them both. Neither would openly acknowledge to her the nature of their past encounters.
Doctor Zelenka was not in the first few labs she checked, but she managed to find him in a fourth, working with a large device attached to an Ancient control panel. He warded her off walking in front of the device, and she made her way to him around the back. As was customary with the Atlantis scientists, he did not stop what he was doing to speak with her, so she began to speak as soon as she reached him.
"Doctor, Mr. Woolsey tells me you have been on Atlantis from the beginning?"
"Yes," he said distractedly. "I came through the original wormhole with Doctor McKay and his first science team."
"So you have witnessed everything that has happened to the Atlanteans from the beginning?"
"Including with the Genii?"
"Then…you know about the history between Commander Radim and Colonel Sheppard? Because I am curious."
He turned to her, now intrigued. "Between Colonel Sheppard and your…Radim? Your leader?"
"Well, ah…" His hand flew to his glasses. "What are you wanting to know, exactly?"
"Why does Colonel Sheppard dislike Ladon?"
"Ooo." The small man's cheeks puffed out for a moment. "This is quite, um, a loaded question."
There was that word being used wrongly again. The same way Mr. Woolsey had used it.
"I believe there are a number of reasons," Zelenka continued, "but it starts perhaps with Ladon being a part of the strike team during the siege of the storm."
"I was aware of that. But Ladon didn't kill anyone during that raid."
"No, but his contributions led to the deaths of a few of Colonel Sheppard's men, and to assaults on Doctor McKay and Doctor Weir—our expedition head at the time."
"Yes, I am familiar with Doctor Weir and what happened."
"Of course." Zelenka turned back to his machine, though his attention was not upon the device. "In any case, Colonel Sheppard did not particularly like any Genii to start, but I believe it became more complicated when Ladon set him up to be part of a trap for your former Commander Cowen."
"During the transfer of power."
"Yes. Commander Radim, during his takeover of the Genii, led Colonel Sheppard into a trap, so to speak. He spared them only because Doctor Weir managed to find a way to save Ladon's sister."
"Dahlia." Mayel studied the man thoughtfully. "So J—Colonel Sheppard has animosity towards him because Ladon betrayed him?"
"Betrayed him, attempted to blow him up, was not truthful with him—I believe any of those would have given Colonel Sheppard reason to dislike him."
She pursed her lips.
"But," the little man said suddenly. "Truthfully, I believe Ladon Radim may be a special case because he is Genii."
She stiffened. "Genii?"
"The Genii have done nothing to earn his trust. It has been the story of them all."
Mayel raised an eyebrow. Zelenka noted her silence and glanced over, his eyes widening. "Present company excluded, of course."
She didn't acknowledge the last remark. "So the extent of their animosity lies with politics."
"There was nothing ever…direct…that happened between Colonel Sheppard and Radim personally, that I am aware of. Quite a lot has transpired because of their relationships, however. It is possible Colonel Sheppard feels Ladon is not fully trustworthy because he has shown his loyalty lies only with the Genii, not with anyone else."
"But isn't this true for all races—even Atlantis? Isn't Colonel Sheppard's priority Atlantis before all others?"
"Yes, I think that is the correct way to describe him." Zelenka looked over the rim of his glasses at her. "And this is something that one should remember, I think, because Colonel Sheppard will not change."
She stared at him, noting the serious expression in his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"
The speaker woven throughout Atlantis's walls boomed loudly with the sound of Chuck's voice, the Atlantis communications technician. "Commander Serrana, please report to the Gateroom."
Zelenka was still peering at her over his glasses. She smiled a small smile at him, then turned and hurried from the room.
Rodney arched back as much as he could away from the Wraith stunners now pointed at his head. Didn't they know the potential ramifications of a stun shot to the head? Couldn't they consider lowering the things?
Sheppard interrupted his train of thought with a nonchalant shrug. "Kids?"
The group stared at him, and he sighed. "Kids. Children. You were saying something about them?"
"Yes." The one named Two or Tuh frowned down at him. "Someone has stolen them. Someone whom you apparently are working with."
The nonchalance dropped from John's expression. "Stolen your kids?"
The nicer guy, Lyo, had lost his previously pleasant expression. "You know of the stolen children?"
John's eyes flickered towards the team. He was weighing how to respond. Teyla nodded once at him, and he nodded back.
"We were told you were the ones doing the stealing."
Lyo's expression morphed from doubtful to shocked. "Us?"
