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The Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation Project is a finalist in the 2015 ASCE's Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) award. Established in 1960, the OCEA Award recognizes a project that makes a significant contribution to both the civil engineering profession and society as a whole.
Echo Park Lake has been part of the history of the City of Los Angeles for more than 150 years. However, over time it had become a collection point for pollution and was impaired by algae and other contaminants like ammonia, copper, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, eutrophic conditions, odor, and trash.
In 2006, Echo Park Lake was identified as an impaired water body by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Clean Water Act Section 303) and the State of California, and it was evident that rehabilitation was essential to meet water conservation, water quality, and community standards.
To accomplish that, the Echo Park Lake project became part of a $500 million Los Angeles Water Bond Measure entitled Proposition O. One of the major goals of the project was to meet the water quality objectives established by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board.
The City of Los Angeles selected Black & Veatch to design the rehabilitation project and restore the iconic Echo Park Lake to its former glory. The $45 million project redefined the lake as a jewel for the local community while providing such functional benefits as public recreation, stormwater quality improvement, and establishment of wildlife refuge areas. Water quality was restored to the park through innovative green solutions using wetland treatment. These wetlands are designed to remove pollutants brought into the lake, thereby eliminating the need for any chemical or mechanical treatment.
ASCE News Associate Editor Doug Scott interviewed Jim Rasmus, P.E., BCEE, ENV SP, M.ASCE, Water Resources practice leader for the Western United States for Black & Veatch.
1. What is the most innovative or creative aspect of your project?
[In order to] reduce the City of Los Angeles' reliance on potable water (in an already water scarce region), a harvesting system was put in place for this lake. The rehabilitation effort reroutes all upstream dry weather urban runoff – and portions of storm events – from nearly 800 acres of urbanized watershed through the lake. This harvesting system saves the city an average of more than 55,000 gallons per day of valuable potable water that is typically lost to evaporation.
In addition to evaporative losses, water also was lost through the soils underlying the lake. In exploring several options, our team ultimately found that a bentonite-enhanced clay liner would work well and eliminate the need for an expensive, synthetic liner. Geotechnical evaluations and bench tests showed that [the use of] clay found onsite, mixed with bentonite and compacted in a controlled manner, would be a very cost-effective option for reducing exfiltration from the lake.
Together these 2 systems, the harvesting system and the liner, contributed to savings of approximately $20 million in capital costs, and are projected to save the city approximately $150,000 annually in potable water costs.
2. What was the biggest challenge?
Echo Park Lake is significant as a venue for recreational activities and community events, such as the annual Lotus Festival. And despite its urban setting, the lake is also an important refuge for wildlife and many species of waterfowl.
Not only did this project have a major goal of improving water quality in the lake to meet standards established by the California Regional Water Quality Board, it needed to work for the public and the environment. These items together made for a complex challenge. Any water quality solution would have to not only solve the problem of improving water quality and maintaining the flood control functionality, but also maintain social and environmental objectives as a high priority.
Through a series of workshops, the public was engaged very early in the development of alternatives for the project, and continued to have a voice throughout the design. This led to widespread community support for the project. Each component of the overall solution came with careful consideration of community input and sustainability criteria.
3. Did your project have any technical issues that you had to overcome? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?
The California Division of Safety and Dams (DSOD) protects against the loss of life and property from dam failures. A series of options were considered by the team to address DSOD requirements early in the rehabilitation efforts. The team ultimately selected an option to remove the lake from DSOD jurisdiction by developing a submerged berm that divided the lake into 2 cells – each less than the 50 acre-foot minimum volume threshold for the lake to be considered formed by a jurisdictional dam. The berm simplified the permitting process and was very cost-effective compared with bringing the existing dam into compliance. To protect recreational interests, when the lake is filled to normal operating level, the top of the berm is submerged under several feet of water and has no impact on recreational uses of the water body.
Additionally, the lake was drained to accomplish the 2-year construction plan, but since the lake serves a vital flood control function for the city (as a detention basin), it needed to remain available for that purpose. To accommodate this, bid documents [presented] alternatives for the contractor that included temporary storage and pumped bypassing flows from storm events.
4. What time and budget challenges did your project have and what did you do to overcome them?
Certainly the need to implement all of the lake improvements while maintaining its function as a vital stormwater control basin – with all improvements being implemented in a single dry season – was a time challenge.
In addition, the entire park and lake had to be taken out of commission in a very busy area of the city. Echo Park was always seen as a recreational amenity, so having it closed for as little time as possible was paramount. Then-councilperson Eric Garcetti made a commitment to the community to have the park reopened by June of 2013. He went on to win the mayoral election for the city of Los Angeles and was able to count the Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation as a promise kept to his constituency. In fact, the mayor's official inauguration ceremony was conducted on an island within the reopened lake.
From a technical standpoint, our construction documents made it clear there would be a lot of wet clays and organic materials. To deal with this we required the contractor to maintain a bulk quantity of a simple compound, quicklime, to assist in accelerating the drying of lake bed sediments and organic materials. The material was also a central aspect in controlling odors and dust within the neighborhood.
5. Sustainability is one of the 3 strategic initiatives here at ASCE. Describe how your project adheres to being sustainable.
Each component of the overall rehabilitation solution came with careful consideration of the environmental, social, and economic objectives.
Socially, the park has reopened with the lotus beds, which are considered a defining characteristic. The park's popularity as a recreational amenity has returned, and it is thriving with numerous visitors who turn out each day for recreation and relaxation. The local neighborhood is benefitting socially and economically from the rebirth of the park.
As one City of Los Angeles official said, the park and the signage now make "water quality" a term people can really relate to.
Economically, the gentrifying Echo Park neighborhoods mean improved economic development for the area. The lake features revitalized recreation and activities, including the return of paddle boating, catch-and-release fishing, and other recreation. The sidewalk vendors have returned, and a lakeside café has opened within the historic boathouse which was also rehabilitated as part of a separate contract. The rebirth of the lotus plants has led to the return of the popular annual Lotus Festival. It all means growth in economic development, whether through a renaissance of the local neighborhood or the creation of local jobs with new businesses thriving at the park.


