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Google Posts Gangbuster Growth in Q4
Jan 23, 2013 10:49 AM PT
Google wowed analysts and shareholders with its fourth-quarter earnings released on Tuesday. The search engine giant reported consolidated revenues of US$14.42 billion for the quarter ending Dec. 31 -- an increase of 36 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2011.
Its GAAP net income, including a net loss from discontinued operations, was $2.89 billion, compared with $2.71 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011. Non-GAAP net income was $3.57 billion, compared with $3.13 billion.
The comparisons between 2011 and 2012 are not exactly apples-to-apples, Andreas Scherer, managing partner of Salto Partners, told the E-Commerce Times. Google's earnings report for Q4 2012 includes Motorola Mobility, which Google didn't own in that same period in 2011.
Also, Google recently sold the Motorola business unit that makes TV boxes, he pointed out. "Had Google included Motorola Home, it would have been able to report revenues of $15.24 billion."
A Growth Story
Google's earnings clearly exceeded analyst expectations, Scherer said. "Google reported $10.65 a share in net income. This is better than analysts' estimates of $10.47 a share."
There was much for shareholders to like about the earnings report, said Barry Randall, who runs the Crabtree Technology model on Covestor.
The revenue increase reflects a prodigious growth rate for a company doing more than $40 billion in business a year, he noted.
Also significant is the 24 percent increase in total clicks on Google ads, Randall pointed out.
"Both of these figures suggest that Google's core search business remains unthreatened by either current competitors like Microsoft and Yahoo or potential ones, like Facebook," he said.
Google has a strong foundation for international growth, observed Salto's Scherer.
"About 47 percent of Google's revenue comes from the U.S. This is approximately the same picture for the last 10 quarters. As the adoption of e-commerce and mobile phones continues to grow outside the U.S., Google is destined to grow internationally," he explained.
The Low Points
There are some areas of concern for investors in the earnings report, however. Revenue per click declined six percent in Q4 year-over-year. This follows a 15 percent year-over-year decline in the prior quarter, Covestor's Randall said.
Also, traffic acquisition costs continue to increase, rising 25 percent in the fourth quarter -- just three percentage points higher than Google's 25 percent gross revenue growth, he noted.
"Google only beat Street earnings expectations because their tax rate in the quarter was unexpectedly low: 18 percent compared with expectations for a 22 percent effective tax rate," Randall said.
While strong overall, the earnings report hints at some weaknesses, Larry Kim, founder and CTO of WordStream, told the E-Commerce Times.
"There was not a lot of data given on the mobile search monetization process. Why?" he asked.
Google+ was not really mentioned much either, Kim noted.
Finally, Google has offered various excuses for the Motorola business, ranging from "it's only been six months" to "we inherited 18 months of product pipeline," he said -- but what is the path forward?
'A Beautiful Mess'
The bottom line is that Google's quarter was a beautiful mess, Randall said.
The company beat the Street only because of the lower tax rate, "and yet the immense growth and profitability of Google's core business seems unaffected by other Internet search options," he pointed out.
"Microsoft and Yahoo combined continue to have less than half of Google's 67 percent share in search, and Facebook's new Graph Search was met last week with a giant 'meh,'" observed Randall.
So Google will march on, he concluded -- "or perhaps drive on in one of their autonomous cars."


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4,041 DEEGAN members around the world
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DEEGAN Family HistoryThis surname is of Irish origin, and is an Anglicized form of the Old Gaelic "O'Duibhginn", descendant of Dubhceann, a personal byname from "dubh", black, dark, and "ceann", head. Traditionally, Irish family names are taken from the heads of tribes, revered elders, or some illustrious warrior, and are usually prefixed by "Mac" denoting "son of", or "O", grandson, male descendant of. The O'Duibhginn sept belonged to the barony of Clandonagh in the Leinster county of Laois, and the most notable family of the name, that of Kyle parish in West Laois, were keepers of the Bell of St. Molua. In the process of development O'Duibhginn acquired many variant forms including O' Deegan, Deegan, Deegin, Duigan, Deehan, Diggin and Deighnan...
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I am descended from Michael John Duigan baptised in Dublin in 1839 whose parents I know nothing of were John Joseph Duigan and Judith Mulhall except some now deceased family said "they were from the west"... Michael Duigan and his siblings John , Henry and Elizabeth migrated to Australia and we have fairly good records of them and their descendants in Australia. All ideas on how to track down John Joseph and his spouse Judith Mulhall could let us move through our current "Brickwall"..Mike Shone - email - email@example.com
Patrick Joseph Deegan (My Father) was born in 1913 in Dublin he played for Shamrock Rovers he died in BIrmingham England in 1980.
I am trying to find out about my grandfather's side of my family, his name was Michael John (i think this was his middle name) Deegan, I think he was born in 1941, he died in 2000 I think but due to family quarrels I lost all contact with him when I was around 7/8 (sometime in the mid 1990's) so I never got to learn about my ancestors/heritage and would really like to know more about them
My grandfather was Patrick James Deegan from Downpatrick. born circa 1910. as Dagens, to Alexander Dagens/Deegan and Brigid Riley . any relations out there? my father was Kevin Patrick Deegan born in Birmingham. 1942. the family is spread out and ive lost touch with almost all of them. i have spent five years seeking the ancestry and now have all of the certificates going back to the early 1900s if anyone needs it among my siblings or cousins for their Citizenship. i would like to know more about my Irish family and to find relatives if they are out there.
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The Pakistani Taliban have claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing at the heavily fortified U.N. World Food Program's headquarters in Islamabad, The Associated Press reported.
The bomber dressed as a security guard and blasted the building's lobby, killing at least five people just one day after the Pakistani Taliban's newest leader had met with reporters and vowed revenge attacks, according to the AP.
The U.N. said it would close its aid office temporarily after the attack, the first to hit Pakistan's capital since June.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
On Sunday, militant Hakimullah Mehsud stood shoulder to shoulder with other top Taliban commanders in a show of unity to end speculation that the Taliban was divided and counter false reports of his death, the AP reported. Mehsud pledged in an interview to attack the U.S. and Pakistan in retaliation for scores of unmanned drone bombings along the Afghan border and the killing of Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.
Get more: MSNBC, The Associated Press