"We encountered your group on a planet which we previously explored," Teyla said. "They were attacking the villagers of that planet."
"And they were discovered?"
"Yes," Teyla replied softly. She did not elaborate.
"They were acting hostile. The villagers took action," John replied.
Lyo glanced sadly at the Too guy, whose expression was dark. The older one put a hand on the younger's arm. That was a good sign.
"Three nights ago, our children were stolen," said Lyo. "Those who took them concealed their faces, but they spared no one. Every child of the Artho was taken, save those too young to be taken from their mother's breast."
"It has taken us three days to discover their location. But we did so and sent a scout party to their world, to see if we could identify what happened to our children. And now you tell us they have been discovered and killed. This is a sad day for our people."
Teyla frowned. "It is unlike the Artho to be as bold as they were. They appeared in the open, with no camouflage. Why did your people not scout this world before they approached?"
"It has been three days!" Big Guy said angrily. "Our children have been stolen. We do not have time to waste!"
Lyo watched him disapprovingly but didn't try to argue with him. Instead, he turned and held out his hands. "As I mentioned before, the old ways of the Artho are passing on. We needed resolution."
"Your resolution got your people killed," Ronon murmured. Big Guy looked about to order a round of stun beams at that one, but Lyo raised his hand again and Teyla offered an apology.
"Look, obviously somebody's got their wires crossed here, so let me ask you something," said Sheppard. "Did you happen to get a good look at the weapons they used?"
"Somewhat," Lyo said, now confused. Rodney didn't blame him, he wasn't sure where Sheppard was going with this.
"Did one of them use a gun like that?" He nodded towards the pile, where Ronon's stunner lay on top of everything else.
The Artho turned to look at the weapon, with the Big Guy turning back angrily. "A red killing beam. Yes."
"Hold on a second," Sheppard said as the stunners pressed in closer, "do you really think we'd ask you if you recognized the weapons we used to take your kids if we took your kids?"
"Tugh," said Lyo. Rodney was suddenly extremely thankful that villagers typically had elders.
"Why do you bring this comparison up?" Lyo continued.
"Because the leader of that other village had a gun just like it," John replied, glancing back at the team.
Rodney frowned, the comparison suddenly dawning on him. "Oh my god! You think…"
"They are the Worshippers," Teyla said quietly. "In which case…"
"Amelia and the doc could be in big trouble," John finished.
"I suggest you let us go," Ronon said, his attention towards Big Guy and the Artho. There was something menacing in his voice Rodney hadn't ever heard before, and that was saying something, for Ronon. "If you want your children back."
"How do we know that you are not…"
"We're not," the Satedan cut him off. "You don't want to trust us, that's your business. But if you want your kids back, you need to release us. Now. I can guarantee we'll make sure the worshippers pay in the process."
There was a look in his eye that made it very clear he spoke the truth. Lyo studied him for a moment, then nodded, and the Big Guy did not offer any argument to the contrary. The Artho put down their stunners, and released them from their bindings.
Sheppard stood, rubbing his wrists. "We gotta get a message to Atlantis. Now."
Mayel stared at the shimmering pool of the Stargate, glancing over at the young man who worked the dialing switch on the console. He seemed to be paying no particular interest to her conversation with Commander Radim, though with those on Atlantis she was never quite certain how attentive they were being.
"Mayel? Are you still there?" she heard Ladon ask, somewhat wearily. She did not blame him for his frustration; she had been less than focused in the last few weeks.
"I apologize, Commander. As I said before, we know nothing more than what Mr. Woolsey informed me of regarding the new contacts—there was a possible threat, in some form, to our alliance with them."
"I see. I presume the expedition led by Colonel Sheppard will clarify this information?"
"Presumably," she said flatly. A tiny grin flashed across the technician's face. He was indeed paying attention. She turned her face towards him and he immediately turned his attention back to the dialer, his smile fading.
Ladon was silent for a moment, apparently trying to figure what to say next. She could picture the expression upon his face; the pensive look he got when trying to sort through an issue.
"What about developments on the Wraith drug?" He asked a few moments later.
Mayel shook her head. "Nothing to report that would interest the Genii or the Coalition."
"I see," he drew out slowly. "Well, I do have some information for you regarding a new potential alliance member. Can you return for a few hours for a debriefing and assessment? I promise you may return to Atlantis to follow up with Colonel Sheppard's progress."
