text:
Commercial and Wholesale Baked Goods
Wholesale Bakery, Elwin & Company in Berkley MI Are you the owner or manage ...
We hear it all the time: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So why start your morning with dry cereal or tasteless snack bars?
Stop by Elwin & Company in Berkley, MI for coffee and our world-class scones with more than 20 varieties, including fat free, reduced fat, savory, sugar free and trans fat free.
Lunch options include homemade soups such as "Bubbie's" famous chicken soup with farfel, Hungarian vegetable barley or roasted apple and squash with candied pecans.
Stop by Elwin and Company to satisfy your sweet tooth and pick up some of our rich gooey brownies, muffins, variety of cookies from chewy to crunchy and the best banana, pumpkin and zucchini bread!
Have questions or want to place an order for prepared foods, wholesale orders, personal chef, catering? Call us at (248) 547-8846 Retail hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. .


text:
"Live life to the fullest, and then write about it. Dare to suck and put your music out there, and just keep on going" ~ Desmond Child, songwriter of #1 hits such as "Livin' La Vida Loca", "Livin' On A Prayer" and "You Give Love A Bad Name"
"I felt a kinship with country music, because country has lyrics that tell stories" ~ Desmond Child
"Don't fall in love with everything you write, many of the times it can be improved" ~ Ken Hirsch, Hit Songwriter of songs such as: "I've Never Been To Me", "If I Could", etc and First Prize winner of 15th Annual USA Songwriting Competition
"Music is structure out of Chaos" ~ Stephen Sondheim, Lyricist
"I don't recommend analyzing a market or particular artist too much. Write the best song you can and let the professionals figure out what to do with it" ~ Billy Steinberg, songwriter of #1 Hits "Like a Virgin", "True Colors", "Eternal Flame", "Alone", etc.
"I guess you could write a good song if your heart hadn't been broken, but I don't know of anyone whose heart hasn't been broken" ~ Lucinda Williams, songwriter
"I'd rather write great songs because the word "commercial" is so subjective" ~ Beth Nielsen Chapman
"It's not about record companies, it's about finding other avenues to market your music" ~ Mark Mothersbaugh, songwriter, Devo.
"You should listen to songs and listen to what works. Listen to why a song is a hit. Check it out--not to imitate it, but there are certain things that work - hooks and melodies. Hear what works through the ages" ~ Diane Warren
"I think there's something strangely musical about noise" ~ Trent Reznor , songwriter, composer, former member of "Nine Inch Nails".
"Songs are your best teachers. I try to learn something from every song I hear" ~ Pat Pattison, Songwriting Professor at Berklee College of Music
"Music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music" ~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
For more information on the 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, check out: http://www.songwriting.net

subset: commoncrawl


text:
BAD HAIKU - Horrible poetry for the digital age
23 Years
350 Days
68534 Haikus
about haiku
submit haiku
search haiku
im told that gen x
was worn out by the time it
gets old...what now when?
Haiku #58093
, by roni
February 27, 2018 10:21 am ET
so do i do the
usual let this all go
or silly prayer run?
Haiku #58092
, by Anonymous Poet
February 26, 2018 8:05 pm ET
i hope somehow that
this place keeps on keeping on
but i know the deal...
Haiku #58091
, by ronin
February 26, 2018 11:05 am ET
i had a story
idea for a vampiress turned
dhampir but she gets
the futuristic
dark elf guy
Haiku #58090
, by Anonymous Poet
February 25, 2018 11:45 pm ET
That last post is a better love
Story than Twilight
Went to see it with a friend
Female of course
2 very very boring hours of my life
Haiku #58089
, by Reverse Vampire
February 25, 2018 12:03 pm ET
alas i knew a story
four vampire wives playing
games with the man who
turned them...nancy kil
patrick wrote it, funniest
vamp story since twilight
Haiku #58088
, by Anonymous Poet
February 25, 2018 11:13 am ET
commander in chef
please give abundant relief
love, make us shock proof
Haiku #58087
, by &
February 25, 2018 3:02 am ET
My dad once met a polygamist
From Pakistan with many wives
My dad told him he was jealous
After all he must have sex all the time
The man sighed and said
No sir I am jealous of you
I would gladly give up the sex
To not be nagged constantly
Haiku #58086
, by dvd
February 24, 2018 10:31 pm ET
i stand aside from
history taking it's place
watching and waiting
Haiku #58085
, by ronin
February 23, 2018 12:42 pm ET
if someone doesnt
know the past then the past will
repeat itself meh
Haiku #58084
, by ronin
February 23, 2018 10:49 am ET
"I hight Don Quixote, I live on peyote, marijuana, morphine and cocaine, I never know sadness, but only a madness that burns at the heart and the brain. I see each charwoman, ecstatic, inhuman, angelic, demonic, divine. Each wagon a dragon, each beer mug a flagon that brims with ambrosial wine."
~ Jack Parsons, co-founder of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Haiku #58083
, by Fulmonite of Mercury
February 22, 2018 8:22 pm ET
Didn't realize
I've been sleeping in a bed
Full of broken glass
This is not a metaphor
Haiku #58082
, by dvd
February 22, 2018 5:07 pm ET
the magick has to
still go on despite the odds
arrayed against it
Haiku #58081
, by ronin
February 22, 2018 1:46 pm ET
billy graham has died
today, saw it in a quick
second hand screen shot
Haiku #58080
, by ronin
February 21, 2018 11:45 pm ET
alas it is up to
the boss, i want to keep on
haikuing right on
Haiku #58079
, by ronin
February 21, 2018 11:37 pm ET
Crustacean soufflé.
One hundred dollar breakfast.
Just because fuck you.
Haiku #58078
, by
February 21, 2018 6:22 pm ET
Enormous jizz load.
Cappuccino froth surprise.
Coffee shop hijinks.
Haiku #58077
, by
February 21, 2018 6:19 pm ET
This will not go well.
Already it's got errors.
It cannot be fixed.
Haiku #58076
, by
February 21, 2018 6:11 pm ET
still sometimes beyond
all hope, all just saying fuck
it, letting go, boom...
it gets right again
Haiku #58075
, by ronin
February 21, 2018 1:46 pm ET
my own body is
fighting me, I try to make
new words, new paths, new
life, three steps back, and
if i died i still think most
folks would only think
of the beer in their
hands, talking about the next
gossip, moving on
Haiku #58074
, by ronin
February 21, 2018 1:41 pm ET
i fear this to be
abandoned like the old sears
stores, empty buildings
Haiku #58073
, by roni
February 20, 2018 11:07 pm ET
i feel like the whole
resistance is a shell to
imprison spirits
Haiku #58072
, by ronin
February 20, 2018 3:53 pm ET
i mean who is 5his
crazy alex jones guy to speak
for me, is he mad?
insane, orvmaking
money off of whatvhe does
and what the hellvdo
we need trigger things
for? this generation needs
a drill instructor
then some counseling!
Haiku #58071
, by ronin of im oversensitive, i know
February 20, 2018 1:05 pm ET
i think its time to
rise up and confront mob left
leaning ignorance and
fear by confronting
spiritual warfare, and the
whole casting out thing
Haiku #58070
, by ronin
February 20, 2018 1:02 pm ET
id hate to say bye
to this place but all things die
beloved but gone on
Haiku #58069
, by Anonymous Poet
February 20, 2018 11:38 am ET
well im sad about
a lot of changes resigned to
weird evangelistic
belief memes and
seeing the world homogenize
socially in war
Haiku #58068
, by roni
February 19, 2018 11:21 pm ET
google has in
their need to update their stuff
break out the vinyl
Haiku #58067
, by ronin
February 19, 2018 11:10 pm ET
Offworld Groups! Deep State!
Vaccines! GMOs! Chem Trails!
Everything's scary
Haiku #58066
, by Alex Jones of complete sobriety
February 19, 2018 9:21 pm ET
Alex Jones drunk and high
Is interesting as it is
Not sure I'd wanna be around him
After a couple hits of acid though
I would strongly recommend
Hiding in a locked closet
For those 10 hours or so
To avoid being eaten alive
Haiku #58065
, by Microdose of LSD
February 19, 2018 9:17 pm ET
Did you know that Saint
Nicolas was at the Council
Of Nycaea?
He punched a guy in the face
Haiku #58064
, by Deep Dish
February 19, 2018 9:15 pm ET
i thought it was
satanists on mars with those
reptilians and those
other aliens
from plan nine and santa claus
helped defeat them all
Haiku #58063
, by alex jones on acid of aka ronin
February 19, 2018 10:46 am ET
Ferengi Sex Trade
Black Market without any
Clients having eyes
Haiku #58062
, by Data of The Enterprise
February 19, 2018 9:01 am ET
expansion into space
ferengi, gold pressed bar of
latinum in box
Haiku #58061
, by ronin
February 19, 2018 6:31 am ET
Say what you will about
Supporters of Trump
But they're pretty much
The "ideal best friend"
Can say and do
Pretty much whatever
But they still support
Like a very understanding friend
Haiku #58060
, by Deep Dish of its important to hold your friends to the highest standard
February 19, 2018 4:15 am ET
Start mining asteroids
The glut of precious metals
Would destabilize the economy
The solution
Don't tell anybody about it
That way prices stay fixed
The rich get richer...
And cool spaceships too!
Haiku #58059
, by Deep Space of Solar Warden
February 19, 2018 12:01 am ET
the so called right hand
path often has wolves in sheepcs
clothing, um kittens
Haiku #58058
, by ronin
February 18, 2018 12:41 pm ET
i wonder if peeps
still make fausts bargain or the
devil is seen as
a cisgender white
male entity that is not
real now, blessed be
Haiku #58057
, by ronin
February 18, 2018 11:00 am ET
those who live in the
country, orange coats, 12
gauge, deer hunting, beer
cribbage, deer camps, snow
chili in the morning tree
stands, family, past
Haiku #58056
, by ronin of politics, religion, sex
February 18, 2018 10:58 am ET
grilled chicken pizza
changed my life for the better
wish I had one now
Haiku #58055
, by Adorable Kittens of Roadchemin
February 18, 2018 4:14 am ET
truck bumper sticker...
Warns us all, "don't tread on me"
fat white guy driving
Dudes like him suck balls
he's not persecuted here
But feels like he is
Because he wants more....
More beer, bullets and pussy
But he can't get it
Ugly idiot
He has to blame somebody
It's Obama's fault
Haiku #58054
, by Concerned American
February 17, 2018 10:53 am ET
second amendment
fatal anachronistic
penis substitute
Haiku #58053
, by ash
February 17, 2018 6:24 am ET
it's a weebly world
sit around and chew the fat
pilled to the eyeballs
Haiku #58052
, by ash
February 17, 2018 6:16 am ET
the servers of the
past flotsam, jetsam, seen as
reminders like old
foundations of homes
once there, old websites of how
life once was building
Haiku #58051
, by Anonymous Poet
February 16, 2018 11:04 am ET
great work https://ph375.weebly.com/
Haiku #58050
, by Jeremy jackson of Austin
February 16, 2018 7:09 am ET
the time grows short with
each passing day but human
nature doth not change
Haiku #58049
, by ronin
February 15, 2018 2:17 pm ET
the illusion of
control brought to you by man
made technology
Haiku #58048
, by ronin
February 15, 2018 10:52 am ET
two swords drawn, two men
stare at each other waiting
for their time of death
Haiku #58047
, by ronin
February 14, 2018 11:25 pm ET
Scrotal implant WOW!
Testicle augmentation.
Women love big balls.
Happy Valentines!
May your nut sack be emptied.
With no diseases.
Haiku #58046
, by Much Mushy Musashi of Nagasaki drinking saki.
February 14, 2018 7:57 pm ET
Enormous penis.
It will not flap in the breeze.
It's not Japanese.
Haiku #58045
, by miyamoto musashi of Hiroshima
February 14, 2018 6:38 pm ET
some things just don't seem
as important as they once
did with life changes
Haiku #58044
, by ronin
February 14, 2018 12:06 pm ET
< 50 Less Recent Haiku
50 More Recent Haiku >