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File Sharing/Storage
As a member of the UIS Community, there are several options available for file sharing and storage. Each tool has its own advantages and disadvantages. Please refer to the following information when trying to decide which tool is right for you, and contact ITS Client Services with questions.
- Storage Solutions at UIS
- Scenarios/FAQ
- Transitioning Files (including websites) from eDocs
- More Information
Storage Matrix Comparison of Options [PDF]
While you can use external storage for saving and sharing data, this process is highly discouraged as it is not a secure method. If this is the method you are currently using, please contact the ITS Client Services, email@example.com or (217) 206-6000, to discuss how to secure your data.
The use of these cloud storage tools for storing or sharing highly restricted data is forbidden. This class of data includes information that has legal requirements or financial penalties concerning its disclosure, such as SSNs, export controlled data, health information, credit card numbers, etc. For more information about FERPA, see the University of Illinois System's webpage on FERPA and Compliance.
Which is the best tool for storing department files?
Box is currently the only tool that provides the creation of a department folder, allowing you to save files in a department folder rather than in a personal folder.
Which tools encrypt my files as they are uploaded to the cloud?
Box is currently the only tool that encrypts files as they are uploaded.
Which tool should I use for my course-related files?
Box, Google Drive, and OneDrive are all appropriate for course-related files.
What happens to my files when I leave UIS?
Box, Google Drive, and OneDrive all have options available for creating personal accounts. When you leave UIS, you are responsible for moving your personal files to a personal-cloud storage solution as you will no longer be able to access these tools by logging in with your NetID and password. Ownership of UIS-related files should be transferred to a UIS colleague for continued sharing. UIS-related files should NOT be stored on a personal account.
My department is working on our Business Continuity Plan. Which tool should we use?
Because it offers encryption and department folders, Box is the best tool for storing files for your Business Continuity Plan.
I would like my students to create introduction videos for our online course so we can get to know each other. How should I have them share these videos?
Kaltura is the solution for hosting all video-based projects. No matter what format they are recorded in, Kaltura converts them and allows them to be played across all platforms and devices. No need to download videos to watch; they are hosted on Kaltura and students can view them through a browser.
What about eDocs? Should I be storing files on eDocs anymore?
eDocs will no longer be supported after July 1, 2015. Therefore, ITS is recommending that files be stored on one of the other tools available. Please contact ITS Client Services for assistance migrating your existing eDocs files.
I am currently backing up my files on an external hard drive. Is that the best solution for me?
Box Sync is recommended for backing up files stored locally on your hard drive. Taking advantage of the Box Sync feature allows you to work with files locally on your computer while automating the process of storing a copy of those files on Box.
Transitioning Files from eDocs
eDocs will be retired as of July 1, 2015. All files need to be moved from eDocs to another storage location. Please review the step-by-step handouts for instructions on how to transition your files from eDocs to either Box or Google Drive. Additionally, instructions are available for publishing websites and Articulate lectures to Google Drive.
- Transitioning Files from eDocs to Box or Google Drive
- Publishing Websites to Google Drive
- Publishing Articulate Files to Google Drive
For More Information
- Protecting Personal and Confidential Data at UIS (including data classification definitions and examples of highly sensitive, sensitive, internal, and public data)
- When to use/not to use Box – http://web.uillinois.edu/box/usenotuse


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In stock and ready to ship
⚠ WARNING : Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
A 300-watt RMS (500 watts peak power) amplifier lets you play your Studio 550P subwoofer at body-quaking levels without any room-vibrating reverb or excessive heat output. A built-in limiter extends this ability by preventing distortion that can arise out of sudden peaks, taking the audio from merely impressive to completely immersive.
The Studio 550P features a 10-inch (250-millimetre) cone made from lightweight yet rigid PolyPlas cone material. For the listener, this structure means powerful heart-thumping bass with such low distortion that individual sounds remain both accurate and articulate, even at sustained low frequencies. This is the kind of bass that takes surround sound from simply a listening experience to a seemingly tangible, robust environment.
Power and accuracy normally do not go hand in hand. The Studio 550P, however, is by no means a mere normal subwoofer. It features a sealed enclosure that acts to control the woofer cone's motion, thus providing consistent, reliable sound that remains smooth and rich even at the deepest of frequencies.
The Studio 550P places you in the centre of the action by sending the action straight at you via a powerful, forward-firing cone. Sound travels directly to your ears without reverberating off the walls or bending around the furniture. This is bass in its most potent form, from a subwoofer versatile enough to be placed in the middle of the room or against a wall.
A phase switch ensures that the action of the Studio 550 subwoofer's transducer moves in sync with your main speakers. As a result, the subwoofer's low frequencies blend seamlessly with the sound coming from the main speakers, regardless of where you place the subwoofer in a room. Furthermore, an adjustable crossover-frequency control lets you optimize the subwoofer for a variety of main/satellite speaker choices.
A choice of LFE and line-level inputs lets you either use or bypass the subwoofer's internal crossover circuits for bass-boosting versatility. This option provides greater flexibility in how you use the Studio 550P while ensuring noise-free connections to virtually any type of audio/video amplifier.
Unwanted interaction between the subwoofer and the floor can cause distortion – but the Studio 550P includes an array of metal spikes to reduce distortion. The use of such spikes also creates clean sound by placing a cushion of air between the speaker and anything that could potentially disturb its pristine low-frequency waves.
The latest owner's manuals, quick start guides, and documents.
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Are you looking for product support, documentation, how-tos or older products?JBL Support
Bass is the foundation of great sound. You don't just hear it in your ears; you also feel it from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. JBL® subwoofers are built to maximize such a feeling as well as enhance your entire experience of sound. The same JBL sound engineers who designed the playback systems for many of the world's top concert venues, recording studios and THX®-equipped movie theatres have optimized their technologies and materials in the Studio 550P subwoofer to play with just about any home system. This subwoofer incorporates your entire body into an enveloping bass experience. The 550P outputs astonishingly realistic and immersive low-frequency sound via a forward-facing, 10-inch (250-millimetre) transducer mounted inside a rigid yet light PolyPlas™ cast-aluminium cone frame. This is the kind of powerful, low-distortion bass that you can feel from skin to ear to chest cavity, and one that practically transports you to the very environment that you are hearing. The Studio 550P truly places you at the centre of the experience, right in your living room.


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I have encountered this on rare occasions playing. Xboard enters some mode, apparently expecting some odd input, and I can't do anything. Even File|New Game doesn't exit this mode. It seems to happen when I drag pieces off the board then release, but not always. It's made me lose every time it happens.
Lately, I've been using edit position, and now I regularly experience the same problem. It's really irritating as I get a position mostly set up, then bam, it hits and I have to restart and begin again. Below is an example image. I think I was dragging off the upper left rook off when it hit. You can see a small matrix in the a8 square. This happens every time, and always on a8. The line into square a7, happened when I was trying random ways to exit, clicking the mouse, trying to drag, etc. Perhaps you can tell me what's happening, as the status text doesn't indicate any special mode. ESC and other obvious ways to exit are not effective.