She cleared her throat, feeling her face grow hot. "Of course."
"Then we are ready to receive you; you may pass through the gate at any time."
"Thank you." She turned to Chuck. "Will you please inform Mr. Woolsey that I have gone to the Genii homeworld for a few hours? I will return when I can."
He nodded. "Sure."
"Thank you."
She headed briskly down the stairs, throwing one last smile up at Chuck, who acknowledged her with a bow of his head. It did not appear that he had caught the coded conversation between her and Ladon.
Something that would not seem to interest the Genii was something that always interested the Genii.
Amelia was checking the connections on the receiver when Carson came up to her, smiling broadly, though there was concern in his usually bright blue eyes.
She straightened, her hands moving to the receiver at the top of the console. "You ready to go, Doc? I'm almost finished here."
"Not quite. Tell me, do things around here seem a wee bit odd to you?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Besides Neverlands hidden in caves, assaults by albinos and villager women toting mega-laser pistols?"
He grinned nervously. "Aye. Well, it's just that…"
"Just what?"
"One of the little ones I was just attending—he looked to have mud in his hair."
"He's a kid—isn't that sort of the norm?"
"Well, perhaps, but it was the kind of dirt that those intruders—the Wraith Worshippers—had on their clothes."
She paused in what she was doing. "You think they got to the kids?"
"Not exactly." He moved closer to her, lowering his voice. "He also had a tattoo on his neck. Right around here." His hand floated towards the bottom of his hairline, just below the ear. As a villager passed by he made like he was brushing the nape of his neck and coughed.
"And that's important because…?"
"That fellow I studied, the one killed by the elder, had the exact same kind of tattoo at the base of his neck. Exactly the same mark."
Amelia stopped what she was doing. "You think the kid and the Wraith Worshipper are connected somehow? Is that how they found this place?"
"I don't think so. That child was frightened, and even more so when he found out I'd seen the mark."
Her eyes searched Carson's, and it dawned on her what he was trying to imply. "You don't think his being here is a coincidence."
"When I finished up with the portion of children I'd been allotted to see, I took a glance around. Do you have any idea how many different genetic traits there are among those children?"
Her brow furrowed in confusion. "Genetic traits?"
"Features. Facial structure, noses, hair color, eye color, lip shape, skin color, height—"
"I get it."
"They're diverse. Incredibly diverse. They have almost as many different genetic qualities as the people on Atlantis—which of course makes sense because…"
"We're gathered from a bunch of different cultures and ethnicities," she murmured.
"Exactly. Atlantis isn't a bred society—it's an integrated one. The most diverse societies in the world only come from that type of environment. Tribal cultures, on the other hand—well, there should be only a few pointed genetic distinctions at the most in an isolated society such as this one. Especially one that claims not to interact at all with other cultures."
"So where did those traits come from?" She asked in response.
He shook his head slowly, leaning in to her more closely. "I can't be certain, but it's not from being born here, I can tell you that. And the people who were killed—the fact that they had cultural similarities to that child—"
"Maybe they weren't the ones doing the hunting," Amelia whispered back.
"It was odd they took no prisoners, was it not?" He murmured. "No one had a chance to speak. Even though she could have given him that chance with that pistol like Ronon's, if she'd set it to stun."
Amelia swallowed, her eyes darting up. The villagers seemed to be going about their business, and the elder was nowhere in sight. "This is something Woolsey needs to know about. We should find Major Lorne."
"Agreed." Carson tapped on his headset. "Major, this is Doctor Beckett. Where are you?"
The only answer he got was a hiss of static.
Amelia glanced at Carson.
"Major?" Beckett tapped the headset again. "Major Lorne?"
He met her gaze with alarm, his eyes flickering to the machine before her. "Is it possible…"
"No," she said quietly. "The receiver wouldn't interfere with the radio. I think we need to get to the Gate. Now."
"But the Major…"
"Can take care of himself, and if he can't, it's not something we can do anything about. Atlantis needs to send reinforcements. We need to go."
He paused for a moment. "Aye. I just need my…"
"Nothing. Whatever it is, we can get it later. Go, now." She glanced around. "Seems clear."
Carson swallowed. "Right. I suppose they can always use the supplies…"
The sound of stunner fire cut him off and Amelia watched, surprised, as he dropped to the ground in front of her. "Carson?"
She barely had time to bend down to him—or to register what just happened, when something slammed into her and everything went dark.