text:
A couple days after "Nebraska" aired, I watched "The Weekend," the breathtaking Homeland episode that's a shoo-in for my personal best-of-2011 list, and which made the steaming pile that was "Nebraska" seem that much steamier. I can imagine no worse companion for Dexter, a show that puts maintaining the status quo above any other consideration, than Homeland, a show that so gleefully upends itself that just about any episode could serve as a season finale. The pairing of "Nebraska" and "The Weekend" makes the failings of Dexter that much more glaring, and honestly, if I'd watched the Homeland episode prior to writing up the Dexter episode, I'd have probably been even more harsh. "Nebraska" is a perfect encapsulation of everything wrong with latter-day Dexter. There's not a single step forward the show is not willing to roll back, even in the space of a single episode, as was the case last week. It operates outside of any sort of creative or quality standards. The primary goal at all times is to allow Dexter to slip out of the latest noose so he can continue to put down Miami's murderers unimpeded and with little in the way of genuine stakes.
This week came news that Dexter has been renewed for another two seasons, and Showtime president David Nevins still refused to say with certainty that season eight would be the show's last. The announcement intensified my frustration with the show, because at this point, I'm not only clear that this season of Dexter is lackluster, I'm not entirely sure it can be good again given the circumstances. The only thing that could return Dexter to being the show it started out as is to set the end game in motion, and with no end in sight, there can be no end game. As I said after "Smokey and the Bandit," I can sort of see the appeal of a Dexter that embraces the complete lack of stakes and puts all its energy into interesting kill-of-the-week stories and soapy melodrama around Miami Metro. At least that would represent a clear, consistent vision for the show moving forward that would allow it to seem viable for a few more years. But there's something sad about continuing the charade that any of what we're seeing is adding up to anything, when there's at least two more seasons to go, and knowing Showtime, probably four more.
The one-two punch of "Nebraska" and the renewal announcement left me with a general sense of defeat that hung with me through my viewing of "Sin of Omission." It's hard not to feel like little if anything that happens between the opening and closing credits is of lasting importance, and that makes it difficult to get excited about watching the show every week. Added to this, Travis & Gellar are still hands down the worst villains Dexter has ever seen, so a piece-moving episode like "Sin of Omission" just feels like an absolute bore, since it's building up to a conclusion that is almost certain to be a disappointment. As unfortunate as "Nebraska" was, at least the road trip gave us a decent break from the Doomsday Duo, but "Sin of Omission" plunged right back into the goofy case, and was all the worse for it.
I realize that I can't drop the Doomsday Duo into the Stray Observations, but man is it ever tempting. Every week I say it couldn't be more obvious that Gellar isn't real, and then to my surprise it gets even more obvious. It's to the point now that I'd like to think maybe it's not supposed to be a secret that Gellar isn't real. I can't imagine how the writers would think that at this point, no one would put it together, especially considering all the general ghostiness that has gone on all season. But if Dexter hasn't figured it out, it means the audience isn't supposed to have figured it out either, and the final scene confirms that Dexter is still on the hunt for a flesh-and-blood person. I'm not sure who this show is for anymore, but executing this story this way seems like a huge miscalculation. There are definitely people who would watch this season of Dexter and never suspect that there's something fishy about Gellar, and then there are people who would be interested in watching a cable drama about a blood spatter analyst who murders people in his spare time, and I don't feel like there's a huge portion of the former group in the latter group.
All that said, Travis kept trying to achieve domestic bliss with his sister, and a practically omnipresent Gellar was showing up everywhere imploring him to finish God's work. When he refused, "Gellar" put Travis's sister into the Whore of Babylon tableau that went unfinished when Travis freed their captive. If you're as firmly in the Travis-is-Gellar camp as I am, none of this was particularly engaging because we're watching under the assumption that any kind of power struggle between Travis and Gellar is an internal one. The whore tableau pushed the case forward a bit though, since Dex found a tag with a name on some of the fabric used in the tableau, and Louis knew about a Magical Super Google they could use to find out what it meant. The search ultimately led Dexter to Travis and Gellar's secret lair, where Dexter nearly missed his target. Eye roll.
The most interesting thread here is the relationship between Dexter and Debra, which is deteriorating in a hurry after Dexter's five-day sojourn in Kearney, Neb. I'm curious to see where this goes, since it's the only thing that represents some forward momentum for the macro-story, but "Nebraska" spiked whatever good will I still had towards Dexter. Are the writers really prepared to reveal Dexter to Deb, or is all of this sibling conflict going to amount to as much as it did with Brian Moser? And even if it does, will it be enough to pull deeply despondent Dexter fans back on board?
Stray observations:
- This week in Miami Metro: LaGuerta was a bitch to Deb because of a dead call girl whose murder must be covered up for someone mysterious who is probably Matthews; Louis is still obsessed with Dexter but less so with Jamie, now that Batista has threatened him; Quinn and Masuka enjoyed some drunken bro time; Mike Anderson continued regretting his decision to move to Miami.
- The redundant voiceover returned with a vengeance this week.


text:
DOTA 2 Kad Game
What is DOTA 2?
- Dota 2 is a multiplayer Action RTS game. It began as a user-made modification for Warcraft 3 and has grown into one of the most played online games in the world.
Dota 2 Gameplay:
Dota 2 is a combination of RTS including perspective and a heavy requirement of tactics and team co-ordination and RPG including itemization and leveling up. The main objective in DotA 2 is to destroy the enemy Ancient Structure inside their stronghold, these strongholds are protected by multiple towers down 3 lanes. The player controls a Hero which fights for him and gains strength by leveling up by getting experience, which is given when creeps and heroes die, and by itemization by buying items with gold. Gold is gained passively over time, killing creeps, killing enemy heroes and buildings. You can prevent the enemy gaining as much gold and experience by denying creeps and buildings.
Dota 2 Heroes:
Heroes are all unique characters within Dota 2. At the start of each game, players are split into two teams of 5 versus 5 and then select a Hero from the Hero Pool. Every player controls his own Hero and any units that Hero controls, such as a Neutral Creep under the effects of Chen's Holy Persuasion. Heroes will gain experience when enemy units are killed nearby. They start the game at level one, and as they earn experience, will eventually level up. Each level a Hero earns will increase their Attributes and learn new Skills. Dota 2 currently has 50 playable heroes, all currently from DotA 1, Heroes are split into 3 categories, strength, agility and intelligence, and into the 2 factions, The Radiant and The Dire.
Dota 2 Items:
Items are used to give heroes additional abilities, bonus stats or provide health or mana regeneration, items are sold at the shop, side-lane shop or the secret shop, more powerful items require several base items to be created as well as a recipe, Items take up space in the heroes inventory or stash, with 6 slots in your inventory some thought is required to ensure you have space to buy items for recipes.
Polisi Pemulangan:
Apa-apa bentuk CD Key, Kad Masa, Expansion, Points Game, Kad Pra-bayar, Trial/Beta/Item Code yang telah dilihat dari akaun anda, tidak boleh dikembalikan atau ditukar ganti.
- Tidak termasuk manual, CD Pemasangan, kotak, kad fizikal atau unsur-unsur fizikal yang lain.
- Anda boleh melihat kod atau pin kad game anda di halaman Kad Game Saya selepas pesanan anda diproses.
- Permintaan bayaran balik untuk produk pre-order boleh dibuat 2 minggu sebelum pelepasan produk di pasaran.


text:
New Families
Families new to LHS click here for the application.
Existing LHS Families
Existing families click here to use your Family Access portal to enroll additional students. Use the option "New Student Online Enrollment".
We prefer to have applications for the next school year no later than January. If you have any questions regarding late registration, call (608) 783-5435 x1150.
Application (International Students) - click the title for the PDF
- This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students
- We prefer to have applications for the next school year no later than January
- There is a $10 non-refundable fee.
- Non-WELS students are accepted, please refer to our Admissions Policy
- Tuition & Fees for International Students typically falls in the Non-WELS category
- International students are required to stay with a WELS (Christian) family. Arrangements will be made by Luther High School and cost $5000 (2015-2016 fee) in addition to tuition & fees.
- Current ACT scores can be found in our Student/Parent Handbook
- For more information or questions please contact Brad Schaper
Transcript Release Form
Be sure to complete a Transcript Release Form from your current school (check with them for the form) to request a copy of your current transcript be sent to Luther High School. This must be done prior to enrollment.