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A meeting with the FPA executive leadership on Sunday at FPA Experience 2012 featured Lauren Schadle, recently promoted from the advocacy organization's COO to the top spot of CEO, and her immediate plans.
"My biggest immediate challenge is in getting our message out," she said. "Even though I come from within the organization, I'm looking at my new role with fresh eyes."
Schadle noted the 1,900 members in attendance at this year's conference and the quality of sessions focused on client specialization, practice optimization and retirement planning. She also noted the 157 exhibitors in attendance, 'many of whom are new, mainly in practice enhancement."
The singling out of practice management companies was by design, as she announced a focus on practice management for the organization with the hiring of two CFPs, James Tissot of New York and Valerie Porter of Indianapolis, as consultants in this area.
She also announced a number of initiatives to help advisors use the resources made available by FPA, including a virtual meeting service, customized marketing pieces through FPA Client Connect and succession planning assistance through FPA Practice Management.
"The average age of our members in 52," she said. "We'd like to bring that down, so we're very focused on next-gen."
She concluded her remarks by noting the organization's 23,360 members, down from a high of 29,000 immediately following the formation of the group in 2000, but 200 members above the low experienced at the beginning of 2012.
"Our membership numbers have stabilized," she said, before Paul Auslander, FPA's 2012 president, added that "taking a stand like suing the SEC will result in not everyone agreeing with us and some will leave, so quite frankly it is good we're at 23,000 members."
Auslander had begun the discussion by noting current CEO Marv Tuttle's departure effective at the close of the conference in San Antonio on Tuesday.
"It's been a busy year for FPA," he said. "Marv moved his retirement up due to family considerations. We short-cut our search somewhat, but Lauren would have been on the short-list anyway. We admire Lauren's operational skills. Marv was great at the '30,000 foot view,' and we will benefit from her experience."
He revisited the organization's founding in 2000 through a merger of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners (ICFP) and the International Association for Financial Planning (IAFP). A condition of the merger, Auslander said, was a "further embrace and advance of the CFP designation, something that got lost in the message, but there's been an effort in the past two years to identify one designation, one association and one profession."
Noting that it's important for the industry to "coalesce around something," and how he sees the CFP as a rallying cry and the lens through which it will be viewed going forward.
On the advocacy front, he said "things are quiet now in Washington" and that there is a "lull in the action,' but he did say he believes the SEC should continue to be the regulatory agency for advisors and that anyone dispensing advice should be subject to a fiduciary standard.
The FPA's 2013 president-elect, Michael Branham, then said "next-generation is the message I will carry forward into my presidency."
He noted the 130 CFP baccalaureate financial planning programs in the nation's colleges and universities, and that the FPA has 22 student chapters within those programs.
He also pointed to the student community on FPA Connect, the organization's social media platform, as well as "Next-Gen Practitioners," which are FPA chapters for members age 37 and younger. He also said there would be a focus on getting younger members involved with the board of directors.
Regarding technology, he again mentioned the FPA Connect and the member communities it contains, including Women in Finance and a mentoring group FPA Mentor Match. He also announced he FPA Connect mobile app.
FPA Board Chairman Marty Kurtz then concluded the remarks by mentioning the organization's focus on diversity, which includes an interactive three-part course to help recruit more minorities into the profession, as well as to understand the financial planning needs of the minority community. He also described a new certificate course in fiduciary responsibility the organization will offer in conjunction with fi360, proprietors of the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation.
"It's not the AIF, but rather an eight-module course and certificate," he clarified.


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While you may think you're sitting safe with your existing internet security software and a little "over the shoulder" guidance, there are additional things you can do to keep web
With the help of the experts, we share 6 ways to make your Flip (or any other brand of camera) clips look like a pro handled them!
Whether you have kids, pets, or just hang out alone, we've got the scoop on the most effective applications designed to help you live a healthy, happier home life!
With all the hustle and bustle of the new season, it may be easy to forget about one important item in your home that could really benefit from a good cleaning -- your PC!
I've been doing my own taxes for about 5 years now. Even as my needs have changed (I've gone from a simple 1040EZ to a more complex small business partnership structure), I've fou
Sometimes you just have to get out of the office to ever get any work done! When you're on the go, or are working from home, what are the best tools to keep you productive and in
Some people won't stop to clip a coupon, but dig the idea of downloading an application for their phone that will help them save more than a few bucks on their next purchase. Are y
So he's not a Heisman trophy winner — and she's not MAXIM material. Your geeky mate is still perfect for you, so express your feeling with the perfect gift. We scoured the web in s
I'm trying yet another task management system and I think I've found a keeper. I've been on a search for quite some time, and while many people have strong opinions on their favori
We all want to work better, faster, and smarter. Thanks to the ever-changing tech landscape – we can! We've highlighted some of the best tools available to help you make a good imp
The Internet is a boon for doing all kinds of things -- including getting a better job and/or getting paid more at your current job. Technology helps us stay connected, learn somet
It takes a certain amount of perseverance and creativity to mesh your personal and professional life. While Moms have moved beyond the days of working in their pajamas and scheduli
From saving money to staying on budget, technology has made it easier than ever to stay on top of my personal finances. Here are 3 ways technology has helped me save money and time
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Because they are cheap, usually full, and you have to book in advance.
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A visit to Sevilla, Spain
In Sevilla, Spain (or Seville for you Anglophiles), you will find the Plaza de Espana, a location seen in Attack of the Clones. While it was only in the film for a few moments, you may explore the site at your leisure, and it's completely free!
The Plaza de Espana is a massive semicircular structure located in the heart of Sevilla. There are several ornate footbridges that cross an artificial moat. The plaza is immediately southeast of the Universidad de Sevilla, between the Parque de Maria Luisa and the Guadalquivir River. You can get there by city bus, though it's easier to walk to all the tourist destinations throughout the center of Sevilla. The Parque de Maria Luisa is a splendid area for a picnic or afternoon stroll, although don't linger too long after dark, and always be conscious of pickpockets.
Although it can be seen in a mere 48 seconds of Episode II's runtime, you can see much more of the location in the deleted scene Extended Arrival on Naboo. It's always advisable to bring along printed screencaps from the film, though even without them, you'll find it very easy to line up the original shots. In the center of the plaza there is a rectangular structure that is flanked by two ornate footbridges. Anakin, Padme and a digital R2-D2 cross a bridge that is to the right (to the south) of the central structure. In the next shot, our heroes are walking along a curved hallway that is open to the right. This was shot to the left (to the north) of the central structure. Plan your day so that you are there in the early afternoon (around 2:30 PM) and the shadows should match up with what you see on screen.
Fortunately for filming-location hunters, there was a minimum of digital alteration, which lets you really feel like you are in Naboo as you explore the site. You will first notice that the Plaza is only a half circle, not a complete circle as shown in the film. Also, the low domed roofs that are a signature of the Naboo skylines are not actually there. Still, for ease of access and real-world Naboo aesthetic, the Plaza de Espana is a must for all location hunters!
- Jad Bean nameitjad.com