Lorne yawned, peering around at the buzz of activity behind him. Banks was near the transmitter, talking intently with Doctor Beckett, who'd just returned from the ravine where the cave was located.
It was a little weird, the cavern of children. Given how much his nephew and niece enjoyed the sunshine, he found it hard to believe the kids really preferred it in the darkness, despite the simulated natural light. There was nothing that compared with fresh air and sunshine.
Rinson shifted from one knee to the other, her P-90 hanging from her TAC vest, and rolled her neck. The woman hardly ever relaxed, which he was grateful for, most of the time.
"Sir." Alous, who'd been standing over to the left with Davidson, nodded towards the village.
Banks and Beckett seemed oblivious, but the rest of the camp was moving swiftly away from the center, scurrying, almost like a pack of rats, towards the ravine path.
Lorne tossed a curious glance over at Rinson, who shrugged, lifting her P-90 into her hands. He'd risen to his feet when two stunner blasts suddenly engulfed Banks and the Doc.
"Attack—" Davidson hardly had time to get the words out, before more stunners were turned their way. As the leader of the village walked towards them, her gun raised, only one thought ran through his mind.
I never thought it wouldn't be the Wraith.
John had already had a pretty bad day, and it was getting worse by the minute. Not only did his body have that weird, post stunning numbness to get over, but when they'd gotten back to the Gate Atlantis was apparently having so much activity they had to wait almost fifteen minutes before they could make contact via wormhole. For once, he almost agreed with Rodney's griping of 'what if they'd been in mortal peril?'
Then, he'd returned to find the Gateroom in a state of chaos brought on by an influx of refugees from an apparently recently Wraith-attacked planet, which had occupied Woolsey almost to the point of losing what remaining hairs he had left on his head as they tried to figure out what to do. Add to that the multitude of fingers pointed at John as soon as he stepped through the wormhole for failing, apparently, to train properly the green Major who had opted to bring the refugees in without going through Atlantis protocols.
On top of that, he didn't see Mayel anywhere. He couldn't tell if she'd just opted not to show up to greet him this time or she was actually gone from Atlantis. Not that he'd done anything to encourage her to stay behind, given their last encounter. And not that she was the most important thing on the roster. But for some reason her absence lent to the overall feelings of irritation and floundering he currently found himself harboring as he stared over the mass of peasant bodies, screaming Marines and harried control staff.
Teyla was pressed into him and she frowned angrily. "We must…"
One of the plants hanging from a wall nearby suddenly burst in a mess of smoke, singed leaves and flying dirt. Two more followed suit around the Gateroom.
John turned slowly around, looking up with a mixture of consternation and fascination at Ronon, who was standing on the staircase landing, his gun raised and a rather nasty look upon his face.
The entire Gateroom suddenly became a fixed, silent mass of people.
"Where are all these people supposed to go?" Ronon asked Woolsey.
From somewhere within the mass of people on the floor, Woolsey materialized. "We were in the process of setting up a makeshift shelter in the dining hall before we got overrun. I figured that would probably be best for now, until we can determine if the Alpha Site is safe."
John stared at Ronon for a moment, blinking, before turning to a competent female lieutenant. "Take them there in groups of ten. One marine per group."
"Get into groups—ten people, including children," Ronon barked. He waved his gun towards the peasants to get them moving. Amazingly, most of them obeyed, grabbing the nine nearest people they could find.
John nodded at one of the security units on the floor, which broke into escorts of one or two Marines per group. "And make sure there are people there to help."
"Keller's already there setting things up," Woolsey said.
"Send Rivers and his team to the Alpha site," John instructed, as the green Major who'd caused all of this swallowed. "Make sure nothing's changed in twenty-four hours."
"Any reason why you felt the need to take a page out of John Wayne's book?" Woolsey directed at Ronon, as soon as he reached them. The groups had begun to file off, slowly.
"Amelia—and Beckett—are in danger," Ronon replied. Woolsey's curious expression faded and he turned to John. "What happened?"
"Seems we've been duped again," John said. "We need to get Banks and the Doc off that planet as soon as possible."
"You're certain?"
"We're wasting time talking about it," snapped Ronon. "What difference does it make if it's true or not? The safest thing is just to get them out."
John eyed him slowly before turning back to Woolsey. "Let's just say we have really good evidence that those people are not what they seem."
"Is your team ready to go if they don't answer?" Woolsey glanced up at Ronon. "We have to be prepared in case they can't get out."