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Product description
Whether you make your living doing makeup or you're just makeup-obsessed, you know the right brushes can make ALL the difference. And our UD Pro Angled Brow Brush is the ultimate blend of form and function. Precise and firm, the angled edge makes it easy to use powders, waxes or gels to sculpt the perfect set.

subset: commoncrawl


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All hail Cindy Jackson, a 55-year-old woman who's spent more than $100,000 on 52 rounds of plastic surgeries and "artificial enhancements," and actually doesn't look like a scary mush-faced cat lady…yet. The New York Post breathlessly chronicles her journey, correction, "transformation" of a "once-drab face and lumpy body into a classically beautiful masterpiece." Not only did Jackson use her talents as an art student to prevent her surgeries from becoming garish, or so Jackson and the Post claim, she's now a Guinness Record holder for "the most cosmetic procedures."
Typical, we suppose, for plastic surgery addicts, Jackson always thought she looked out of proportion and dowdy. Always. But in her "face book" of photos, her first picture, we think, is actually rather cute, while the last four place her firmly in Real Housewives of Orange County/done-up newscaster territory.
Among Jackson's surgeries that "would make a reality star drool" (ew): cheek implants, a chin reduction, two nose jobs, five face-lifts, and a reshaping of her jaw, which apparently hurt a lot. Also, liposuction to remove inner-knee fat, which will never come off with a diet, plus Botox, chemical peels, filler in her hands….and so on.
"It looks fantastic, and it's taken 10 to 15 years off of my hands," she said. The only feature left on her face that she was born with is her dimples.
We are supposed to admire this woman for her 52 plastic surgeries that don't make her look completely freakish and awful, and for transforming her obsession into a fabulous, lucrative job as a cosmetic-surgery consultant and author. Instead we just feel…sad.
Jackson has a boyfriend, but it's not serious, because she is obviously deeply in love with plastic surgery.
She proves it's a wonderful knife [NYP]
This article from the Village Voice Archive was posted on April 7, 2011
More:CultureMake It Stop


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If you're like me, using up the Thanksgiving leftovers via turkey sandwiches isn't your first choice. Being a middle-aged woman with a slow thyroid means I'm carb-leary. Not carb-free, but very discriminating about the white stuff, which means BREAD!
And if you're not like me and sandwiches are a regular part of your life, chances are, the week after Thanksgiving and all its attendant carb-centric side dishes have suddenly caused you to call a time-out (however brief) on the white stuff.
I totally get it…and I'm here to help. And while nothing's quite as wonderfully comforting as Turkey Soup, these Turkey Croquettes are a wonderful way to use up the leftovers, as well as serve as a nice change of pace, texture- and flavor-wise.
Chef Bill drew on his restaurant background for this one, noting it was often a method-of-choice for dazzling customers with an unusual menu special while also handily dispensing of product excess.
The croquettes make a delicious light lunch or dinner, paired with a salad or cooked vegetable. Gluten-Free breadcrumbs are in the recipe, but not enough to impart a carb overload. And since the turkey's already cooked, all that's required is a brief assemblage followed by sautéing them till brown on each side. Voila – a fresh take on holiday leftovers!
PS – Post-Easter, this works fantastically for ham croquettes. And in everyday usage, don't overlook the chicken leftovers!
- 1 1/2 pounds roast turkey coarsely chopped, by hand or food processor
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage or thyme chopped
- 2 eggs beaten or blitzed in blender
- 1 medium onion diced, by hand or food processor
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup gluten-free bread crumbs + 1/2 cup for dredging
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Light olive or grapeseed oil for frying