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We have an AMAZING new image for you this week. Our FREEBIE (or almost) FRIDAY is "Candy Cane Train" and can be found below. This image goes perfectly with our October FREEBIE (or almost) FRIDAYs' past releases and also works well with the other Christmas and Winter images available at DIGITAL DELIGHTS SHOP.
To pick up your FRIDAY FREEBIE (or almost), all you need to do is head on over to DIGITAL DELIGHTS SHOP and click on the "FREEBIE (or almost)" link. If you missed last week's, don't worry, it is for sale in DIGITAL DELIGHTS SHOP.
We also would LOVE for you to come play in our DIGI MONTH CHALLENGE on our Group Sites - PCP and SNR and TCC (THE CRAFTER'S CAFE). All you need to do is make a creation using one or more of the October Freebie (or almost) Friday digi's and then enter on our group page in the appropriate discussion group. Can't wait to see what you make!! Our challenges will last until the end of October and you can win 2 DIGITAL DELIGHTS images of choice if you are chosen as the winner. We will have a winner on each of the group sites.
Btw, Wendy has offered an EXCLUSIVE FREEBIE when we reach 100 followers over at DIGITAL DELIGHTS GROUP at THE CRAFTER'S CAFE , so go on and join and invite your friends too!!
You can join our current DIGI MONTH CHALLENGES by clicking the following links:
We are on week 3 of 4 for the month of October.


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The time to make the porn biz social has finally come! Just one click - and you will get the opportunity to join a whole XXX social network stacked with amateur porn submitted by people from all over the world! View others` homemade sex videos and share your own stuff - that`s so damn exciting!
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If you cannot find real voyeur videos, then our private collection is exactly what you need! Visit us and get an opportunity to watch upskirt videos online.


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Jump into the cool refreshing "Wetlook" bean bag. Their pear shape body provides extra comfort and support. Double stitched with double overlap folded seams makes them long lasting and durable. Made in the USA from the highest quality vinyl, these bean bags are very easy to clean. Perfect for relaxing, lounging, reading or watching your favorite TV show.
Elite Products formed in 1986, manufactures a mix of products that include futon convertibles, futon mattresses, futon covers and accessories, bean bag chairs, foam furniture and various accent furniture pieces. Today, the company continues to add new line of stylish, contemporary furniture dedicated to quality and affordability.
ModernCollections.com offers attractive modern furniture and contemporary furniture for residential and commercial spaces. Save on the Wetlook Nautica Blue Bean Bag Chair with factory direct pricing and discover why customers have trusted us for all their modern furniture needs.


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Let's talk about morning routines today. I've never been one to sleep until the last second and scramble to get out the door. I like to get up a little earlier so I can have plenty of time to wake up and go through my routine before I have to leave. Lately I've been thinking about some of the habits I've established that get my day off to a better start.
How do you have a better day? It all starts with your morning routine. I'm going to talk about 5 things that you can do to make a big difference in your day. These things are easy to do and may seem like no big deal, but they really do help!
1. Prepare for the Day the Night Before.
I've noticed that it really helps my morning go a lot smoother when I get a few things ready the night before, such as laying out my clothes, packing whatever I'll need for the day, and packing a lunch.
When you have these things done, you don't have to think about it in the morning. If you are like me, you'll sleep better knowing that everything is ready for the morning and you aren't going to forget anything.
2. Make Your Bed.
You might be thinking, "What's the big deal? Why does it matter if I make my bed or not?" But I've noticed a huge change when I take just a minute or two to make my bed each morning. It's a simple step, but it sets you up for an organized day.
I've noticed that when my life gets busy, I start to let the little things like making my bed go. My room gets cluttered, and my car gets dirty. When I start by making my bed, I tend to be in a better mindset and it makes me want to continue being tidy and cleaning up as I go throughout the day.
3. Be Grateful.
I find that it is so easy to be negative in the morning. I wake up and think "Ugh, I don't want to wake up." Then, I think "Ugh, I don't want to go to work." And so begins a negative pattern that continues throughout the day.
For awhile now, I've been trying to change this by being grateful in the morning. As I get up and get ready in the morning, I pray and thank God for a new day, my job, the little things that make me happy, and the people in my life. When my first thoughts are gratefulness, it sets me up for a day of seeing the positive rather than the negative.
4. Eat Breakfast.
You heard it a million times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But why? For starters ,eating a healthy breakfast kicks off your metabolism. Remember how I talked about how making your bed sets you up to be more organized throughout the day? In the same way, eating a nutritious breakfast sets you up to continue to make good food choices throughout the day.
Eating breakfast in the morning is easier when you have something simple in the house. A great combination is Cheerios and 100% Florida Orange Juice. It's something both kid and adults will enjoy!
5. Make a to-do list.
Another great way to keep from getting stressed is to take a couple minutes to write out a to-do list for your day. Having a lot on my plate can make me feel stressed, but writing it down makes it seem more manageable and ensures I won't forget anything.
Lately I've been keeping a to-do list using the Reminders app on my iPhone. A lot of times when I'm at work I'll think of something I need to do when I get home. I add it to the list and set an alarm to remind me at a certain time.
Start a new habit and pick up some Cheerios and OJ today! You can save money using these Publix coupons. Want to win $15 to use toward your Cheerios and OJ? Enter using the Rafflecopter below!
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What is your morning routine? Are you going to adopt some of these habits?


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Traffic sucks, so why not start your morning off with some music? You provide the toast and we'll provide the jams.
I think it's required that I enjoy some angst driven rock since I grew up in the 90s. And if you like angst, then you'll love Fuel.
So much angst.
Oh, and sweat. So much sweat.


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This week, we step away from the hustle and bustle of all the fun happening with the specialty coffee community on the interwebs, turning our attention to something we should all focus on a bit more: understanding what happens at origin. With the help of good friend Alejandro Martinez of Finca Argentina in El Salvador, we take a look at what happens on the farm seasonally, what changes you might see on a farm that sells "specialty" vs. "commodity", and how things are changing.
Also covered: the ideal relationship between a farmer and a buyer, the impact of leaf rust on El Salvador, and biodynamic gnomes (or why you maybe shouldn't stay at Ale's house alone). Baristas who talk about origin in competition without ever having been there: this podcast's for you!