text:
Condensed Privacy Policy
This Condensed Privacy Policy applies to our collection, use, and disclosure and storage of personal information.
We are required to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in Schedule 1 to the Privacy Act 1988 (the Privacy Act).
This document provides an overview of how we handle your personal information. A complete Privacy Policy is also available on the Treasury website. Both this Condensed Privacy Policy and the complete Privacy Policy were last updated in March 2014.
Personal information handling practices
We usually collect personal information about individuals from the individuals themselves or their authorised representatives. Broadly grouped, our personal information holdings include:
- documents relating to employment (including, name, contact information, Tax File Numbers, bank account information, photos, health information, birth certificates, passport information);
- documents relating to applications for employment (including qualifications, work history and referees' reports);
- documents relating to the appointments to Commonwealth Boards (including qualifications and work history);
- distributions, mailing lists and contact lists (including telephone numbers and email addresses);
- financial and other information about tenderers, contractors and customers;
- information provided in the course of making submissions or requests under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
We sometimes collect personal information from a third party or from a publicly available source, but only if:
- the individual has consented to such collection or would reasonably expect us to collect their personal information in this way, or
- it is necessary for a specific purpose.
From time to time, personal information is provided to us without being requested (for example, where you send us a letter or make an enquiry). When we receive such information, we will handle it in accordance with our obligations under the Privacy Act.
We only collect personal information for purposes which are directly related to our functions or activities and only when it is necessary for or directly related to such purposes.
Sensitive information
On occasion, we may collect or hold sensitive information about you (such as information regarding your health, criminal record or associations that you are a member of). We may collect sensitive information about you if:
- you have consented and the information is reasonably necessary for, or directly related to, one of our function or activities; or
- the collection is required or authorised by law.
Use and disclosure
We will only use information, including personal information, for the primary purpose for which it was collected.
We may also use or disclose personal information for reasonably expected secondary purposes directly related to the primary purpose or for other purposes permitted under the Privacy Act. This includes where the use or disclosure is required or authorised by law or where the individual concerned has consented to the use or disclosure, or would reasonably expect the use or disclosure to occur.
Where possible, we will notify you at the time we collect the information, or shortly after, if we are likely to pass the information on to another body and, if relevant, the bodies to which the information is likely to be given.
We do not usually disclosure personal information to overseas recipients.
Data security
We hold personal information on paper files, electronic files and databases. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that all personal information in our possession or control is protected against loss, unauthorised access, misuse, disclosure or modification.
Data quality
We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information we collect is accurate, up to date and complete.
Our website
No attempt will be made to identify users of their browsing activities except, in the unlikely event of an investigation, where a law enforcement agency may exercise its authority to inspect the Internet Service Providers log files.
How to access/ correct your personal information or make a complaint
You can access the personal information that we hold about you and/or request corrections to any personal information we hold about you. If you think we have breached your privacy rights, you can also make a complaint. Please contact the Treasury using the following details:
02 6263 2800
The Senior Adviser
Parliamentary and Legal Services Unit
The Treasury
Langton Crescent, PARKES ACT 2600
How to make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner
If you are dissatisfied with the way we handle your privacy-related complaint, you may contact the Privacy Commissioner by:
1300 363 992
The Privacy Commissioner
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
GPO Box 5218
You may make a complaint directly to the Privacy Commissioner rather than to Treasury however it is likely that the Privacy Commissioner would recommend you try to resolve the complaint directly with us in the first instance.


text:
ESA's space weather station Proba-2 tracks stormy Sun
Researchers gathered for European Space Weather Week have been presented with the latest results from ESA's own space weather station: the Proba-2 microsatellite.
The unpredictably stormy Sun drives space weather: surges of charged particles can damage satellites, impede space-based services and affect terrestrial power networks.
Less than a cubic metre, Proba-2 was launched on 2 November 2009 as a technology demonstrator but is now working as a science mission, having exceeded its two-year design life.
Proba-2 science data are also useful for space weather monitoring: two instruments watch the Sun, with two more studying the Sun's influence on Earth's topmost ionosphere.
The mission is keeping busy: it has gathered upwards of 400 000 images of the Sun and made almost 20 million in-situ ionospheric observations.
This year's European Space Weather Week, taking place in the Palais des Congres in Namur, Belgium, from 28 November to 2 December included presentations by users of Proba-2 data from all over Europe.
"Proba-2 science data are also distributed to scientific teams worldwide, from the US to India," noted Marie Dominique of the Royal Observatory of Brussels, responsible for Proba-2's Sun-watching sensors.
Sampling space
Rather than being trained on the Sun, some 150 million km away, Proba's two other main sensors are investigating the immediate vicinity of the microsatellite, circling the poles at an altitude of 700 km.
"Next year, we plan to release the complete processed archive of our results so far," said Stepan Stverak, of the Czech Republic's Astronomical Institute.
"This dataset will then be available to the scientific community for statistical study, to help identify how ionospheric plasma can be perturbed by solar and space weather events."
Results will also be cross-checked with France's Demeter satellite, which sought ionospheric disturbance caused by seismic activity – a potential method of predicting earthquakes.
Proba-2 and Demeter flew in similar orbits before the French satellite ended its mission last year.
New technology taking flight
ESA's 'Project for Onboard Autonomy' family of demonstration satellites allows European companies to test new technologies in space.
Proba-2's 17 technology payloads include: a flight computer built around ESA's latest-generation chip (yet to require a single reset), a fibre sensor 'nervous system' monitoring temperatures and fuel tank pressure, and nitrogen gas generators to repressurise the resistojet thruster used for orbit maintenance – giving the mission a new lease of life each time they are triggered.
"The idea behind Proba is to test advanced technologies in a way that the scientific community also finds useful," remarked Frederic Teston of ESA's In-Orbit Demonstration Programme.
"Gaining the interest of users represents the best proof our technologies work well."
Proba-2 is designed for maximum autonomy. It is operated by a small team keeping standard office hours, based at ESA's ground station in Redu, Belgium.
"We work with Redu on a very flexible basis," Ms Dominique added. "We can easily react if solar activity suddenly changes – in a few hours we change the settings of our instruments, or even the pointing direction of the satellite, for instance, to track coronal mass ejections."


text:
Hours ago I announced the official release of OS 18.104.22.1681 for the 9850/60, and already other carriers have trumped it. We now have OS version 184.108.40.2066 for the 9860, from multiple european carriers. If your carrier is not listed below, do not forget to delete the Vender.xml and read out install guide. Be sure to report back to us with any Bugs and Fixes.
This is by far the quickest OS update I have ever seen. 22.214.171.1241 lasted a total of 11 hours before it has been replaced by 188.8.131.526. Enjoy the new version guys!


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Be Our Next I'm a Huge Fan! Enter For the Chance to Meet Tina Fey!
Be Our Next I'm a Huge Fan! Enter For the Chance to Meet Tina Fey!
Between hosting the Golden Globes with Amy Poehler and celebrating a triumphant finale to 30 Rock, Tina Fey has already had a huge year, and it's only February. Next up for Tina is her new film, Admission, costarring Paul Rudd, and to celebrate, Tina is the next star of our I'm a Huge Fan series!
Head over to the contest page and enter for the chance for you and a guest to fly to New York and get the A-list treatment with surprises along the way, all before meeting — and interviewing — Tina in person as part of our I'm a Huge Fan series! Enter now and catch Admission in theaters March 22.
Click here for official rules.


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Last week we focused on black, and dramatic diamond jewelery - so for the sake of opposites, this week we'll showcase a soft and white wedding classic - pearls!
Pearls can be natural or cultivated. The difference is whether the 'irritant' that the mollusk forms the pearl around occurs spontaneously by nature, or is introduced by human intervention. The majority of today's pearls used in jewelery are cultivated - quality natural pearls are very rare, and come with a matching price tag!
The tradition of wearing pearls on the wedding day has continued for centuries, and the pearl's history can be traced back to ancient Greece, where they were offered as tribute to Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
You can continue the tradition on your own wedding day (or every day - hey, we don't care! Pearls are great with jeans and a blouse) with some lovely non-traditional jewelry from the Etsymetal Team!
From Top to Bottom, L-R:
2) Kira Ferrer
5) Rubygirl


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[Shanghai, December 3. Image via Getty.]
A model displays an outfit by German-born fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld during the Chanel Paris Shanghai fashion show in Shanghai on December 3, 2009. The show featured Lagerfeld's new collection Paris-Shanghai under the Chanel brand. AFP PHOTO/PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images)


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With the possible exception of the tuck rule, the rule that tripped up the Lions and Jim Schwartz has to be one of the dumbest in the game. You don't have to throw the challenge flag because we'll review it on our own, the rulebook says, but if you throw the challenge flag we won't review it.
Everyone screwed up here. The refs, for not seeing that Justin Forsett's elbow and knee hit the ground, before he got back up to scamper 81 yards for a touchdown. Jim Schwartz, for trying a challenge when he wasn't allowed. (I think we can afford to be a little hypocritical. Even if we didn't know you could actually skunk a booth review by tossing the flag, it's a head coach's job to know it.) And the rulebook itself—I can't see what situation this was intended to address, what wrong it was designed to right.
It's no surprise that the league is probably going to change the illegal challenge rule, and they may not even wait until the offseason.
"I knew the rule, that you can't challenge on a turnover or a scoring play, but I was so mad that I overreacted," Schwartz said. "I had the flag out of my pocket before he even scored the touchdown, and that's all my fault."
"It's on me," Schwartz told his player on the sideline at the time. But how much of an effect on the game's outcome did his blunder actually have? Advanced NFL Stats calculated the win probabilities for the Texans had Forsett been ruled down, and what actually happened. Third and 2 at Houston's own 27 would have given them a WP of 0.18. A touchdown and touchback on the ensuing kickoff give them a WP of 0.35. One poorly timed red flag nearly doubled the Texans' odds of winning.
Of course, the point is moot if Detroit wins in overtime. Choosing to kick a 47-yard field goal on third down, rather than pick up a few more yards, is inexplicable. The loss is on Jim Schwartz, not because of any one play.