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We've decided to have our late lunch at Kung Fu Kitchen located at Harbor Point, Ayala Malls upon the recommendation of my son Edmar. It was my first time here but Edmar's second time. He had his dinner at Kung Fu Kitchen upon the invitation of his Korean friends and since he love Chinese foods and was very pleased with Kung Fu Kitchen's best sellers, he didn't hesitate to recommend this place to me and his sister Miks.
While deciding on our order, we were served with a plate of prawn crackers, somewhat similar to the "chicharap"of Chowking and a pot of hot tea.
I love the ambiance of this restaurant, it's clean, spacious and quiet which is just perfect if you opt to have a satisfying lunch or dinner. Browsing on their menu, we have finally decided to try their Yang Chow Fried Rice, Honey Glazed Fried Chicken and their Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet. We were never disappointed though as I found those dishes to be super yummy. The serving is good for 3 to 4 persons, so those 3 items that we have chosen are just perfect to satisfy our craving.
spacious restaurant
bar counter
satisfied tummies :)
sweet and sour fish fillet
honey glazed fried chicken
yang chow fried rice
everything is yummy!!
We also had pineapple and mango shake for Php85 per order which is quite alright. It comes in a big glass and the size can even be shared by two persons.
I was also quite pleased with the service and there was no service charge added to the bill, although you may opt to give a TIP to the waiter if you want.
Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience and I would not mind coming back the next time we happened to be at Harbor Point.


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Alexander Halavais is Associate Professor at Quinnipiac University, where he teaches in a graduate program in Interactive Communications. He also serves as the technical director of the Digital Media and Learning Hub, and as president of the Association of Internet Researchers. His research addresses questions of social change and social media, and particularly questions of attention, metrics, and learning. His recent book, Search Engine Society discussed the ways in which search is changing us individually and socially. He blogs at http://alex.halavais.net and tweets @halavais.
Ellen Murphy
Ellen Marie Murphy is a specialist in LX (learner experience) Design. She has extensive experience with innovative program development, program assessment, curriculum development, instructional design, and academic technologies especially LMS and ePortfolio adoption and migration. Read more…


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London Congestion Charge
The Congestion Charge is a daily fee of GBP 11.50 for driving a vehicle within London's Congestion Charge zone between the hours of 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday.
The fee is charged by and paid to Transport for London (TfL).
What hours and days does the Congestion Charge cover?
You will need to pay the Congestion Charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone between 07:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.
You will only need to pay the Congestion Charge once per day, regardless of how many times you drive in and out of the Congestion Charge zone on the same day.
There is no charge for driving in the Congestion Charge zone on weekends, public holidays, between Christmas Day and New Year's Day inclusive, or between 18:00 and 07:00.
When should I pay the Congestion Charge?
You can pay in advance, on the day of travel or by midnight the following charging day. If you pay in advance or by midnight of the day you travel, the Congestion Charge is GBP 11.50. If you pay after midnight of the day you travel and before midnight the following day the cost will be GBP 14.00.
If you don't pay by midnight of the following day you travel you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
How do I pay the Congestion Charge?
You can pay in a number of ways including:
International: +44 20 7649 9122
Textphone: 020 7649 9122
Lines are open Monday to Friday 08:00 - 22:00, Saturdays 09:00 - 15:00, closed Sundays.
IMPORTANT: Only use the official Transport for London service when paying the Congestion Charge. Many unofficial sites selling the Charge do so at a premium and do not have approval from TfL to operate this charge. Go to the Unofficial selling websites page on TfL for more information.
The latest information about where and how to pay the Congestion Charge is available on the Transport for London website.
What happens if I don't pay the Congestion Charge?
Transport for London will charge a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) per offence if you don't pay the Congestion Charge by midnight of the following day you travel. This fee is currently GBP 130.00 but will be reduced to GBP 65.00 if paid within 14 days. You have 28 days to pay the PCN.
An additional admin fee of GBP 25.00 +VAT is payable if Budget handles the Penalty Charge Notice on your behalf.
When hiring a vehicle with Budget, it is your responsibility to pay the Congestion Charge. Any unpaid charges and penalties will be recovered from you by Budget.
Map of Congestion Charging zone (opens PDF 2.5MB)
Download Congestion Charging zone map (opens pdf 2.5MB)
The latest information on the London Congestion Charge is available on the Transport for London website.


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Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner for a conversation around preaching the lectionary texts for the Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Download Audio
Karoline Lewis, David Lose, Matt Skinner
Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner
Mary Hinkle Shore
Eric Barreto
J. Clinton McCann
Brian Peterson