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Enter the cool yet incredibly untested HyperTouch Guitar. What's its speciality? Lacks strings. The guitarist plays it using an intricate touchpad. The pad is wildly customizable, but something tells me it's not going to replace string guitars just yet.
Oh, it's also just a crazy design over at Yanko, so there's that dubious fact to add to the huge pile of doubt too.
Nevertheless, for a concept it's entirely believable even if the sound and nuance of a string instrument is quite safe from touchscreen upheaval for the time being. Ke$ha will probably have it in one of her "concerts" soon. [Yanko via DVICE]


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Colour: Red
Baby blanket embroidered with cute teddy bear and a name (and date if required) of your choice. This blanket is a lovely soft fleece blanket measuring 100cm x 72cm and available in pink, blue, red, white, purple, cream, grey and lemon.
FREE POSTAGE in the UK on all of our products. Personalised products are usually posted next working day but at busier times this can be up to a maximum of 5 days.
All our products will be shipped within 5 working days of ordering. All prices include postage in the UK.


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Head to the Christmas Market on the Champs-Elysees and you will quickly get into the holiday spirit.
The cold didn't keep away the crowds at the market this weekend. The village had a little bit of everything for every age--shopping, music, rides, food, and Santa Claus.
Christmas music set the mood in between the Rond-Point des Champs Elysées and Place de la Concorde where some 130 vendors were selling handmade crafts, chocolate, and food.
Kitsch was definitely a theme throughout the show with live food and craft demonstrations.
There was an impressive selection of French cheese, sausage, wine, caviar, chocolate, traditional holiday cakes, and candy.
The village is filled with food options for lunch or dinner including well-priced crepes, waffles, sandwiches, soup, pastries, breads, hot wine, hot chocolate, and more.
This is definitely a family event where kids can ride on the Ferris wheel at Concorde, the mini roller coaster, the child-sized luge, or the carousel. Try to go back during the evening for a different experience. The village and Ferris wheel sparkle at night with white lights.
The Marche de Noel des Champs-Elysées closes on January 2. It's free and open daily. Metro: Champs Elysées-Clemenceau or Concorde.
Highlights: A Fabulous Mix of Food, Crafts, & Rides
Christmas Market at La Défense Market features 350 vendors. Open daily until Dec. 27. Metro: La Défense.
Christmas Market and Ice Rink at Trocadero Ice skating and 120 vendors. Open until Jan. 2. Location: Place de la Trocadero, across from the Eiffel Tower. Metro: Trocadero.
Christmas Market and Santa's Village at Saint-Germain Open every day from Dec. 3 to Jan. 2. Location: Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Christmas Market at Place de la Nation Open daily from early December. Location: Place de la Nation. Metro: Nation.
Christmas Market at the Place des Abbesses This market will be open every day in December. Location: Place des Abbesses. Metro: Abbesses.
Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est Open from December 3rd-December 18. Location: Gare de l'Est. Metro: Gare de l'Est.


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P.O. Box 12068, State Capitol
Austin, Texas 78711
Tel. (512) 463-0112
August 1, 2012
AUSTIN — Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, today presided over a joint hearing of the Senate's Health and Human Services and State Affairs Committees on the impact of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Texas.
"I am very concerned about the serious problems this law will create for our economy, our budget, and our overburdened health care system, "said Senator Nelson, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. "Our Medicaid costs continue to rise, diverting resources away from education and other priorities. We cannot consider a massive Medicaid expansion without also addressing the core problems that are making it financially unsustainable."
Texas joined a majority of states in challenging the ACA's constitutionality. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a key component of the law -- the individual mandate -- violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. However, the mandate was allowed to survive as a tax. The Court also ruled that the federal government could not withhold Medicaid funds from states that do not carry out the expansion of Medicaid required under the ACA.
The two committees heard testimony from the public, as well as from state insurance and health agencies. Prior to the next legislative session, the panel will file a report on the impact of the ACA on insurance regulations, Medicaid and CHIP, health care quality and workforce, and Texas' budget. Progress of this and other legislative committees can be tracked online at www.capitol.state.tx.us.
Medicaid, which makes up about 20% of the state's budget, provides health services to 3.5 million Texans and costs taxpayers almost $20 billion a year. The expansion of Medicaid required under the ACA would cost Texas $15 billion.


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Find or be a mentor. Ministry associations are great, but informal groups work, too. "I've really found a lot of support in the older women who have paved the way for me," says Tracy Rodenborn, a high school campus minister in Austin, Texas. Meanwhile, newbies can add an infusion of energy and idealism.
Share your story. And listen to others'. Admitting you work for the church—or even that you're a practicing Catholic—can result in a barrage of complaints about the church from acquaintances and even strangers. Arguing rarely changes anyone's mind. "Usually if you just listen, they will eventually ask what it's like for you," says Erin Neal, catechesis assistant at St. Clement.
Get all the education you can. Education helps women land church jobs and earns them more respect as professionals. "We try to give students a good critical consciousness, but also spiritual formation so they don't burn out quickly," adds Thomas Groome of Boston College's Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry.
Find a female-friendly parish. Flo Merkl-Deutsch grew up with few role models in church, but her current parish changed that. "I knew from the moment I stepped foot into the parish that it was a good fit for me," says Merkl-Deutsch, now liturgy coordinator at St. Clement in Chicago.
See men as allies, not the enemy. Non-ordained men face many of the same limitations in the church that women do. Not only did a new pastor mistreat Sharon Smith, but he also lashed out at a male lay minister, parishioners, and even his associate pastors. "I always wondered if it was because I was a woman, but I knew it was also clericalism," she says.
Sometimes you have to leave. If a situation becomes emotionally unhealthy or abusive, it might be best to remove yourself from it. For Ann Ruggaber that meant resigning from a parish job before she had found another one. "It was affecting my health and my spirituality," she recalls.
Practice the spiritual disciplines of acceptance and letting go. Women have to recognize the reality of today's church. The roles of women and men in professional ministry are simply different. "Given that I've accepted that parameter, my experiences have been more positive than negative," says Diana Vella, a pastoral associate in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
This article appeared in the January 2011 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. 76, No. 1, pages 12-17).