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This is getting ridiculous. Another collision: on 18-20 May, I'll be attending Imagine No Religion in Kamloops, BC. At the same time, the Women in Secularism conference is taking place on the other side of the continent, in Washington DC. I can't be at both!
But I do have a proxy. My daughter Skatje will be traveling to DC, and she will also be posting the occasional summary of the days' events here on Pharyngula. One blog, two conferences. We shall do everything!
Warning: if you are at the same conference with Skatje, do not attempt to weasel sordid stories of her awful father and his goofy behavior out of her — she is under strict instructions to obey that one commandment about honoring your father and mother. Also, the one about killing.
OK, maybe not the one about killing if you get too pushy.


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Men's Leather Trench Coats
Explore a collection of leather trench coats for men. Supple lace and smooth suede offer an alternative take on our signature trench coat design. In both structured and relaxed fits, trench coat details features include the storm shield, epaulettes and D-rings. Specialist leather cleaning should be undertaken to ensure the quality of the fabric.
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Handmade wooden letter blocks Love wooden blocks
Ceramic letters feature on rustic wooden blocks - What a wonderful way to show an Inspirational message in unique way!
Best of all, the ceramic letters can be glazed in any color of your choice.
Build your own phrase, name, or any other set of letters to reflect what you feel.
This set of wooden blocks, featuring the ceramic letters would make a wonderful and unique housewarming gift. It makes a great change to any room with the right saying.
The wooden blocks are painted and then polished to give them aged rustic look make your decor one of a kind and truly special!
The one of a kind ceramic letters visit the kiln twice, before and after glazing. Painting is totally handmade.
The wooden blocks come in rustic brown or rustic white. The ceramic letters can be glazed in any color of your choice.
Build your own saying for your special room, place it above the fireplace, on your kitchen shelf or say LOVE above your door step. add the ideal finishing touch that will complete your dream place.
The inspirational quote on a letter blocks makes it perfect for any space, particularly an office space, or a family room .
The Wooden blocks with the ceramic letters also make a thoughtful gift for your child's favorite teacher or classmate.
Wooden Blocks dimensions: 2.75"X2.75"
This listing is for 4 letter block.
For more options enter the Letter blocks section: http://www.ceramicsbyorly.com/collections/letter-blocks
When you place an order please specify:
- Your word (4 letters)
- The colors of your choice for the letters.
- Color of the wooden blocks - white or brown.
Due to the ceramic firing process please allow up to 14 days for creating your special letter blocks.


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Looking For a Specific Rental Property?
Since 1973, Garden City Realty has been bringing satisfied guests, property owners, buyers and sellers together in one of the east coast's most frequented vacation destinations. We've worked carefully to build a reputation that reflects our undying commitment to provide quality service with a touch of Southern hospitality.
Located eight miles south of Myrtle Beach, the friendly, easy going communities of Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach are active with all the beach time favorites, but without the hassle of heavy traffic or crowded beaches. Add to that the laid back atmosphere of Murrells Inlet and you have the recipe for a relaxing seaside getaway.
The picturesque landscape of sandy beaches and salt water marshes bring visitors back year after year. State parks, boating, fishing, parasailing, crabbing, award-winning restaurants, nationally-ranked golf courses, shopping, and not to mention miles of white sandy beaches, are just a few of the things you'll find on the South Strand. Come see what's happening in Garden City Beach and find out why, Life's Grand on the South Strand.
So, come play, relax and make lasting memories - you can even bring your dog, too! You deserve it. Whether you're planning your vacation or purchasing a property, Garden City Realty will help make your dreams come true. Book direct with us for the best price, guaranteed.
For office information and seasonal hours, visit our contact information page.
Don't miss out on:


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According to TMZ, the iconic Zsa Zsa Gabor and husband Prince Frederic von Anhalt are rumored to be putting their massive Bel Air mansion on the market for $28 million. The couple will be moving to a smaller condo in Westwood, where Gabor can acclimate to life after her recent leg amputation and other ongoing health issues. The mansion was designed by Howard Hughes and has 26 rooms, of which the couple only use about two. With a $30k/month for maintenance costs, it's time to minimize!
Copyright LXTVN - LXTV


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GSA Inks Estimated $750M SATCOM-II Deal With 24 Firms
Contracts to provide federal and defense agencies with the next generation of high quality, worldwide satellite communications solutions were awarded today by the U.S. General Services Administration.
"GSA's customers have critical national missions that need the exceptional capabilities offered by SATCOM-II," noted GSA's Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Jim Williams. "We're not only providing satellite communications today, but we've designed SATCOM-II to keep pace with the phenomenal growth in satellite technology we expect over its five-year contract life. That's important news for our customers."
SATCOM-II awardees include both large and small businesses. Large business awardees are Americom Government Services, Inc., Arrowhead Global Solutions, Inc., ARTEL, Inc., AT&T Corp., DRS Technical Services, EDS Corp., Global Communications Solutions, Inc., Hughes Network Systems, LLC, Intelsat General Corporation, Mackay Communications, Inc., Segovia, Inc., Stratos Mobile Network, Inc., Telecommunications Systems, Inc., Telenor Satellite Services, and ViaSat, Inc.
Small businesses comprise over one third of the SATCOM-II awardees. They are CVG, Inc., DasNet Corporation, E&E Enterprises Global, Knight Sky Consulting and Associates, LLC, New Orleans Teleport, Inc., Psi Systems, Inc., RiteNet Corporation, Satellite Communication Systems, Inc., and Skjei Telecom, Inc. Small business awardees comprise more than one-third of the SATCOM-II awardees.
Satellite provides the only network available where no phone or cable lines exist, which is usual for federal workers fighting wilderness wildfires, patrolling remote borders and rescuing injured citizens from devastating hurricanes or tornadoes. With the rapid and reliable communications networks provided by this contract, federal workers can use hand-held receivers similar to cell phones as well as access full broadband computer networks anywhere in the world. These networks begin with a compact satellite station that fits in a car trunk but provides all computer, e-mail and broadband Internet capability normally found only in the office. These stations can even operate from aircraft and ships. SATCOM-II's broadband access also makes possible broadcast services as well as distance learning for federal customers in areas throughout the world that don't have a normal communications network, because it enables audio and video transmission of educational material.
SATCOM-II offers GSA customers unique opportunities—a special small business set-aside component for satellite professional support services and an innovative way to stay ahead of the technology curve. The set-aside helps agencies better involve America's outstanding small businesses in serving citizens, and a new modification process keeps SATCOM-II current with new technologies and services as they become commercially available.
The SATCOM-II program has an estimated value of $750 million over the life of the five-year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts, and it will replace the existing GSA Satellite Services program. SATCOM-II offers competitive pricing throughout the life of the contract, as well as flexible ordering and billing.
SATCOM-II details are also available through GSA.gov at SATCOM-II Overview.


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Professional landscapers offer edging and weeding and install mulch to help accentuate clients' lawns
Customer Reviews
About This Deal
Choice of:
- $100 Value Towards Landscaping Including Edging, Weeding, and Installation of Mulch
- $200 Value Towards Landscaping Including Edging, Weeding, and Installation of Mulch
Plant Growth: Moving Without Muscles
Silently and stealthily, plants are plotting to take over your yard. Explore the forces that set greenery in motion with Groupon's study of plant growth.
Phototropism: How a plant grows in response to light. Most plants naturally grow toward a light source, soaking up its rays to produce energy. If a houseplant is placed on the dark side of a windowsill, over time, it will creep as close as possible to the nearest light source, even if it has to bend at unnatural angles to do so. A hormone called auxin triggers this bend—it tends to pool in the shadiest part of the stem, where it spurs new cells to grow quickly and in elongated shapes so that they can reach the light more quickly.
Heliotropism: How a plant stalks the sun. Like phototropism, heliotropism is light-triggered and uses auxin, but it involves no growth whatsoever. Instead, heliotropic plants such as snow buttercups rotate their flowers to physically track the sun across the sky each day. This helps them maximize their UV-feasting time on short winter days, and turns them into a sort of sauna that attracts pollinating insects on vacation from Sweden. Contrary to popular belief, sunflowers are not heliotropic. Before they flower, their buds do track the sun, but it is classic phototropism that leads them to face ever eastward once they have bloomed.
Gravitropism: How a plant avoids growing upside down. A plant can tell when it's working against gravity thanks to starch grains stored within special cells. If a plant is placed on its side, these grains will fall in the direction of gravity, signaling auxin to report for duty. A rush of auxin will speed up cell growth in key areas until the roots again bend downward and the stem bends upward. In space, plants have been known to send their roots out every which way, though they eventually can compensate for the lack of gravity by relying more on phototropism and hydrotropism (reaching their roots toward a water source).
Thigmotropism: How a plant responds to touch. A powerful sense of touch is what lets vines and ivy climb lampposts and lattices. Once their tendrils brush up against a suitable object, they immediately release auxin to help them curl around it in a tight embrace. Often, plant roots will use thigmotropism to move away from barriers to growth such as house foundations and "No Plants Allowed" signs.


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Scientists have long known that so-called red tide phytoplankton is toxic to marine life, but new research from the University of Connecticut is suggesting that it's actually far deadlier than we feared. Professor Hans Dam from the Department of Marine Sciences has sounded the alarm on the red tide, saying that it could have grave consequences for entire marine food chains.
The revelation came after Dam's discovery that the plankton produces not one, but two deadly toxins. The red tide, more formally known as Alexandrium tamarense, produces a double-shot of chemicals — one that's deadly to large organisms, and one that's deadly to small predators. Because of its ability to kill both of these groups of animals, it has lead Dam to label it as the potential "killer of the ocean world."
Adding insult to injury is how these plankton can contaminate the human food supply. While the red tide poses no immediate threat to humans, its downstream effects could impact on lobsters, clams, and fish — which in some instances have caused human deaths.
Red tides are the result of large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms, in this case the A. tamarense plankton. It can exist in both fresh and salt water, and can often be found in coastal areas. And because the plankton contains photosynthetic pigments that vary in shades of green, brown, and red, the overall look of the algal bloom is a kind of crimson red, or greenish yellow. There are even some variants of the tide that have no color at all.
These tides have already made an impact in various parts of the world. A particularly nasty episode came off the coast of New England in 2005 — an outbreak that wreaked havoc to wildlife and the fisheries industry.
The study, which was recently published online in Aquatic Microbial Ecology, suggests that there's more of this to come — and that these blooms could impact on larger swaths of the ocean. What makes the red tide particularly pernicious is its ability to consume its own predators, leading the researchers to wonder how the tides could ever be controlled in the future.
The researchers are not completely sure what causes the widespread growth of red tides. They believe that pollution from rivers is party to blame, but that there are other environmental factors to consider as well.
The next phase of the study will be to see how the alga produce the predator killing reactive oxygen, and whether it also affects multicellular animals.
You can read the entire study.
Top image via cdph.ca.gov, inset image via Wikipedia/Mattisse.