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Flormar Skincare Range
Flormar is well known for its beautiful range of make-up and nail products, and increasingly for its remarkable skincare, bath and body ranges. Its herbal and fruit extract cleansers, tonics and moisturizers will leave your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
The best part about Flormar's skincare range is that it caters to every skin type — from citrusy and fruity fragrances in their moisturizers, to healthy and softening ingredients in their skin tonics, its products are specially curated to give your skin the best results and experience. The vivacious packaging is a plus, drawing the eyes (and the hands!).
Here are a few recommended products you should have to step up your skincare regime for optimal results.
Anti-Blemish Purifying Cleansing Gel with Matcha Tea (AED 31)
Skincare should be kept simple, and Flormar ensures just that. Natural and skin-loving ingredients such as matcha tea water, salicylic acid, and white willow bark extract ensure that the skin feels clean, young and smooth after use. This cleanser can be trusted to deep clean your skin and remove all residues of makeup. Flormar's Cleansing Gel with Matcha Tea will assure a clean base for the next trendy makeup look.
Cleansing Tonic with Citrus for Oily/Combination Skin (AED 32)
If your skin needs a quick uplift, this tonic is the solution for you. Packed with natural fruit extracts and essences, it is guaranteed to have your skin feeling clean, removing impurities and unclogging pores. For anyone with oily and combination skin, products that moisturize and cleanse are hard to come by, but Flormar's Cleansing Tonic with Citrus will not only leave your skin completely dirt-free but also soft and conditioned.
Anti-Age Day Cream (AED 72)
Rich and softening, this day cream will reduce the appearance of wrinkles by promoting collagen synthesis, leaving your skin looking young and smooth. The natural apple seed extract will rejuvenate the skin, the tripeptides will help to make the skin appear firm, and the UV filters will ensure protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. Perfect for both dry and oily skin, this cream will retain the moisture in the skin and keep the skin balanced throughout the day.
Purifying Peel Off Black Mask (AED 31)
Layers of dirt and impurities sit on our skin throughout the day, regardless of whether we wear makeup. Give your skin some TLC with this peel off black mask, which works to draw out all impurities, blackheads, and unclog the pores. Skin purifying ingredients such as Bamboo Charcoal Powder and Aloe Vera Gel help to deep cleanse the skin, leaving your pores clean and clear. Made carefully as a non-drying mask, the natural moisturizing elements will balance the skin's moisture after use.
Eye Makeup Removal Pads (AED 40)
Quick and easy to use, these small but effective make-up removal pads will swiftly take off any and all eye makeup, leaving no residue behind. The aloe vera extract leaves your skin feeling soft, fresh and clean. These pads are easy to use, and highly effective in eliminating any residual makeup on the eyes, even if it's waterproof!


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Archive: May 2011
New Two Hearts Plantable Wedding Invitations
We promised a week with a bunch of news to share, so today we're showing off our brand new Two Hearts Plantable Wedding Invitations and the rest of the Two Hearts Plantable wedding collection! Read more
New Ribbon Colors For Our Plantable Wedding Favors
Botanical PaperWorks has added three new colors to our plantable wedding favor and plantable baby favor ribbon selections. Classic Red, Burnt Orange and Mustard Yellow are all ready to order. We've also updated our Celery Green too! Read more
Our Seed Paper Now Comes Pre-Trimmed
Thanks to some wonderful feedback from many of you, we're happy to tell you that we're now trimming all of our 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 17 bulk seed paper sheets before they get shipped out to you! Read more
No Plantable Paper today, Just a Funny Pug in a Jug
Our Operations Manager Bryce is a softie when it comes to animals. He has two dogs; Tobey, a beagle, and Porkchop, a pug. Him and his wife often foster dogs when local shelters get too full too, which is really great. Read more
A Plantable Promotional Giveaway from Porterfolio Inc.
It's always great to see our seed paper put to creative use. We are so lucky that we're able to work with such creative people every day, planning and printing their various plantable promotional items. They never cease to inspire us with their ingenuity and envelope-pushing i... Read more
Seed Paper
Botanical PaperWorks is a manufacturer of seed paper and seed paper products. Seed paper was developed 10 years ago when company co-founders Heidi Reimer-Epp and Mary Reimer were writing the first of their books 300 Papermaking Recipes. They experimented with many parts of the... Read more
Peacock Wedding Invitations
We love these peacock wedding invitations that are printed on plantable paper, special eco-friendly paper that grows wildflowers when it's planted! The collection made its debut this Spring and now includes invitations, rsvp cards, place cards, thank you cards and favor tags. Read more
Happy Mother's Day from Botanical PaperWorks!
I was so touched after talking to one of my coworkers this week. Her name is Selam, and she's getting married in just over a week. While we were chatting, I asked her if she was getting excited about the wedding. Naturally, she said yes, but she also had another reason for exc... Read more
Memorial Cards
If you're planning a memorial service for a loved one who has recently passed, memorial cards are an important part of the service. These keepsakes give friends and family something tangible to take home, serving as a memento of the loved on. For those who weren't able to atte... Read more
Plantable Seed Paper At Work: Week 10
A quick update on how our planted seed paper at work is doing. Long story short: great! A lot of blooms already, with more on the way! Read more
Canadian Gift Guide Find of the Month: Botanical PaperWorks!
It really makes our day when our plantable paper is featured on a new blog or website. Such is the case when we saw our Mother's Day plantable greeting cards on the main page of the Canadian Gift Guide this week. It's so nice to be featured among such great gift ideas! Read more


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At the entrance of Our Lady of Victory Convent on the corner of Walker and Theresa Drive stands a testimonial to world peace: The FSC Peace Pole. This Peace Pole serves as a monument to inspire others to spread the message and prayer of world peace. We live in tumultuous times where one can lose hope at the spectacle of everyday violence that is broadcast every night on the evening news. The Peace Pole is a symbol of the dreams and hope that we can one day achieve a better world.
Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, Saint Francis Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.