Rodney let out an audible sigh, but John glanced over the rest. "Yep. I'd rather have back-up, though, to be safe. Probably should contact the Daedalus, too, see if they can get out there. If the kids are on that world, a massive group of them isn't going to be easy to shuttle into jumpers."
"Radio them," Woolsey said. He looked up at Chuck. "Dial up P15-741. See if you can reach Major Lorne."
As the Gate started to activate, Woolsey turned back to John. "You mean to say that the original planet were the Worshippers? The ones who hid their children for safety?"
"They weren't hiding the children for 'safety'—at least not their children," John replied.
"It would seem this group is using the children for some other purpose," Teyla said, in answer to Woolsey's questioning look. "Children who are not their own."
It took him a moment, but recognition dawned on Richard. "They're kidnapping the children? For what?"
"Good question," John replied.
"Let's hope we don't have to find out the answer," added Rodney.


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Celebrating Languages
I am sure all of you remember those daunting vocabulary tests at school: 100 new words to memorise per week, all of them collected in neat alphabetical order, that you then had to reproduce on a piece of paper in the first 5 minutes of class. As a result, most of us learnt to recite 'abandon, ability, abroad, absence' beautifully, but when it came to actually using these words in a sentence, all of us were baffled to the point of doubting whether we would ever dare go near a foreigner at all.
One of the goals of the Council of Europe in creating the European Day of Languages was to encourage people to view language learning in a new light: instead of treating it as a compulsory burden at school, they would like the citizens of Europe to realise its importance as a key tool in accessing other cultures, understanding plurilingualism and appreciating diversity.
The Day of Languages is celebrating its 12th anniversary on 26th September this year and is hoped to provide a continuation to the achievements of the European Year of Languages 2001, during which a big emphasis was on teaching people enjoyable ways to improve their language skills. To celebrate the initiative, here is a list of some uncommon, but nevertheless, extremely useful ways to develop your skills.
Words are all around us!
We read thousands of words every day without even being aware of it and best of all, when we have read a word a few times, we tent to remember it! This fact has been successfully used and abused for advertising, so why not turn it to our advantage and use it for language learning? All you have to do is produce a few cards with the names of the objects around you and stick it on them. When you read the word 'armadio' on your cupboard every day before taking your clothes out of it, you will be surprised how quickly it will become part of your vocabulary!
Language is not an abstract science
It is essentially there so that people can communicate! So why not join one of the various language clubs near your home where people come together once ever week to practise their spoken language skills? With interesting topics and good company, all that anxiety about making mistakes is soon going to disappear, too!
Find yourself a pen pal!
There are numerous websites where you can pick a friend from a database of thousands of native speakers of the language you aim to learn and who might, in exchange, be interested in learning some of your language. It does not matter if you decide to write traditional snail mails or Facebook each other, the most important thing is that with each envelope in the post-box, you are one step closer to being a proficient speaker of the language!
Last, but not least: travel!
Expose yourself to situations when you cannot fall back onto the use of your mother tongue! Once you make friends with locals, you will feel more comfortable using the language and realise that all that struggle with rote learning will eventually be rewarded when you manage to make yourself understood abroad for the first time!
Judit Molnár
Published: Wed, 25/09/2013 - 09:57
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Info for young people in the western balkans


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Make an Application for A Visa Credit Card Online – What You Must Know
There are lots of needs to obtain a credit card online; the one that pertains to my mind is that it fasts and basic. There is no have to talk with somebody who keeps asking "how do you spell that?" Or, "repeat that number once again please." It owns me insane! Thankfully, we have the Internet; it sure has actually altered the way we do things. Making an application for a credit card online is among them. If you are brand-new to using online for anything, it can be a bit frightening initially. I am here to hone your senses and make it a simple and pleasurable exercise. If you, like me, dislike hanging on the phone for 20 minutes just to find out that you pushed 2 rather of 3, then using online is simply for you. Before anything else, let's enter into exactly what you need to know before you fill out an online type when making an application for a credit card.
• The Pc You Are Using From
It needs to be your very own PC, not an Internet shop's PC and ensure you have all the most recent Anti-virus, Firewall and Anti-Spyware software application. This is simply to make sure you are truly safeguarded! You might have to address personal concerns when the system runs a credit check, so it must be protected, suggesting your very own PC, having all your software application up-to-date, and solitude while using.