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This winter maybe nearing its end, but it's never too early to get a head start on the next ski season. OnTheSnow spoke to some of the biggest brands - Atomic, Rossignol, Kästle, Salomon, K2, Dynastar, Lange, Arc'teryx and Ride - asking them to tell us about some of their most innovative products for the 2012/13 season.
The new Vantage series is being introduced as part of Atomic 's All Mountain collection. The rockers beneath the twin tips provide optimum lift in soft snow, while the ski's camber beneath the binding makes for a precise edge-grip on hard-packed surfaces. An optimally quiet ride is provided by the lightweight Backbone technology in the core. It runs from tip to tail like a spine, giving the ski's construction even more stability.
The Tracker binding is the highlight of ATOMIC's Backcountry Touring Collection. It is a binding with low profile chassis makes for improved riding stability and ultradirect contact with the terrain thanks to its low stand height. The oversized platform ensures maximum power transfer and more dynamic skiing, allowing precise turns even at high speeds. Its Hike & Ride Switch eliminates the need to remove the ski every time you go between climbing and downhill.
Marcel Hirscher introduces his new Redster Pro 130 ski boot. He calls it is "The fastest race boot there's ever been." Its carbon spine is extra-rigid, supporting the heel precisely and making quick edge switches easier without limiting the sensitivity of the forefoot. What's more, this boot can be adapted to precisely fit your discipline, preferences and conditions.
Rossignol introduced its new Pursuit range:
The Pursuit 18 frontside skis deliver carve-ability with stability and edge grip. The Pursuit skis provide the power of traditional frontside skis with the added bonus of subtle tip rocker for more playful carving and clean turns.
The Pursuit S3 100 is a new range of ski boot, a direct descendant of Rossignol's World Cup boots. The design uses transparent materials to let the Sensor3 technology show through.
The Pursuit 14 is a high-performance lightweight helmet with a size adjustment system and internal design that combines foam and breathable 3D structure delivers optimal fit.
New to the Race Cross (RX) line is the RX RS (104-69-90), a powerful on-piste ski with precision edge control, high-speed stability and long carving turns.
New to the updated MX line, Kästle's all mountain selection now consists of three models with the addition of the MX83. TheMX83 (123-83-109) features a new elliptical sidecut, standard camber, fast grip shovel and tail.
New to the TX line is the TX97 Tour Montagne (128-97-117) and TX107 Tour Poudreuse (135-107-124). The TX line offers low-weight touring skis constructed with a superlight wood core for torsional rigidity, optimum flex and responsiveness.
The new XX series is Kästle's designated twin tip line and offers three models: XX Colby, XX James and XX West. The XX Colby (111-80-111) has standard camber, and fast grip twin tip, constructed specifically for the pipe and slopestyle events. The XX James (120-90-120) has low camber; early rise, hook free twin tips and is the all mountain park ski. The XX West (134-110-134) also features low camber and early rise, hook free twin tips and is the devoted powder ski within this line.
Here is a link to Colby James West talking about the new twin tip line - his pro line:
Capitalising on the success of the BBR ski introduced last winter, Salomon has expanded the V-Shape design to reach all skiers, regardless of skiing level or terrain preference. The line has been extended with different constructions and widths as well as a dedicated women's line.
The Max Series ski boot is on TwinFrame technology, a combination of rigid PU in the part of the ski boot that affects precision, power and control, with very soft PU wrapped around the lower shell, for more comfort and a personalised fit.
The Prophet Custom Air Helmet is a freeski helmet benefiting from a thermo control system, which provides ventilation control for any kind of weather or level of exertion, and a freeski grid prevents snow from entering the vents.
The Salomon Guardian 16 binding, available from September, has recently picked up two snowsports awards for innovation - the Slide Award for Innovation (UK Snowsports Industry) and the ISPO Award for Innovation (International Snowsports Industries). This backcountry freeride binding claims to have the precision and on-snow feel of a high-performance alpine binding thanks to a low profile chassis enabling a lower boot positioning for greater stability and enhanced terrain feedback. The wide toe piece provides maximum power transmission and responsiveness resulting in better edge and ski feel. The Hike & Ride Switch easily engages with your ski pole, so it is no longer necessary to remove your skis when switching between hiking and riding modes.
Watch the Salomon Guardian live event:
The new K2 2012-2013 Bolt, utilises the new ROX technology and has received top honors at ISPO in Europe as an on piste hard snow performance ski. The jury statement: "The AMP Bolt combines speed rocker technology with special reinforcements which allow the skis to have an excellent grip and outstanding performance especially on hard terrain. Torsion stability and the focus on control at high speed are the basis for superior performance. The radical shape hasn't been present in the K2 company for years and it is a perfect on piste ski race carver."
The new Cham Freeride series (named after its birthplace of Chamonix) offers a combination of reverse sidecut at the tip and tail with a long tip rocker, classic camber underfoot and a pintail provides the reliability and versatility to meet the demands of big-mountain skiing.
The new Lange XT and XTW series ski boots are high-performance alpine boots that climb. The Power V-Lock provides range-of-motion on the ascent with downhill performance for the descent.
The Sidewinder SV Jacket has been upgraded with new, quiet and durable Gore-Tex face fabric. Paired with the new Arc'teryx-developed N80p-X face fabric, the Sidewinder SV is abrasion resistant and fully weatherproof.
Arc'teryx also introduces its latest backcountry packs, the Quintic 28L and 38L. The wide, flat profile of the new Quintic packs manages weight transfer by keeping the load low, close and centered over the hips, to work in sync with your backcountry ascents and steep descents.
The Berzerker snowboard is designed with and for pro big mountain shredder Jake Blauvelt. It offers versatility and superior response with rocker in the nose and a level micro-camber zone extending under the feet and through the tail. The Rodeo binding offers mobility and flexibility for jib time enjoyment and freestyle action. The Hi-phy snowboard boots promise versatility and mobility due to their minimalist design. The Duster helmet is made from ZoneFlex for a contoured comforable bit no matter how your dome is shaped. Add in the Ride audio capabiliites and passive venting, and you have all the elements to protect your head in style and comfort.
Look out for OnTheSnow's 2012/13 Ski Gear Guide.


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Ritholtz: Did Anyone Learn From the Financial Crisis?
"The Big Picture" blogger and Fusion IQ CEO Barry Ritholtz looks back at the events of 2008 and makes the case for the true legacy of the financial collapse.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... the the the ... five years ago this weekend this upcoming weekend Lehman Brothers collapsed on trading the panic of two thousand and eight the worst crisis in seventy years and you are there that weekend five years the most of your only five years ago ... you're probably ... looking at the big picture blogger blogger really really ... ideas need your name that weekend the weekend Lehman Collapse ... With the author of epilogue Barry Ritholtz with us this morning ... I'm ... I've that the above all week and I don't think there had been a blogger that point the Dolan also euro live blogging pretty the collapse of mean that that's right you have to put into a little bit of context ... I started writing bailout nation ... after Bear Stearns collapse of some eight months earlier ... so this was every day in daily piece or research ... I wrote the book pretty much on the block and so what you describe is live blogging ... was me saying ... here so we see about what's happening with Lehman here so we see what's been going on ... with some the other bank said it was old right there ... I was ... I was deep into the research anyway so the plot was a convenient place than an entry into a megastore in the past you basically had the ball written ... before Lehman collapse right ... I had this ... one key boring academic history of bailouts and I had a conversation with my editor ... it was the Friday before that weekend and the conversation land ... I have a boring book ... what ... anybody who'd worked on the street for any length of time can tell you ... something was in the air you can smell it ... something wicked this way come so I ask them ... to get two more weeks I just wanna see what happens ... and as they said will give you a month ... yet and that we can everything went to Helen on Monday in a phone call RIT of December thirty first mile an hour it was pretty much written real-time t think we have ... gotten that story writes five because later ... on you think in general that the narrative has been gotten right now the narrative is ... about Lehman Brothers impact on everything else I think is completely wrong ... it's let's step back a look at that context ... enormous amount of outstanding mortgage debt ... and subprime debt that was destined to blow up ... the service rates one up not just in Lehman ... but Lehman and Bear and Citigroup and Morgan Stanley and Merrill ... and go down the list bank of America ... twenty or thirty of the biggest financial stations late with the stuff ... people talk about Lehman Brothers like it's the first domino ... to fall in its as everybody else down ... Lehman Brothers was really the first ... trailer in the trailer park ... that the tornado hit but the tornado was going to tear through ... and destroy everybody ... way too much debt ... no landings and its user data leverage ... everybody festooned with this ... guess what we mean just happen to be ... the worst offenders so they fell for us right ... now five years later ... do you think we have learned lessons from what happened ... last night aam I went to the Premier of money for nothing ... and it's pretty clear ... from that film ... that we have learned a whole lot and we still now we have a higher concentration of risk ... with a handful of pennies in their bank for our are much more important to the system than they used to be ... so we did learn that lesson ... we still have mis aligned incentives ... there was no ... real prosecution ... I mean Lehman Brothers's oppressed example ... you guys have an article not too long ago that looks like this not to be the prosecution with them ... look just what they've done with reap a one off I've been playing the canning this ... bill it's hot you could've put thirty of forty senior executives in prison ... without and still not caught all the that that players the captains ... did fall go down the list ... lots and lots of people there ... deserve to be punished for the illegality Zayed on ... the SCC was pretty much asleep with a switch ... there was a lack of willingness ... aam to prosecute him I've jokingly said the greatest innovation of the financial system ... was an ATM is or even securitize mortgages ... it was convincing the Justice Department and the SCC ... that the prosecutor asked the economy's going from two of grinding all to