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Become our IIBA® Chapter Sponsor
Become A Central Indiana Chapter of the IIBA™ Sponsor Today!
Why sponsorship?
Sponsoring with IIBA™ will promote your corporate identity with Business Analysis Professionals and demonstrate your support and commitment to excellence. It provides you an alliance with a growing professional organization for one of the few growth professions in today's economy.
The Central Indiana Chapter has three levels of sponsorship: Premier, Patron, and Event, designed to better match the Chapter's needs with the ability of the Sponsor to support those needs.
Chapter Premier Sponsor
This is our highest level of sponsorship. The sponsorship fee at this level is $1,200 annually. The sponsorship fee stays with the local chapter, helping us to provide information and networking opportunities to business analysts in the central Indiana area.
In return, the Premier Sponsor is entitled to the following benefits:
Chapter Patron Sponsor
Chapter Patron Sponsor provides individual contributions, either monetary or in-kind, to defray specific expenses, such as printing, advertising and meeting space rental.
In return, the Patron Sponsor is entitled to the following benefits:
Chapter Event Sponsor
Throughout the year the Chapter will host special events such as seminars or training events. Chapter Event Sponsors provide a sponsorship fee of $300 to $500 depending on the nature of the event. Those funds are used exclusively for the event being sponsored.
In return, the Event Sponsor's company name and logo will be identified on all communications and materials used to promote the event. In addition they will be given the opportunity to promote their company through the use of promotional materials or announcements during the event.
If you are interested in becoming a chapter sponsor, please contact email@example.com.
The IIBA™ also has international sponsorship opportunities available.


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Jeffrey Scott DavisDavis Law, P.C.
- Appeals & Appellate, Bankruptcy, Real Estate Law ...
- North Carolina, Texas
I was born and raised in Abilene, Texas, having attended, and graduationg from, Abilene Christian School all 12 grades. I went on to get a BBA in Accounting from ABilene Christian University before going to law school at Texas Tech University School of Law.
After graduating law school I started working for Isaac M. Castro in Hamlin, Texas. In 1999 I was made a partner in the new law firm Castrro & Davis, L.L.P. Subsequently, in August 2000, I moved to Cleburne, Texas, and went to work as in-house counsel for gimmeabid.com, then located in Dallas, Texas. In August 2001, I started working for Michael J. Rogers, P.C., where I was in charge of all civil litigation files, including personal injury and bankruptcy matters. For a time I was also in charge of one-half of all family law cases, as well as assisting on around one-half of the criminal cases. In July 2009, I left the firm and have been in a solo private practice since. In May 2012, I started Davis Law, P.C. to better serve the legal needs of my clients.
I have continuously maintained a general practice since being licensed in November 1993. In 2009 and 2010, I represented a local car dealership in various litigation matters, including the GM Bankruptcy case in which I successfully prevented GM from terminating my client's franchise agreements, as well as the dealerships' general business matters. Since being licensed I have represented numerous and varied types of business, including a bank, feed mill, saltwater disposal facility, oil and gas development company, and many others. My representation included collections, creditor matters in bankruptcy, general litigation (both prosecution and defense), contract negotiation, and other matters. I have also handled many and varied personal injury cases from simple fender-benders to wrongful death and serious personal injury cases involving both automobiles and tractor trailers. I have successfully mediated all personal injury cases in which I was involved, several only a day or so prior to trial. As well, I have handled numerous criminal matters, both felony and misdemeanor, as well as complex civil and family law cases. I have also handled numerous probate and guardianship matters, as well as juvenile cases. Also, I have handled civil rights, securities fraud, and bankruptcy cases before federal courts. Additionally, I have tried numerous criminal, civil, and family law cases both before a jury and before the Court and I have successfully mediated dozens of cases.
I am licensed to practice in the United States Supreme Court, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas. As well as being licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, I am also licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
- Appeals & Appellate
- Bankruptcy
- Real Estate Law
- Personal Injury
- Family Law
- Estate Planning
- Energy, Oil & Gas Law
- Divorce
- Criminal Law
- Consumer Law
- Construction Law
- Business Law
- Car Accidents
- General Civil
- Small Claims
- Free Consultation
Credit Cards Accepted
Visa, MasterCard, Discover
- Contingent Fees
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Payment arrangements available
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Spanish
- Attorney
- Davis Law, P.C.
- - Current
- Attorney
- Jeffrey S. Davis, Attorney at Law
- -
- Attorney
- Michael J. Rogers, P.C.
- -
- In-House Counsel
- gimmeabid.com
- -
- Attorney - Partner
- Castro & Davis, L.L.P.
- -
- Attorney
- Law Office of Isaac M. Castro
- -
- University of Houston - Main Campus
- Mediation Certificate | Mediation
- -
- Trained as a Mediator.
- Texas Tech University
- Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Abilene Christian University
- B.B.A. | Accounting
- -
- Honors: Graduated Cum Laude
- North Carolina State Bar
- member
- - Current
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Member
- - Current
- Johnson Counrt Bar Association
- Member
- - Current
- Texas State Bar  # 00787334
- Member
- - Current
- Website
- Website