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Preface :
A few days back, during lunch time; I was listening to a wonderful TEDx talk about how we as humans have the natural tendency to look at the negatives and getting stuck in them. It was quite true and the speaker Miss Alison offered a simple technique on training to focus our mind on the positives in life – a gratitude journal or thinking of what made us happy that day !
Life is indeed cyclical and so are our days. During a day, we experience several highs and lows. I have tried to start a project for myself, where in I list down at least 5 things/ people/ incidents which made my day a "Happy" day and I've decided to call it "The Happyness Project (THP)". Starting August 2nd, each day I will post a short synopsis of what made me happy that day and let the people behind that moment know that I treasure that moment. So, essentially; it is happyness, gratitude & thankfulness all practiced together. These posts will not be pinned to my blog home page but will be published under the menu "The Happyness Project".
Today was a happy day, because :
- My morning was magical, as I woke up to find an email in my mailbox from a pen-pal I made in 2013 ! The art of writing letters / emails is pretty much lost these days and having someone who remembers you and makes an effort to write to you even after 4 years, counts as a magical morning 😀
Courtesy to my Vatsal – my brother, my phone was at just 45% battery (he forgot to take off his phone and put mine to charge). This meant I got a lot of work done during my hour long commute instead of wasting away the time. I managed to reply to my pen-pal and 2 other emails 🙂
Again, thanks to the low battery, I was so afraid my phone would get switched off, I actually turned off the mobile data and STUDIED International Econ. #yeyy
The first half of the day was pretty much stressed and crappy owing to the back and forth emails over the criticisms on THP and scraping the past issues, I actually found people who cared to listen me out and supported me and reminded me that I ought not to please every one. Thank you for your love and encouragement – Jazz, Anurag & Starry. You were my saviors ! Special thanks to Anurag who shared his detailed insights on how to deal with criticisms.
Afternoon laughter with Jazz, complaining why we don't have our personal meeting rooms for chit chats 😛 Also thanks for letting me know that 'people' do miss me 😉
My Blogilyyy friends across borders – Erika, Fred, Colin + Rayy & Brad for your positive words of encouragement. You have helped me fight the blues 🙂 Hugs xx
Learning to disconnect instead of snapping back – when not in the right frame of mind #peace
Early to bed – good to be well rested when in a not so good mood …zzZZzzzZZzzz…
- So, over all the day was okayyy – not so bad actually – feels better writing 🙂


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Here's the latest article from the Paranormal site at BellaOnline.com.
Ghosts at White House Hotel?
I recently discovered that the White House Hotel at 232 Wharf Street in Hermann has been the subject of quite a few ghostly tales over the years.
Please visit Paranormal.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Paranormal.
To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Paranormal located here -
I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!
Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge!
Deena Budd, Paranormal Editor
One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com


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You will receive an email containing your Tracking Number once your package has been shipped from our U.S. distribution center. Visit My Order to check the most up-to-date status of your order.Easy returnsYou have 20 days from delivery to follow our quick and easy return or exchange procedure. You can find more information in Returns and Refunds.
In line with recent government guidelines, and for the health of our community, we have taken the decision to temporarily close our warehouses and pause delivery and return services.
We have decided to extend our return period to 60 days for all orders placed starting from March 1st, 2020, to ensure that you have enough time to decide whether to keep or return your items.
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For more than 50 years, we have provided quality and comfortable homes supported by exceptional resident services, for more than 100,000 families.
and mission, is to provide our residents the best apartment experience, period. This is a lofty goal, but by listening to our residents and providing exceptional management and professional services, we will exceed our residents' expectations.
See your leasing agent for more information.


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Wedding Chair Covers Widnes
If you're planning a wedding in the Widnes area, Creative Cover Hire can help make your big day extra special with our wonderful variety of tailor made wedding chair covers. When it comes to your big day, we understand how important it is for everything down to the last detail to be absolutely perfect. There can be a lot of pressure on not just making your big day extra special for you and your partner, but making a memorable event for all your family and friends in attendance. A great event is made by the finer details, and the overall visual is one of the key elements for a memorable occasion.
Widnes and the surrounding areas contain some of the most attractive wedding venues in Cheshire and we know most of them intimately. We have created stunning venues for weddings over the past ten years and can show you photographs of many other weddings that we have dressed. Your wedding is of course unique and our knowledge of the venues in this area mean that we can help you create something stunning and memorable that is truly different.
We offer a vast range of chair covers tailor made by us to match your wedding whatever the colour scheme or theme, with over 100 colours to choose from and a range of materials from organza to taffeta, sateen or lace. We are renowned for the high quality of our services and pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our clients, so if you're planning a wedding in Widnes or the surrounding areas of Cheshire call us now on 01772 614461 to find out more.


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MLB trade rumors: Cano, Yankees $100 million apart
The New York Yankees and free agent 2B Robinson Cano remain about $100 million apart in contract negotiations, CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports.
The five time All-Star recently presented a request for $260 million to the team, which so far is willing to go only to $160 million. But "it is expected they'll go to at least $170 million, which would at least bring the difference between the parties to something below $100 million," according to Heyman.
HOT STOVE: SN ranks the top 25 free agents
Cano, 31, is the cream of this year's free-agent crop, and he and agent Jay Z are seeking a nine-year deal with a tenth-year vesting option to bring it to $160 million. That would make his average annual salary $27.8 million, a little more than Alex Rodriguez gets unders the 10-year, $275-million deal he signed with the Yankees following the 2007 season.
Notheless, Cano's $260 million request representes a steep decline from the $310 million he floated to the Yankees during the season.
Cano has been one of baseball's top players, finishing with a Baseball Reference WAR of at least 7.6 three of the last four seasons. In 2013, he hit .314/.383/.516 with 27 homers and New York's only consistent source of offense. He finished fifth in MVP voting.


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Recipe from Susie Smith of Va.
Head of fresh broccoli
1 small red onion
1 cup of raisins
1 small bag of sunflower seeds out of the shell
1 Tbs. ground garlic powder-to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Cut the broccoli into florets. Wash, drain and put in bowl. Finely chop the onion and add to it.
Add raisins and sunflower seeds. Sprinkle garlic powder over mixture. Add mayo and mix well. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.