• The Kind of Details the Online Kind Will Need
Complete name, address, contact number, and date of birth, mom's first name, citizenship information (fundamental personal details), home leasing and/or ownership, and earnings. How you earn a living is the most crucial info they need! This is the standard throughout all online applications; they may ask a couple of other concerns about company contact information and if you are wed.
• All online types will have this in the address bar: https:// the 's' here is to reveal that you are on a safe and secure server which runs a safe socket layer (SSL) security certificate with a little padlock in the address bar. This reveals you that details you enter are safe.
That info includes the only things that you will ever be requested No type will ask you for your atm pin number or Internet banking information. If you feel uncertain about something, stop and ask. Likewise, keep in mind do not obtain a credit card that is sent out to your e-mail address unsolicited. To puts it simply Spams e-mails; these are normally from a business that does not exist or are extremely difficult to find.
Do not look for a number of cards at the very same time, as this WILL injure your credit rating. Whenever a person runs a credit look at you, your credit rating is minus 1 point.
Please make certain you check out all the conditions of the cards before using. Exactly what is excellent about using online is that you can check out all the crucial information in your very own time and if you are not delighted, you can carry on to another credit card deal. Plus you are not required to take the one the sales deal is offering you! Remember this is an effective medium; you have the option to make all the choices.


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Level E(7-8) Library - Learn To Read Books for iPhone$9.99
$9.99 Visions Encoded iOS Version 3.3 Full Specs
Publisher's Description
From Visions Encoded:
Level E(7-8) Library - Learn To Read Books contains six level 7 books followed by six level 8 books. Books at levels 7 and 8 are relatively simple books. Sentences are a little longer and some of them contain clauses. Events and facts are presented sequentially. The correspondence between text and pictures, found in levels 7 and 8, helps beginning readers experience success. Level E books are designed for children who are just beginning to learn how to read like children in Grade One or children who are learning English as an additional language.Each book presents one story. When using any of our Learn To Read Books, the beginning reader should place his/her finger just below each word and then point to each word in succession while reading. Tapping just below any word causes the word to light up and allows the child to hear the word spoken aloud. The words have been recorded in Manitoba, Canada. If words are pronounced differently in the country/region where you live, simply use the custom recording feature and record the words in your own voice. Custom recorded audio can be transferred to other devices &/or various "Learn To Read" apps from Visions Encoded for the Mac and iOS platforms. The transfer can be done using email or iTunes file sharing. Also included in the Learn To Read Library are high-frequency word flashcards for each story. We suggest that the sight words be practiced before a story is attempted. If a child has difficulty with a word, he/she can simply touch the word to hear it!Since words in both the sight words section and in the story can be tapped to be heard, it is possible for a child to practice the words and read the story without assistance from a teacher or parent. To turn the sound off, simply toggle the physical mute switch on the device.To learn to read, children need:1. to learn letter sounds2. to memorize high-frequency sight words3. to read books at their levelThrough the use of Learn to Read Books and a letter-sound app such as "Z is for Zebra", these three key components of learning to read can be taught and practiced on an iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Mac.The authors of Learn to Read Books are Celesta Thiessen and Francie Humby. Both are certified teachers. Celesta has a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education . She has written early chapter books, novels for teens and for adults, and numerous short stories. Francie has a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education. As an Early Years teacher, she has thirty-six years of experience in teaching young children to read. In writing these Learn to Read books, Celesta and Francie made extensive use of the following resources:Pinnell, Gay Su & Fountas, Irene C. (2007). The Continuum of Literacy Learning, Grades K-8: Behaviors and Understandings to Notice, Teach, and Support. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.Fountas, Irene C. & Pinnell, Gay Su (2006). Leveled Books K-8: Matching Texts to Readers for Effective Teaching. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.For more information about book levels, or if you have a suggestion for our Learn To Read Books, please see our website at LearnToRead.mobi.-------------------- For fastest results, please send any bug fixes to us directly at http://visionsencoded.com/contact
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The spare Drills & Pins are to be used with the Miniature & Model Hand Drill from The Army Painter. This set contains five drills in five different sizes and no less than 8 pinning rods in 3 different sizes.