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AMD sent over a 14-inch reference design Trinity notebook for testing. Judging from chassis shape and the battery pack we quickly figured out that it is a Dell Vostro 3500 laptop enclosure with AMD hardware inside. AMD loaded this one up with the AMD A10-4600M quad-core APU that has Radeon HD 7660G graphics. It runs with a 1366×768 resolution and comes with a Blu-ray drive.
AMD placed large vinyl 'skins' over the front to help cover up the logos. This notebook supports two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI port & VGA video, eSATA, USB 2.0, a Blu-ray player, Gigabit Ethernet and an SD memory card reader.
On the back we see another sticker that says property of AMD and a cover that will give us access to the guts of this notebook!
We took off the rear cover to take a peak inside to see if we could get a look at the processor, but quickly learned that we would have to take the shell apart to see that. We could see the 8GB of 1600MHz CL11 DDR3 memory by Micron, the Samsung 830 128GB SSD and the 802.11n Wireless card.
Here are the HWInfo details on our AMD Trinity Whitebook in case you are curious.
Comments are closed.


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Oct 282011
From the Daily Mail
Gay Marriage
A recent article based on an Office for National Statistics report stated that most Britons still oppose gay marriage. While the ONS report did show that only a minority of Britons are in support of gay marriage, the more detailed statistics from the EU poll on which it was based suggest that the percentages for and against are about the same – 46% and 45% respectively – with a further 9% who 'don't know'. We are happy to clarify the position.


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Oh, lo, do I love a free day.
Even if that free day is actually a "drop the kid at school and cram in five loads of laundry while blogging" day, it still counts.
Not being on a schedule. Not having errands to run or appointments to keep or sports to coordinate. Not having to fix my hair (HA! as if I "fix" my hair) or put on makeup or even wear a freaking bra if I don't feel like it. (And let's face it, how many of us actually feel like wearing a bra??)
Sometimes "free" means two hour naps or folding laundry to a Netflix marathon, dog cuddling or picking up the house, painting toenails or reading or catching up on chores. But if it's done from home – at my own pace and in my own order – then it feels like a free day to me.
Sweet, sweet freedom.
My post as part of Colline's Gratitude Project.


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The innate immune system detects infection via germ-line encoded receptors that recognize specific microbial ligands. We have been particularly interested in characterizing the innate immune response to unique nucleic acids produced by bacteria called cyclic dinucleotides. These nucleotides, which include c-di-GMP and c-di- AMP, are best known as key regulators of bacterial physiology. However, since they are not produced by mammalian cells, cyclic dinucleotides are ideal targets for innate immune recognition. Indeed, we found that the presence of cyclic dinucleotides in the host cell cytosol induces an innate immune response characterized by the production of important cytokines called type I interferons (IFNs). We recently found that the host protein STING is a direct innate immune sensor of cyclic dinucleotides. STING binds to cyclic dinucleotides in the cytosol and is essential for subsequent induction of a host type I interferon response. Interestingly, however, it has also been shown that STING is essential for induction of the host interferon response to cytosolic DNA. Since STING is required for the IFN response to both DNA and cyclic dinucleotides, the field now faces a significant problem, namely, there is no way to determine in vivo whether interferon induction by any given bacterial pathogen is due to cytosolic recognition of DNA or cyclic dinucleotides. This is a critical issue since virtually all bacterial pathogens ar capable of producing both stimulatory ligands. To address this problem we identified a specific point mutation in STING (R231A) that selectively abolishes the IFN response to cyclic dinucleotides without affecting the cytosolic response to DNA. This mutant provides a unique tool for distinguishing the responses to DNA versus cyclic dinucleotides. In this application we propose to leverage our findings to pursue two specific aims: (1) Generate """"""""knock-in"""""""" mice in which the gene encoding wild-type STING is replaced by a gene encoding a STING R231A mutant (2) Validate and test STING R231A knock-in mice using various inducers and infection models. We plan to distribute the STING R231A knock-in mice without restriction to investigators that request them. Our hope is that these mice will represent a unique and powerful reagent for the field and allow investigators to determine for any pathogen of interest whether induction of the host IFN response is via DNA or cyclic dinucleotides.
Infectious diseases remain a major cause of global mortality and morbidity. The design of novel immunotherapeutics, adjuvants and vaccines is predicated on a better understanding of how the innate immune system detects pathogens and initiates protective responses. Our proposal aims to fulfill this goal by dissection of the molecular mechanisms by which intracellular bacterial pathogens are sensed by the immune system.
|Kranzusch, Philip J; Lee, Amy S Y; Wilson, Stephen C et al. (2014) Structure-guided reprogramming of human cGAS dinucleotide linkage specificity. Cell 158:1011-1021
|Tenthorey, Jeannette L; Kofoed, Eric M; Daugherty, Matthew D et al. (2014) Molecular basis for specific recognition of bacterial ligands by NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasomes. Mol Cell 54:17-29
|Barker, Jeffrey R; Koestler, Benjamin J; Carpenter, Victoria K et al. (2013) STING-dependent recognition of cyclic di-AMP mediates type I interferon responses during Chlamydia trachomatis infection. MBio 4:e00018-13
|Conlon, Joseph; Burdette, Dara L; Sharma, Shruti et al. (2013) Mouse, but not human STING, binds and signals in response to the vascular disrupting agent 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid. J Immunol 190:5216-25
|Diner, Elie J; Burdette, Dara L; Wilson, Stephen C et al. (2013) The innate immune DNA sensor cGAS produces a noncanonical cyclic dinucleotide that activates human STING. Cell Rep 3:1355-61