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Picking the best Nokia phones, now rebooted under the watchful eye of Finnish firm HMD Global, can be tricky because of the sheer number of handsets in the range – but we're here to explain the top Nokia-branded devices to you, together with the key features and specs.
Which one is right for you? Whatever your needs or budget, you should be able to find the best Nokia phone for you right here. Handily, the phone range has a very simple numbering system, so it's fairly easy to separate the premium and budget handsets in the list.
- These are the best smartphones that money can buy
- Our picks for the best Android phones of the moment
1. Nokia 9 Pureview
The best Nokia for photos and performance
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Nokia 9 Pureview is the flagship Nokia of the moment and in our eyes one of the best phones you can get today – especially with that five-camera array on the back, capable of shooting 60MP images and creating some cool effects (like adjustable background blur).
There's plenty going on here besides the camera as well, with a speedy Snapdragon 845 processor and a generous 6GB of RAM. If you want the best Nokia on the market and you don't mind paying for it, then the Nokia 9 Pureview is the smartphone to top your list.
2. Nokia 8.1
The best Nokia for flagship value
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Nokia calls this a "value flagship" which gives you a good idea of what to expect from the Nokia 8.1: specs approaching flagship level, for a little less money. There's a slower Snapdragon 710 here, but you still get plenty of RAM and storage space for your apps.
We like the design too, even with the rather wide notch, and the large 6.18-inch screen and the dual-lens rear camera are welcome as well. The best Nokia phone to go for if you want a phone that's going to last a long time but won't hit your finances as hard as the Nokia 9.
3. Nokia 7.1
The best Nokia phone for ruling the mid-range
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Nokia 7.1 isn't the newest Nokia phone, or the most powerful, but it has a few tricks that make it a very good proposition at the price: a smart HDR display (that can even upgrade non-HDR content) and Zeiss optics for some extra clarity in the camera lenses.
The internal components, camera and screen put it several notches above the budget Nokia handsets and the Nokia 7.1 is all that most people are going to need – unless you really need top-level power or the latest in display technology, this is a great choice.
4. Nokia 6.1 Plus
The best Nokia for the style and budget conscious
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
First came the Nokia 6, then the Nokia 6.1, and now the Nokia 6.1 Plus (keep up at the back), but there is a common thread – a solid user experience for not much money at all. With this model the bezels shrink and there's a display notch up at the top of the screen.
The Snapdragon 636 processor is perfectly respectable, as is the 4GB or 6GB of RAM and the 64GB of internal storage – this phone should be able to do just about everything you need it to, even if it doesn't offer the very best Nokia camera or display experience.
5. Nokia 4.2
The best Nokia for squeezing out most value for money
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Unveiled at the start of 2019, the Nokia 4.2 is worth a look for anyone interested in a good-looking, fast-running Nokia phone that won't cost too much – you still get decent photos and the Google Assistant built-in, but at a cheaper price than other handsets.
Of course some corners get cut in order to hit a lower price point – you don't get much in the way of RAM and storage, and the screen is a relatively low resolution one. We do like the style of the Nokia 4.2 though, and it'll definitely appeal to buyers who are on a budget.
6. Nokia 3.2
The best Nokia for saving the most money
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If even the Nokia 4.2 is too much of a strain on your wallet, consider the Nokia 3.2 – we really are down to the bargain basement here, but at least you get the Google Assistant with a single button press, and up to two days of battery life (according to Nokia).
You get a bigger screen than the Nokia 4.2, but the same resolution, and there's just a single-lens camera on the rear; the processor inside is slower too. Think about getting the Nokia 3.2 if you just want the basics from a smartphone and a clean version of Android.
7. Nokia 7 Plus
An older mid-range option
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Nokia 7 Plus can't compete with the top Nokias in terms of specs or performance, but you can now get this phone for a very decent price, and it's a very stylish-looking device too – that combination means it's still worth a place in our overall best Nokia phones list.
With decent battery life between charges, a decent dual-lens camera setup, and a decent level of performance (including 4GB of RAM) it's not going to let you down, and you can spend all the money you save by not buying a top-end flagship on something else instead.
8. Nokia 8
The ex-champion of Nokia devices
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The original Nokia 8 is a step down from the newer Nokia phones, but nevertheless it's still a fine phone worthy of your consideration, even if the specs are more 2017 than 2019. The design is one area where it stands out, and so is the bright and sharp 5.3-inch display.
As with the other phones here, you get a clean and bloat-free version of Android on your device, while the dual-lens rear camera (with Zeiss Optics tech) can get great results almost all the time. You should be able to pick it up for a decent price online, as well.


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Yes, that's true. I guess what I should have said earlier is that the misuse of religion has been one of the most negative forces in history.BFS wrote: This quote by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in When The Iron Bird Flies, puts it into perspective, for me.
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama: "For a truly religious person there is never any basis for quarrel or dispute. Yet it is a fact that there have been so-called religious wars. However, the people involved in these were not practising religion but were merely using religion as an instrument of power. The actual motivation was selfish, not spiritual.
That is a great example of the friendships which can be built between members of different religions. Even if people of different faiths disagree about every theological issue, it is very significant if they simply meet each other and see that they are both reasonable, decent human beings who are worthy of kindness and respect.BFS wrote:"Four people from the Abbey attended the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan at the Spokane Islamic Center. There were prayers and a huge, delicious meal that followed it. A woman from the mosque who had lunch with the Abbey residents afterwards wrote to us, "It was a pleasure meeting you all. I met several people who attended the EID activity and they were impressed with your presence. It meant so much for everyone the support and solidarity you offered. A simple physics theory says that constant movement of butterfly wings over time create a hurricane and I am a believer. The collective effect of drops of kindness inside each person can lead to peace and tolerance. Meeting wonderful people gives one hope and a positive outlook."
Fear and distrust of people of other religions has also led to a lot of historical tragedies (the massacre of the Sikhs in Punjab, etc.). When more people of different faiths talk to each other respectfully, they make it less likely that such events will be repeated.
However, I would feel more positively about Christians and Muslims if I saw more of them speaking out against war. I frequently read surveys which indicate that Conservative Christians are far more likely to support wars in the Middle East than other people in the US. This always makes me feel uneasy. Who cares about smiles on Sunday morning if the same people wouldn't hesitate a second to heavily bomb any country they feel threatened by?


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Family, friends hold vigil for slain minister
The Rev. Thomas Dean's family and friends held a vigil Friday night.
Dean was a local minister who friends said planned to start his own church. Those who attended the vigil and Ad Hoc Group Against Crime lit candles in his memory.
Police said 37-year-old David Allen shot Dean near 78th Street and Brookside Road. Family members said Dean was trying to defuse an argument between two men.
Dean's son, Thomas, said his father worked to help children in the churches he served.
"He would run special youth services," Thomas said. "He would take kids to youth camps. He would give up summer vacations to cook at youth camp, just to make sure kids from the church could go. He'd volunteer his time so they could get their tuition free for camp."
Family members said it was still unclear why Dean was shot. They said he went to the house to help a person evicted move some furniture. When he arrived, Dean tried to defuse an argument. Witnesses said Allen pulled a gun.
Prosecutors charged Allen with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.


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The arts community in San Antonio woke up yesterday to the shocking and tragic news that Rodney Smith had died. Rodney was the Managing Director of the Bexar County Performing Arts Center Foundation–the group charged with remaking the Municipal Auditorium into the new Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
San Antonio was incredibly lucky to have Rodney as the leader of this important and complex project. Not only was he experienced in both art center construction and management, but he also had the generous spirit and warm personality necessary to lead the wide variety of constituents that participate in the creation of a performing arts center. But, most importantly, Rodney had vision. The Express-News article quoted Rodney as saying, "I'm living my dream." And it takes a world-class dreamer to build a world-class performing arts center.
Rodney and I had lunch together late last week and we talked about the innovations of the YouTube Symphony. Rodney had emailed me a link to the video of the concert, and he was interested in discussing the creative lighting used in this concert. Rodney's master's degree was in scenic and lighting design and his sense of dramatic lighting is obvious in the hall's design. His dream was to build a center that transformed the arts experience. Although world-class acoustics are a critical part of the plans, for Rodney they were just the beginning. His dream was to build an innovative and flexible space that created unique opportunities to bring the community together.
Rodney and I spent hours talking about the new kinds of symphony concerts that would only be possible in the Tobin Center. He imagined a future where the Tobin Center help create experiences that transform audiences, transform downtown and even transform the arts.
Rodney's leadership will really be missed as we move forward with this project. But, his dream and spirit will forever be a part of the Tobin Center and part of all who were lucky enough to know him.
Jack Fishman
Email: email@example.com
For more blogs by Jack Fishman visit: www.sasymphony.org/blog