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Question: What will be the trends in life insurance products for the coming year?
"We will see more hybrid products in which the policies combine universal life with long-term care coverage. We will see more sales of those products too. That's because there is more awareness now about the need for long-term care, and that need is not going away. Other reasons are that companies have had difficulties with the pricing and claims experience of the traditional standalone long-term care policies, and customers worry about the use-it-or-lose it nature of the traditional long-term care policies. With hybrid contracts, the customer knows that the benefit will always be used—for care or at death. At least six carriers now offer those hybrid products. Another trend for 2013 is increased availability and sale of indexed universal life. It's an accumulation product that is taking market share from variable life insurance, which is not as strong a seller as it was in the past."
– Ann Eads, Vice President-Carrier Relations, LPL Insurance Associates, Charlotte, N.C.
"Combo products were this year's product story—combining universal life with long-term care—and they will continue to be next year's story. As for life policies with secondary guarantees, some companies will probably back off from the guarantees or altogether stop offering the policies that had the guarantees. AG 38 won't be effective until 2013, but some companies are probably welcoming it because it's pushing them to cut back. I think most of those products will be modified. As for new types of coverage, we may see combo life with critical illness policies or some other kinds of combination policies that provide value that is in addition to the death benefit. The industry needs to make its life insurance products more salable, and combos can do that. People don't really think they will die, or at least die early. They are more concerned about living too long. The carriers need to recognize this in their products, if they can price it right."
– Jerry Hartman, Chairman and CEO of Insurance Network America, Inc., Boise, Ind.
"The focus for us will be on growing business in mid-America, with a target premium for universal life of $3,000 to $3,500 and an average premium for term insurance of $750 to $800. Next year, we will double our business in this market. We will sell a lot more indexed universal life. The focus will increasingly be on indexed universal life with long-term care coverage—the advisors are asking for that. Universal life with secondary guarantees will be tough to price with the new regulations coming in. We will need to see where the pricing goes and where the product design goes before predicting what will happen to these products. It might be that the products could continue selling, even if the price is higher, provided the competition is selling with the same deck of cards."
–Mike Sause, President and Founder, Annuity Marketing Service, Inc., Baton Rough, La.


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"When I moved to the city in the late 90s as a young man having grown up in a village in Germany, I was both overwhelmed and bewitched. I felt compelled to know every last corner of the place, to understand it as fully as I could. For years, in my spare-time as a student I criss-crossed the city on my bike, finding new routes to places, exploring new neighbourhoods, getting lost and soaking up every detail."
Philipp Ebeling
Myrtle Avenue Picnic
Sold Out
Limited Edition Photographic Print
Part of the 'London Ends' series
Framed photography print.
About the artist:
He is co-founder of Fishbar Gallery in Dalston, East London. He lives in London.


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Hylomar, a world leader
Hylomar products are widely used in the automotive, aerospace & industrial aftermarkets with Universal Blue being the leading non-setting gasket & jointing compound in the world. Aerograde (PL32), Aerograde Ultra (PL32A) & Advanced Formulation are specified by aero-engine manufacturers & by NATO.
Hylosil RTV silicone sealants are used globally to seal engines, gearboxes & transmissions by leading manufacturers. Hylomar's epoxy adhesive & cable putties; exhaust putty & pastes; & anaerobic gasket compounds, thread lockers, thread sealers, retainers & pre-applied products are second to none in the marketplace in terms of performance & value for money.
HYLO®GRIP high performance anaerobic adhesives and gasket compounds are specifically formulated to give optimum performance in even the most demanding applications. When fully cured all of the products in the HYLO®GRIP range are highly resistant to heat, corrosion, vibrations, water, gases, oils, hydrocarbons and many chemicals.


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A brutal winter storm has invaded the south like a Yankee army, this time terrifying the locals with millimeter upon millimeter of snow and ice instead of emancipation. Some of these people have attempted to drive and the results have been hilarious. In light of this, the following states have been cancelled until temperatures rise above freezing.
Arkansas – Walk to your nearest Wal-Mart for shelter
Texas – You'll only be messing with yourself
Louisiana – It's the one day of the year that remaining inside and drinking will seem smart as opposed to sad
Mississippi – No, God isn't mad at you
Alabama – God is probably mad at you
Georgia –People driving in Atlanta won't notice the difference
South Carolina – If this doesn't impact the next season of 'House of Cards' we don't care
North Carolina – You don't even have 'House of Cards' so there was no risk of us caring
Florida – Actually, your state's pretty well screwed anyways, maybe you'll be better off
Virginia – You should really know better at this point
Photo Credit: Weather.gov


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Promo Value: Selected users enjoy 2(TWO) x FREE Grab rides to/from airports nationwide. Valid on 9 August-31 Dec 2017 only.
Promo Usage: Valid with cash/credit/debit card. Toll charges are not included and must be borne by the passenger.
Here's How to Enjoy Discounted GrabCar ride
Step 1:
Download the Grab app from the Apple App Store and/or Google Play Store.
Step 2:
Select GrabCar/GrabTaxi/GrabShare icon and tap Next.
Step 3:
Book a GrabCar ride to/from any airports in Malaysia with the promo code.
Step 4:
Have a safe journey with Grab!
- This promotion is only valid for GrabCar pick up/drop off from/at airports in Malaysia only.
- Toll charges are not included and must be paid by the passenger.
- A cancelled booking (either by passenger or driver) nullifies the promo entry.
- The promotion discount is only successfully redeemed once a relevant in-app and/or SMS message is received (after successfully being allocated a car by the system).
- All bookings must be made via the Grab App.
- Not valid with other promotions.
- Promotion will not be applicable for recycled mobile numbers that were previously registered with MyTeksi. Please contact us at 1300-805-858 if you suspect that this may be the case.
Terms & Conditions:
The promo is organised by GrabCar Sdn Bhd ("the Organiser") and is open to all Malaysian citizens, permanent residents residing in Malaysia and foreigners who are travelling or working in Malaysia. The following persons are not eligible to participate in the Campaign:
All employees (both permanent and fixed term contract) of the Organiser and their immediate family members.
By taking part in this campaign, you have indicated that you have read, understood and agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions. You also acknowledge and agree to be legally bound by the terms and conditions below and decisions of the Organiser without limitation or qualification. You further agree that all decisions of the Organiser shall be final and conclusive.
Campaign Duration:
The Campaign will run on 9 August-31 Dec 2017 only. . The Organiser reserves the sole and absolute right to alter or end the Campaign at any time prior to the expiry of the Campaign Period without giving any prior notice and no compensation in cash or in kind shall be given.
How To Enter:
Participants can enter the Campaign by downloading the Grab (MyTeksi) mobile application (iOS and Android ). Participants are required to include their name, mobile phone number and email address for further communication and verification purposes. Just go to 'Profile' to register and activate your Grab account.
The Organiser reserves the sole and absolute right to disqualify any participant or reject qualifying participants deemed ineligible (be it under these Terms & Conditions or has engaged in a conduct that the Organiser considers inappropriate or unacceptable).
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Grab reserves the sole and absolute right to withdraw, amend and/or alter any part of the whole terms and conditions in relation to this Campaign at any time without giving any prior notice to the Customers and the Customers agree to be bound by those changes.
- Grab's decisions in any matter in relations to the Campaign shall be final and conclusive.
- Grab shall not be liable for any claims by the Customers or third-party claims or loses of any nature, including but not limited to, loss of profits, punitive, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages or for other damages and any related claims of any nature, including direct, indirect, third-part, consequential or other damages resulting from or in connection with this Campaign.
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I have a couple of projects that are prototyped and mostly coded and am thinking of offering as a kit.
Having read a lot of posts and blogs I'm not sure I'm any closer to working out where to start. For example, as they are SMD based, I could handle making a few each week and ship them out while being still being able to offer support. Now I'm not expecting virial sales but what options are if things scale up?
I'm sure if I have the sales, then another kit maker would take on the whole project and offer a percentage but I'm not sure how that really works, especially if you wanted to go down a different road on your next product. With the projects being Open, could I even get them to market before the competition if they turned out to be a popular idea?
There seem to be a few successful 'makers' that offer fulfillment services, are there benefits of this path rather than simply taking a royalty. Or do you just jump and have the kit put together elsewhere and just deal with the shipping?
I understand a lot of this will probably come down too how fast I can react etc but did you have a plan B and did it work?


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Law enforcement officials tell NBC New York that the FBI and NYPD are aware of threats made on a Jihadist website about wanting to target David Letterman for jokes about the death of Osama bin Laden.
One threat called for an attempt to cut off his tongue.
"We have monitored that site and are aware of the threat and we are investigating it," said Paul Browne, NYPD spokesman.
Officials say they know of no specific plot at this time.
A spokeswoman for Letterman did not immediately comment.