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SRK sells Billu for Rs 50 Cr to Eros
Shah Rukh Khan's home production Billu, earlier called Billu Barber, has been reportedly sold for Rs 50 Crore to distribution major Eros International.
Billu, made under Red Chillies Entertainment, stars Shah Rukh Khan, Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta and directed by Priyadarshan. Billu is a remake of Malayalam film.
SRK is now said to be planning a super hero film to be directed by Anubhav Sinha. The discussions with international technicians for this project are in progress.
Billu Barbar movie video songs
Billu Barber Audio – mp3 Songs


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Data Centers
Save time and money in the field.
Pre-assembled connectors and cables can reduce maintenance time and reduce the overall cost of ownership compared to hardwiring. Field labor is expensive, and wiring errors can cause additional costs and downtime. Using connectors provides a plug-and-play solution that is quick, easy, and virtually eliminates wiring errors.
HARTING is proud to be a contributing partner in the Open Compute Project and Microsoft's Project Olympus. Microsoft recently featured our Han-Eco? product in their keynote address at both the Open Compute Project US Summit and Data Center World Global. You can see details below in this short video.
- Standardizes engineering, design and assembly
- Eliminates the use of rigid conduit
- Reduces panel clutter
- Quickens disassembly
- Lowers installation and wiring costs
- Minimizes factory personnel at installation
- Reduces wiring errors
- Eliminates loose wiring failures
Quick and Easy Plug and Play Connectivity?
The Han-Eco? is an electrical connector that makes installation quick and easy and ensures critical power to data systems. The Han-Eco? system features a plastic hood and housing and either power inserts with a built in ground for safety or modular inserts that allow mixing of signal, power, and data in a single connector. The Han-Eco? will integrate into power distribution units of the future, ensuring safer power connection points, space savings with modularity, and decreased downtimes to install or replace.
RFID LOCFIELD? Antenna
The Ha-VIS LOCFIELD? changes everything. Instead of installing patch antennas, the coax antenna cable itself becomes the antenna. The read range can be varied from a few centimeters to about 2m just by changing the power of the RFID reader. The LOCFIELD? antenna can easily be installed in any shape which serves the project in the best possible way. This will change Data Center asset management for the better as the market turns to time and space saving tools. Using this system, data centers will benefit from constant real-time monitoring of assets within single or multiple server racks.