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We, today, remain fixated on the power and implications of digital technologies for the creation and maintenance of records, documents, and texts (among other things). Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that technologies, including pre-digital varieties, have been the source of all written information since the beginning – from clay tablets to manuscript and printed books to typewriters and computers – and the list could go on. What has made it difficult to sort out, of course, is that the ongoing development of the computer has been accompanied by exaggerated claims of its power and potential to transform our lives (although we can find similar claims with earlier technologies such as photocopying and microfilming). It is difficult for us to not see or hear claims about the transformative power of the computer in every aspect of our lives (for example, it is difficult to watch television for more than a few minutes without being bombarded with such messages), and it almost seems as if we repeat this often enough it must be true.
There is research being done about the actual implications of computers on many different aspects of our lives. Matthew G. Kirschenbaum, Track Changes: A Literary History of Word Processing (Cambridge: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2016) is a book that "seeks to narrate and describe in material and historical terms how computers, specifically word processing, became integral to literary authorship and literary writing" (p. xiii). The resultant book is the most detailed study on word processing yet done, drawing on memoirs, interviews, and the primary and secondary literature on the subject in an engaging analysis. The book focuses on the period 1964 to 1984 when word processing emerged and was adopted by a wide array of writers (by the latter date about fifty percent of authors were using word processing). Kirschenbaum contends that word processing has been a neglected aspect of the history of the Information Age, and I doubt few would argue with him; now, at least, it is no longer neglected and serves as a model for additional research.
While studying word processing, Kirschenbaum offers insights into many other aspects of computing's implications for organizational and individual life. "Organizationally," he reflects, "then, word processing was about restructuring work, reclassifying roles in the work force, relocating people in the workplace, and reconfiguring the individual workstation all under the guise of the centralizing and automating the composition, transcription, reproduction, and distribution – the processing – of the printed word on paper" (p. 148). For someone of my vintage, you can map the implications by thinking of how you first adopted word processing and then evolved with it, often in subtle ways, over time. I can attest that how I write has been affected by word processing, sometimes making it better, but sometimes not improving what I write. Kirschenbaum places word processing within the development of business and managerial approaches and then considers how word processing became used for a much greater range of functions and activities. He also relates it to other developments in the Information Age, such as, "Floppies were to the personal computing industry what the paperback book was to mass market publishing, and 78 (later 45) rpm singles were to pop music" (p. 220). There are scores of such assessments in this study, each one offering additional topics for research.
Kirschenbaum's study doesn't shy away from the debates, rants, and musings about the consequences of computing – after all, tomes with this vantage fill bookshelves in both libraries and bookstores (and in the latter, they are often featured works – if only for a brief interlude). He writes, "Our current technological moment is marked by a tremendous paradox as fragile as electronic media are and as fleeting to the historical record as they may be, they create enormous and potentially unprecedented opportunities for scholarship" (p. 209). Or to put it another way, while I write about the challenges of preserving digital records, I also use digital tools to compose and to publish. Perhaps I have given up myself in preserving my own archival testimony (and I think I have), merely hoping that something of my work will remain, perhaps that that is in print form.
Kirschenbaum reminds us that writing, that is producing literature, was never seen as an important market by those developing and marketing word processing software. However, some writers embraced it and produced new work, testimony to the fact that writers are artists with creative skills and aims and that all technologies have unintended consequences. Writers often seek to make something new, new genres that can be read in different ways. In examining word processing and its connection to literary activities in this two decade period, Kirschenbaum ultimately concludes that it was the "first real 'killer app'" (p. 334). Still, we can doubt some of these kinds of assertions. I note for example, that when I visit an art museum or read about painting I often see representations of people reading and writing, a focus extending back hundreds of years. I rarely see art depicting the computer as reading or writing device (although I am sure these exist somewhere). Perhaps more time needs to pass.


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Petunia Fanfare Flame
Click to enlarge
Surfinias where a revelation when they burst onto the scene in the mid-nineties. As few as three plants could be put in a hanging basket and they would trail up to three feet and give summer long colour.
We still stock the original surfinias in a selection of colours, as well as double trailing types and also a selection of fanfare petunias.
The fanfare type are less trailing than the surfinias, making more of a ball shaped basket. They also keep a better display at the top of the basket without the maintenance that surfinias can require.
All trailing petunias are available as plugs, potted plants and ready planted baskets.
We also stock the traditional bedding petunias, sold in packs during late spring and in pots in full colour over summer. These are available in both single and double types.
Also, check out the similar calibrachoas.
Plugs: March and April.
Pots: March to May.
Baskets: March to June.
Bedding packs: April and May.
Bedding pots: June to September.