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Results 1 to 10 of 13
#1 A Hungry World Population? Oh Well, Let Them Eat Ethanol!07-23-2012, 11:44 AM
A Hungry World Population? Oh Well, Let Them Eat Ethanol!
…Here come the corn riots.
Climate change policies—much more than the vagaries of climate–are now beginning to create the instabilities that cooler heads have been warning about for years.
Corn prices on the Chicago Board of Trade are now at or near record levels, around $8.30 per bushel for spot delivery. The rise in recent weeks has been dramatic, driven by the perception of declining yields caused by hot and dry conditions mainly in the upper Midwest.
Much of this corn is beyond redemption as grain. High temperatures render corn's pollen sterile, and the narrow pollination season—usually around ten days in a given field—dictates that once this time has passed, there's likely to be very few kernels set on each ear. While rain may allow the plant to recover, its value as feed is dramatically reduced.
Which brings us to ethanol. It comes from corn. The amount to be produced is a mandate, not a choice. It's 13.2 billion gallons this year. Last year we burnt up 40% of our crop. This year, given the expected yield reductions, we could easily destroy over half of our corn.
The U.S. is by far the world's largest producer, and our abundant supply is a major factor in keeping the price of the world's most abundant feed and food grain low—generally around $3.00/bushel. That was before George W. Bush decided that the answer to global warming was to produce ethanol from corn. Hence the rise in corn price that commences with the 2007 passage of the ethanol mandates, followed soon by global food riots. $8.00 corn today will likely bring much more of the same.
Of course, there is little chance that the disproportionately influential farm lobby is going to swallow changing the ethanol mandate when its constituents are making money hand-over-fist because of an artificially induced shortage. It's also an election year. But, isn't it just too bad about those poor people in Mexico and around the world who actually will suffer for the insanity and depravity of our agricultural/environmental policy?
Every single problem in the world today is man made. If governments got out of the job of mandating minutiae, we, the world at large, could build and feed ourselves just fine.
Liberalism is just communism sold by the drink.
Why Are Republicans Supporting the Farm Bill?
You're watching a cable news show one night and see some of the GOP freshmen House members, part of the 2010 "shellacking" President Obama experienced, telling the audience that the nation needs smaller government, free markets, less spending, and greater transparency. The next thing you know the same Republicans are sponsoring and signing onto the new Farm Bill. There's something wrong with this picture.
The agricultural bills of both chambers of Congress are meant to do two things that fly against conservative principles. First, about 80% of the Farm Bill is about funding the food stamp program over the next ten years. Needless to say, the cost to taxpayers for the food stamp program has doubled during the Obama presidency, and is now up to $78 billion annually.
When the Senate was debating its version of the bill, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) observed that, compared to 2008 levels, the new farm bill will increase spending by 60%. The hike is due to the fact that the new bill incorporates the Obama administration's baseline spending into entitlement spending forever.
It sounds like the letter sent by Reps. Noem and Welch is saying that big farmers and ranchers should have certainties that the rest of the private sector does not have. Should the government provide insurance for all entrepreneurs and businesses so that risk is not a factor in their enterprises?
The fact that Noem has joined in with Democrats who have resisted significant cuts in food stamp spending in order to push through the new non-transparent crop insurance and price support programs leaves us with one big piece of legislation that caters to special interests. The fact that many of the primary agricultural states are Republican states, led by Republican governors, leaves support of the Farm Bill by Republicans pretty high up on the hypocrisy scale.
A more constructive task for Rep. Noem, and other House Republicans, would be to work out a way to disentangle the food stamp program from the agricultural policies, and then begin to promote free market principles in agriculture. Limited government intervention and the free market are what Republicans are saying they believe in; it's time to start putting the plan into action, even if it means being unpopular in some spheres.
Republicans have to stick to their principles, and we, the people, have to do our part. A list of the House members supporting the Farm Bill is here. Please contact your representative and tell him or her not to bring the Farm Bill to the floor of the House during this Congress.
Damn that DC kool aid.
Liberalism is just communism sold by the drink.
- Join Date
- Jun 2012
- Location
- WY and MT
- Posts
- 100
I suspect the Farm Bill is supported largely out of ignorance. Not much goes to farms, farmers, research, or improvement of lands.
This pie chart from the CatoInstitute shows a nice comparison in spending to which programs.
I am not advocating not feeding the hungry. But, I am willing to bet it could be done a lot more efficiently.
The only reason people are starving in certain countries is because their government is withholding food and other resources from them.Leftism is a bottomless pit of absurdity.
Electric cars are the cars of the future. In another decade or so, they will have all the faults worked out and we'll have affordable, convenient and fast electric cars.
Use corn to feed people.
Vehicles powered by fuel cells, small fission reactions, and other means yet to be developed are the cars of the future. Relying on stored electric energy, without a powerplant of some kind to instantly replenish that energy isn't going to be the ultimate, or even the usable answer. Even the Chevrolet "Volt" has a gasoline engine.......if it didn't they would never sell any at all.
Ethanol was exposed as a scam a long time ago by the left wing publication Mother Jones!
It creates more polution to produce a gallon of ethanol then it does to make and use gasoline. The good news is, there is no TAX at the pump on ethanol, so oil companies love it...as they collect on every gallon sold. http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa-241.html
Ethanol is also being made from Sugar Cane.
End of Ethanol
Critics take aim at tax breaks for ethanol subsidies
Once heralded as the key to kicking America's foreign oil addiction by Republicans and Democrats alike, ethanol's political fortunes have faded and the industry's future is unclear amid a growing chorus of critics.
The industry lost more than $6 billion in annual tax breaks along with a valuable import tariff when Congress declined to renew the subsidies at the end of last year. Several trade groups are now attacking ethanol's last federal redoubt: The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which mandates oil producers blend a certain amount of ethanol with traditional gasoline.
"I won't say this is the end of the [ethanol] mandate, but the momentum has been swinging against the industry and its lobby for a good year, and a variety of other lobbies are continuing to press the attack on a variety of fronts, making this a moment of great vulnerability for ethanol," auto industry analyst Edward Niedermeyer told the Free Beacon in an email.
The National Council of Chain Restaurants recently touted a study prepared for it by PricewaterhouseCoopers reporting the federal ethanol mandate costs each restaurant $18,000 a year because of the higher food prices. >>>
AAA argued consumers haven't been properly informed about the fuel, which can damage engines on older vehicles. >>>
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), one of the leading trade groups for biofuels, was quick to strike back. >>>
The industry faces pressure from the left as well. Environmentalists have long opposed ethanol, arguing it is folly to use a valuable foodstuff such as corn for fuel.
The current Regime wants switch from E10 to E15. The unspoken outcome of the subsidized ethanol fiasco is the rise in food prices world wide. The rise in world food prices was a leading instigator in the so called Arab spring. First ethanol. Next ... the CAFE standards. And light bulbs. After that, Democrats and their enablers, the Rinos in 2014.
And btw... ethanol is booze. Most of your flavoring is imparted after distillation through aging and barreling. It's exactly the type of distillate that we find palatable and relatively non-toxic. Careful temperature control at the still head allows for the removal of methanol and various other non helpful substances. Maybe all those ethanol factories can be re-tooled to produce booze - we're going to need a lot in the next 4 years.
Liberalism is just communism sold by the drink.
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Best Assignment Help in Australia
Earlier I used to mess up with numerous academic tasks and was finding it hard to perform well in all the assignments. But when I came across MyAssignmentHelpAu, I just breathed deep as I got a best platform from where I can get best and most effective assignment help. Experts, at this platform offered the best writing help to me. Thank you MyAssignmentHelpAuMichel, Adelaide


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FINRA board member Joel Blumenschein has resigned as he was recently fined $30,000 and suspended by FINRA for allegedly failing to supervise one of his company's brokers, Gary Gossett.
The complaint against Blumenschein, president of Freedom Investors, claimed that Gossett made "a series of unsuitable penny stock trades in the retirement account of a customer of limited means" without the customer's permission.
FINRA described Freedom Investors' oversight system as "so inadequate that Blumenschein was unable to provide a consistent or coherent description of it." FINRA also claimed in the settlement that "his testimony, under oath, was at times both evasive and contradictory, thus highlighting the system's inadequacies."
Tracy Stoneman of Stoneman Law Firm in Westcliffe, Colo., said in a statement that she has long felt that FINRA and its predecessor, the National Association of Securities Dealers, have been "soft" on their members. She penned a book in 2002 titled "Brokerage Fraud: What Wall Street Doesn't Want you to Know," in which she criticized the regulators for being incapable of properly supervising their own members because of the "conflict in not wanting to bite the hand that feeds it."
Stoneman, who's about to write another book that she says will "have even harsher criticism of the regulators," said that the recent FINRA board member sanction is a perfect example of a serious problem in the upper ranks of FINRA "when board members participate in the same wrongful activity that FINRA is charged with supervising."


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Surya Namaskar Incense Sticks – Green Tree
Brand: Green Tree
Origin: India
Burn this smooth and natural masala incense to create an inviting aroma. This hand rolled incense is made using methods unchanged in 400 years. 100% hand rolled natural ingredients of herbs, gums, resins, woods and oils.
Burning time of each Incense stick is approximately 45 – 60 minutes.
Choose a size: Comes in single 15 gram packs or display cases of 12 packs each containing 15 grams.
Warning: Keep this product away from children and pets. Not for consumption. Keep burning incense away from flammable materials. Do not leave burning incense unattended.


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What is Unfuck Your Habitat? And why should you do it? Well, one of our taglines is: "Terrifying motivation for lazy people with messy homes." But it's so much more than that. Yes, it involves some yelling and swearing. But, it's about motivation, and support, and accountability.
There's a weird sort of void in the "taking care of your physical surroundings" stuff, in the archaic "how to keep a home" and "how to be domestic" arenas. It tends to ignore single people, or people without kids, or students, or people with pets, or people with roommates, or people with full-time jobs, or classes, or other shit going on. It assumes everyone is married with kids and one partner is around a lot of the time, and has a lot of time to devote to "housekeeping."
Well, we don't all live that life. Very few of us do. Our lives are complicated and sometimes messy, and we're often distracted and overwhelmed and lazy. Yeah, I said it. We're lazy. There's no real shame in that, but it's something to overcome, at least temporarily. Because no matter what our situations are, we deserve better than to live in filth. We deserve to live somewhere with nice things we love, and to have a clean, calm place to be, when we're not at work or school or any of the fifty zillion other places we go.
UfYH is gender-neutral. I don't buy into traditional standards of who "should" be doing cleaning. If you live somewhere, you deserve for that place to be nice and clean and livable, and you should be the one who makes it that way. I don't care who you are or what box or boxes you check or don't. I think gender roles as they relate to cleaning (well, in most ways, but that one's relevant) are bullshit and just offer a handy excuse for half the population to be lazy and the other half to feel guilty.
Fuck that. We're unfucking traditional gender roles here. Everyone plays.
And our homes aren't the only things that need to be unfucked. Our finances, our jobs, our relationships: there's no end to the things we can fuck up. The important thing to remember is that there is nothing that can't be unfucked. You just have to do it. You just have to overcome the compulsion to sit on the couch, on the computer, watching TV, and get up and do SOMETHING. Anything. So, Unfuck Your Habitat is about lighting a fire under all of our asses. Because when we accomplish something, especially something that seemed impossible, it feels awesome.
If you're not into it, or not ready to do it, that's cool. We've all been there, where inertia has us almost unable to make changes in our lives. But the whole point of this is that it isn't hard. It's almost never hard, and it's almost never as big of a job as it seems. It's just a matter of getting started.
So jump in. Don't worry about catching up. This is about doing what you can, when you can. 5, 10, 20 minutes at a time. And then back to your normal life.