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What if a Computer Could Be a Teacher?
Videoconferencing has truly become a part of our daily lives. Technologies such as Apple's FaceTime or Google Hangouts are easy to set up and use, and are affordable at the consumer level — so much so that video calling is now part of the daily norm for a rapidly growing number of people. It's this kind of simplicity that explains how and why video has found its way not only into everyday life but also areas like business and education.
Cost and cumbersome requirements are no longer barriers. Today, it seems as if every company I talk to already has, or is starting to, use videoconferencing — making the question not if, but what, video solution a company will implement. When making that choice, simplicity is and will continue to be the key for those companies.
Organizations are looking to implement solutions that are two things: Intuitive and obvious. Which is why, looking back to the fireside chat, I appreciate systems like the one from Avaya that can be launched with a single click from any device with a Web browser, or by simply dragging and dropping participants into a conference. Ease of use is paramount. Location has become irrelevant. Now we can include people on a discussion via their smartphones with minimal difficulty. That is the difference.
Of course there are still challenges, but ultimately the technology is finally here, and bridging numerous gaps in the collaboration needs for enterprises.
What's still missing?
All too often, technology does not cater to the everyday user. Owner's manuals are too complex; my guess is that most people simply do not use them. The result is that people hardly know how to use their own technology.
I bought a garage door recently. The manuals were difficult to follow, so I finally went online and found a nice video that taught me how to program it. Things like this show how video instruction can be extremely helpful and a great supplement to traditional methods.
Technology for the masses, and the classes
People need better education, and technology should help with that. This is an absolute passion of mine, and one that I have paid close attention to for many years. I always believed computers were going to be able to do great things for learning — and they have, but there's more to come and still farther to go.
Today, schools with BYOD programs or solutions for providing devices to students are encouraging collaboration with students, teachers, and even professionals — right in the classroom. It's a real-time, dynamic educational environment, enabled by technology. This instant exchange and feedback model is much more invigorating and conducive to true education and understanding of the world. What a change from the traditional, deskbound, blanket curriculum that forces every student into the same mold.
I have always also wondered: What if a computer could be a teacher? The ability to have one-on-one interaction with dynamically aware computers could completely revolutionize the way we learn. We may not be there yet. Computers still can't actively engage and recognize emotions and facial expressions, which would be key. However, collaborative and video technologies in the classroom are allowing students to receive individualized attention and learn at their own pace while being actually engaged.
In the modern mobile world, dreams can quickly become realities, due to our ability to instantly connect with other people and their ideas. That spontaneity is due to the availability and growth of collaboration technologies in everyday life, in the classroom and in the workplace. That is where the future of video and mobile collaboration has arrived.
Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple Computer Inc. with Steve Jobs in 1976. After leaving Apple in 1985, Wozniak was involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students. Making significant investments of both his time and resources in education, he "adopted" the Los Gatos School District, providing students and teachers with hands-on teaching and donations of state-of-the-art technology equipment. He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. Wozniak currently serves as chief scientist for Fusion-io.


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After presenting the Yucca Moc Mid-Folk and some lookbook images from the new visvim Fall/Winter 2012 Collection, we continue with a further look at the new releases from the Japanese brand.
This season their popular Grizzly Boots Mid-Folk make a return. The F.I.L. exclusive line-up features the boots in 4 colorways. For some reason we really love the pink canvas version of it, for the most part because we have never seen a boot in that color before and also because it so unexpectedly works really well.
The boots come with a natural vegetable-tanned cowhide upper, wax finished antelope-hide detailing and Italian canvas upper material as a nice finish. Other great details include the Vibram custom outer sole and the riri zipper insertion.
The visvim boots are now available online here.


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In the year 1655 Oliver Cromwell formed an alliance with King Louis XIV of France against Spain. The exiled King Charles II of England, who had been spending his exile first with the French Court and later at Cologne now allied himself to the Spaniards in the Netherlands. He set up his headquarters in the Flemish city of Bruges and tried to raise an Army. Since Spain failed to provide sufficient money and arms, King Charles II could only form five Regiments which were raised in 1656. One of these, in which were collected some four hundred of the King's most loyal supporters, was commanded by Thomas Lord Wentworth. It was called 'The Royal Regiment of Guards'.
The campaign by Spain and her allies against France was unsuccessful. However, 'The Royal Regiment of Guards' played a valiant part in the Battle of the Dunes near Dunkirk in 1658. King Charles was restored to the English Throne in 1660, and landed in England on 25th May. One of his early commissions, dated 26th August, 1660 confirmed the establishment of 'The Royal Regiment of Guards' with Lord Wentworth as Colonel. The Regiment remained abroad forming part of the Garrison of Dunkirk until 1662 when it was brought home to England.
After his restoration King Charles II decided that, for his own personal protection, there should be a Regiment of Guards in England, in addition to 'The Royal Regiment of Guards' at Dunkirk. On 23rd November 1660, King Charles II commissioned Colonel John Russell to raise a Regiment of Foot Guards, the 'King's Regiment of Guards'. This Regiment consisted of twelve companies of one hundred men each.
In 1665, Lord Wentworth died. 'The Royal Regiment of Guards' was linked with the 'King's Regiment of Guards', in one establishment under the command of Colonel John Russell. The formal incorporation took place on 16th March 1665. The new Regiment consisted of twenty-four companies of one hundred men each, to which were added later four companies of Grenadiers. The new Regiment became known as the 'First Regiment of Foot Guards', a title which it retained until 1815 when it was granted its present title.
Full Title
The following is an extract from the 'London Gazette' of 29th July 1815, and explains the origin of the full title of the Regiment: 'His Royal Highness has also been pleased to approve of the First Regiment of Foot Guards being made a Regiment of Grenadiers and styled 'The First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards' in commemoration of their having defeated the Grenadiers of the French Imperial Guard upon this memorable occasion'. (The occasion was the Battle of Waterloo).
The Grenadier Guards is the only Regiment of the British Army that has directly gained its title from the part it played in action. Since the Regiment won its name, the Grenade emblem has been worn as a badge on the forage cap, on the tunic and on the Colour of the Regiment to signify the Regiment's proud and courageous history. A new uniform embodying the Grenade was first worn at Christmas 1815.
On the 7th November 1920, approval was obtained to replace the Grenade on the shoulder straps with the Royal Cypher.