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|Home > Artists > Simon Wolfe >
Simon Wolfe (Corporate Tracks)
Home: UK
An emerging composer for TV, Documentary, Film Soundtrack, and Multimedia, Simon Wolfe's dynamic music soars across several genres, including Orchestral, World, Electronic, Ambient, Dance, Classical, and more. His credits include TV UK's Dinosaur Documentary "Wall to Wall," the Indie Film "Hard Pill" by John Baumgartner and starring Jonathan Slavin, and the documentary "Illuminations" about Captain Cook's painter, William Hodges, and their adventuresome expeditions to Tahiti and India, featuring contributions by Sir David Attenborough.
In 2004, Simon Wolfe wrote the music for a Documentary about a series of paintings being exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London. The Documentary was broadcast on Channel 5 TV UK, with praise by Producer and TV Executive Sebastian Grant, "Some great and sympathetic compositions here." Simon's music brought power to the stories depicted in the art, of early encounters between Western traders and explorers with the peoples of India and the Far East.
Simon's music has also appeared in several local West Country campaigns, and often is licensed by broadcast, film, and other media companies. Other projects include music for "Building a Dream," a Documentary for UK Discovery Channel, and product advertising for West Country TV and Sky Sport, Formula 1, Great Sporting Moments, Premiership Football, and many other productions.
DIRECT URL: https://www.musiccult.com/SimonWolfe
|ARTIST KEYWORDS: Simon Wolfe, new age, ambient, esotheric, electronic, chilled, downtempo, new age, dark rich ambience, spacious isolation, sinister, powerful, dramatic living soundtracks, delicate, gentle, music for film, blanket video music, stock music library, download gratis music


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Apple Store
70 Oakbrook Ctr
Oak Brook, IL 60523 630-481-3470
Oak Brook, IL 60523 630-481-3470
|Checkbook's Top Rating
- 127 ratings
- 87% gave a "superior" overall rating
- Compare 43 nearby computer stores
- "Although j had an appointment I still had to stand outside the store in the heat. However, the staff..."
Read More Comments
Apple Store · Computer Stores
Consumer Ratings for Apple Store — 127 Ratings
Percent of customers who rated service "superior" for: | = average for all computer stores
Overall quality
Advice on choice and use of products
Promptness of service
Staff attitudes, atmosphere
Quality of products
Variety of products
Ease of looking at/testing products
Reliability (standing behind products, delivering on time, etc.)
Consumer Comments for Apple Store
Consumer from Bellwood, IL
Aug 26, 2020
Aug 26, 2020
Although j had an appointment I still had to stand outside the store in the heat. However, the staff handed out umbrellas for us to block the scorching sun and that was definitely a plus!
Consumer from Des Plaines, IL
Aug 25, 2020
Aug 25, 2020
Greatest in the market
Consumer from Westmont, IL
Aug 24, 2020
Aug 24, 2020
The phone batteries shouldn't die so fast. The customer service was great.
...and 13 more consumer comments for Apple Store
You won't find anything else like Checkbook
- Nonprofit and independent
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- Ratings and reviews by surveyed Consumers' Checkbook and Consumer Reports local subscribers
- Thousands of undercover price comparisons
- Complaint counts from local consumer agencies and attorney general offices
Computer Stores Articles
Where to Get Advice on Buying Computers
If you're planning a computer purchase, get ready to spend way too much time searching for something that provides what you need without forcing you to spend a lot extra for stuff you don't need.
How to Choose a Computer
In order to have something to sell to anyone, computer manufacturers offer a dizzying array of options, models, and price points. We highlight the major issues to consider.
Which Computer Stores Offer the Best Advice and Service?
Buy from a store that can advise you on what products will serve you best, how to get started using products, and how to solve problems.
Which Stores Offer the Lowest Computer Prices?
Our undercover shoppers compared prices for 33 carefully specified and configured devices and found that some retailers charge as much as 20 percent more than others for the same computers.
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Related Content
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- Extended Product Warranties: Should You Buy Them?
- Sale Prices: At Many Stores, the Sale Price Isn't Special
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- Computer Repair Shops
- Computers and Devices: How to Keep Yours Safe from Cyberattacks
- Computer Problems: Can You Get Your Data Back After a Device Failure?
- Computer Help (In-Home Assistance)
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- Passwords: How to Choose Safe Ones
- Email Addresses for Temporary Use
- 50 Things You (Probably) Shouldn't Pay For
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Age: 3 years
Sex: spayed female
Noelle's story: Noelle would make a great addition to an active family. This girl is so smart she could become an agility star with the proper training. She's intelligent but has an independent streak, which is typical of her breed. With training that interests and challenges her, she will be a dream dog. She's friendly with every person she meets but can be picky about other dogs, so she would do best as an only dog or with a calm male dog who won't challenge her. She acts much differently outside her kennel than when she is in it, so come visit and ask to see her in one of the shelter's play yards. You'll soon realize what a sweet and loving girl she is.
Adoption fee: $180, includes vaccines, microchip and spay
Adoption procedure: Stop by the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, 28095 Hillcrest, or call 949-470-3045. Noelle and other animals in need of homes can be seen online at cmvas.org.
Age: 2 years
Sex: neutered male
Duke's story: Duke is a smart, fun, athletic dog with a nice temperament. He loves outdoor adventures and has an uncanny talent for finding lost objects (he's searched and found dozens of hidden baseballs and other buried items), so we think his focus/detection/sniffing skills would make a great police dog. Duke is friendly with kids, other dogs and cats. His favorite outings are trail hikes and running at the beach. If you're active and enjoy the great outdoors, then Duke's the dog for you.
Adoption donation: $150, includes vet exam, vaccinations, neutering, microchip and continued training if desired
Adoption procedure: Contact Lorie at 949-929-9342 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Duke is available through New Beginnings for Animals; more information, including his video, is available at greatpets.org.
Age: 14 months
Sex: neutered male
Size: 48 pounds
Bear's story: Bear was taken into rescue as he had severe eyelid rolling (entropion), and the rescue has already done corrective surgery for him. As a result, his vision is perfect. Bear is high-energy and loves to play with other dogs. He's great with them; he is not possessive with toys or food. One of our volunteers is taking him to basic obedience class, so he already knows sit and stay and is working on down and come. Since Bear is young, he would like a home where he would get walks or have a yard to run around in for exercise. He'd prefer a home with older kids or adults only and someone who understands the shar-pei temperament. He walks very well on a leash and loves car rides.
Adoption fee: $300 (senior discount available), includes vaccines and neutering
Adoption procedure: Contact Pei People at 818-239-9440 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Bear can be seen (along with many other homeless friends) at www.PeiPeople.com. In order to adopt Bear or any of the other Pei People dogs, an application, home visit, adoption fee and adoption contract are required.


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Garcia worries about violence in native Venezuela
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The wife and infant daughter of Avisail Garcia are with the White Sox right fielder in the United States. But he still worries about the rest of his family and his homeland of Venezuela with ongoing violent protests both for and against socialist President Nicolas Maduro.
A recent Reuters report listed six dead in the turmoil.
"My mom, my dad, my sister, all of my family is there," Garcia said. "Hopefully everything gets better.
"They're far away from that [violence], but I worry about my country because a lot of people die. So that's not good. So let's see what happens. Hopefully everything gets better."
Garcia appreciates the opportunities afforded to him in the United States, but does not let Venezuela get too far out of his mind right now.
"It's tough, because you hear about the fighting ... they don't want the government. Hopefully no more people die," Garcia said. "Venezuela is a great country. If Venezuela is safe, I think it is one of the best countries in the world. A lot of beautiful beaches. A lot of stuff."


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"The Temple: I'm Going There Someday," New Era, Apr. 2013, 8–9
The Temple: I'm Going There Someday
As Latter-day Saint youth, you can receive from local priesthood leaders a limited-use recommend to enter the house of the Lord, "the most holy of any place of worship on the earth" (Bible Dictionary, "Temple"). Great blessings await you there. Ponder the counsel of prophets and apostles on how to get there and on the joy of going. For answers to questions on preparing to go to the temple, visit lds.org/go/43A.
Getting to the Temple
"My brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often."
President Thomas S. Monson, "Until We Meet Again," Ensign, May 2009, 113.
"I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan."
Elder Richard G. Scott, "Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need," Ensign, May 2009, 43.
"In all that you do, stay focused on the temple. In the temple you will receive the greatest of all the Lord's blessings, including marriage for time and all eternity. Keeping the standards in [For the Strength of Youth] will help you be worthy to attend the temple, where you can perform sacred ordinances for your ancestors now and make essential covenants for yourself in the future."
"Message to Youth from the First Presidency," For the Strength of Youth (2011), ii.
A Way to Serve
"It is pleasing to the Lord for our youth to worthily go to the temple and perform vicarious baptism for those who did not have the opportunity to be baptized in life."
President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95), "The Great Symbol of Our Membership," Ensign, Oct. 1994, 5.
"Regular temple attendance is one of the simplest ways you can bless those who are waiting in the spirit world."
Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (1906–2004), "Personal Temple Worship," Ensign, May 1993, 25.
"Just as our Redeemer gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for all men, and in so doing became our Savior, even so we, in a small measure, when we engage in proxy work in the temple, become as saviors to those on the other side who have no means of advancing unless something is done in their behalf by those on earth."
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), "Closing Remarks," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 105.
Blessings from Temple Service
"The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments."
President Thomas S. Monson, "Until We Meet Again," Ensign, May 2009, 113.
"Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways."
President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994), "What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple," Ensign, Aug. 1985, 8.
"Through the earth's long history, temple worship has been a significant part of the Saints' worship, by which they show their desire to come closer to their Creator. The temple was a place of learning for the Savior when He was on the earth; it was very much a part of His life. Temple blessings are available once again in our day."
President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency (1920–2007), "The Restoration of All Things," Ensign, May 2006, 67.
"When you come to the temple you will love your family with a deeper love than you have ever felt before. The temple is about families."
Elder Richard H. Winkel of the Seventy (served from 1999 to 2006), "The Temple Is about Families," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 9.