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Aeolus Truck Tyre
Aeolus Truck Tyres Price List In India
|Model Name
|Price Range
|Aeolus AGB 21
1 Sizes available
|Aeolus HN 06
1 Sizes available
|Aeolus HN 266
1 Sizes available
|Aeolus HN 355
1 Sizes available
Aeolus Truck Tyre ModelsFilter
- Fuel Efficient
- Wet Grip
- Rs.33800*
- Fuel Efficient
- Wet Grip
- Rs.34300*
- Fuel Efficient
- Wet Grip
- Rs.35500*
- Fuel Efficient
- Wet Grip
- Rs.36000*
About Aeolus Truck Tyres
Company Overview:
Aeolus is one of the highly acclaimed brands that manufacture tyres for all kinds of automotives. It was founded in the year 1965 in Jiaozuo, a city in China. It produces approximately 5.5 million tyres globally each year, making it one of the top 20 tyre makers in the world. It has made its mark all over the world besides a rock solid reputation, which continues to grow in the market. From October 21 2003, its stocks are being exchanged at SSE (Shanghai Stock Exchange). Some of its key products include HENAN brand, AEOLUS brand off-road tyres, bus bias tyres and a few others. Being registered in over 80 countries, its products are exported to more than 140 regions across the world. The Aeolus Ace series and a specific range of agricultural tyres have been a great success in the market. It also has a few Research centers wherein, every product is independently tested. Besides all these, the brand also focuses on the environment and produces eco-friendly tyres to cut down the carbon footprints.
This company manufactures tyres for all kinds of terrains and seasons. At present, there are products available for cars and SUVs. Some of these are as follows:
SteeringAce AU01 PrecisionAce AH01 GreenAce AG02 GreenAce AG01 PrecisionAce AH02 CrossAce AS01 GreenAce AG02 ECO Touring Ace AG03 CrossAce AS02
Aeolus is credited with the following certifications in the past years.
1997 - China Tyre Product Quality Authorization. 2000 - ISO 9001 Quality System Authorization. 2000 - CNAB Authorization. 2000- DOT certificate (USA). 2000 - E-MARK Authorization. 2001 - ISO 9002 Product Quality Certification. 2002 - GS-9000 of TüV (Germany). 2003 - ISO/TS16949 Quality Management Certifiaction. 2007 - ISO/IEC 17025 - 2005 Laboratory Accreditation Certification. 2009 - Certificate for the exemption from export inspection.
Aeolus has a huge investment in tyre technology. It has even set up a modern technology centre along with four R&D (Research and Development) centres for elastomers and tyres. All its manufacturing units follow strict guidelines and are ISO 9001 and ISO/TS16949 certified.
Find Aeolus Tyre Showrooms Nearby
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Review: Game of Thrones: Episode 3 – Mother of Dragons
As Game of Thrones and the A Song of Ice and Fire series have been so well known for, alliances and loyalties are merely pieces in the series' ever-changing chessboard.
As breakable as a rusty sword's blade and as prone to destruction as any fortress or ships of the sea, the intricate politics and devastating double-crosses that Game of Thrones are known for are among one of the biggest reasons why it's become such a huge cultural phenomenon.
In Telltale Games' episodic adaptation of the series, figuring out who to trust and who to look out for has never reached such a boiling point.
Continuing with the branching storylines of House Forrester following the second episode in February, the epsiode marched on this week with the release of the series' third episode, "The Sword in the Darkness," and taking its stories to some unexpected and terrifying new places.
Juggling between the various storylines of the Forrester clan with Mira, Rodrik, Asher, and Gared all playing their part across Westeros and beyond, Episode 3 comes together remarkably as the high point in the series so far.
Coming off the somewhat shaky first episode, "The Sword in the Darkness" easily stands as the high point of the series so far; though it's far less action heavy than the previous two installments, its genuinely challenging decisions and story progression help to make this title stand out a little clearer from the rest of the Telltale pack, with the series finally coming into its own.
More importantly, Episode 3 truly evokes the heart of both the television series and novels, and that when you play the game of thrones, there is never truly a decision that distinguishes between "winning" and "dying."
Moving briskly between its four separate storyline, "The Sword in the Darkness" progresses between the tales of the aforementioned characters at a quick, but never brief, pace.
With three of the Forrester clan members working to survive in Westeros while another works for forge alliances and gathers an army of Essos, this episode's position as the middle of the season carries with it a lot of narrative weight.
Thankfully, the episode pays off well with the build-up from the previous two episodes, while giving an exciting look at what lies ahead in the remaining three installments.
Though this episode contains less action than the numerous set pieces that filled the first and second episodes, it challenges players all throughout its roughly 90 minute running time with hard decisions that will truly make players grief-stricken about what the right course of action is.
As Game of Thrones has proven time and time again, bad things happen to its best-intentioned players while the cruel and merciless get away clean, and Telltale's episodic title has continued admirably to hit that vein.
In particular though, the decisions faced during Episode 3 reinforce the fact that, no matter what, the outcomes chosen by the player will never be able to please everyone.
In cases where alliances have to be forged and relationships saved, many of the most tense and nerve-wracking situations come from decisions where choices are nearly no-win scenarios. While one decision may appease one particular party/character, another will have dire consequences for the other.
Many moments of "The Sword in the Darkness" had me genuinely struck, waiting until the last possible second to weigh my options and make a decision I may or may not have regretted.
As the season moves into its second half, the foundations laid by the series' first two episodes have finally begun to hold and take shape — decisions and implications from Mira's dealings in King's Landing are starting to build (in ways both good and bad), to Asher's quest to find an army to defend House Forrester, to Gared and Rodrik's difficult situations in Castle Black and Ironrath, respectively.
After two episodes of world-building and introducing us to the players of this version of Game of Thrones, the third episode covers a lot of ground between its four running storylines and for the most part keeps its well-paced experience continually exciting, even if to varying degrees.
In particular, Mira's storyline of acquiring funds and business negotiations in King's Landing remains one of the highlights of the series so far, with politics, intrigue, and the occasional dose of violence making it ripe with the kind of tension that only Game of Thrones can accomplish.
On the eve of King Joffrey and Lady Margaery's wedding day, tensions between Mira and her relationships with Margaery and the Lannister siblings, Cersei and Tyrion, are running at an all time high.
With Mira now faced between her loyalties to the crown versus the needs of her family, her storyline provided some of the most difficult decisions yet, with a few particular scenarios that I can't wait to see how they play out in later installments.
Between choosing whether to keep up her word to Cersei and Margaery or continuing to secure business deals that could save the Forrester family with Tyrion, of all the Forrester clan's tales it is Mira's story which contains the most tragedy.
Going in either direction of either being faithful to the Westeros nobility or to saving House Forrester, Mira's storyline continues to throb with the tension of House Forrester's fate in the hands of perhaps the most delicate member of House Forrester, and the ways which her story spins is always unexpected and gripping.
On the other side of the world in Essos, Asher's tale of acquiring an army of sellswords to defend House Forrester against its many incoming enemies continues to thrill with equal doses of action and intrigue.
Kicking off with a tense action sequence right from the beginning with swordplay and a satisfying cameo from Drogon (one of the famed dragons of Daenarys Targaryen herself), the bright colors and vivid turmoil in Essos give a nice break from the action in Westeros, but still retain great significance to the overall plot.
Partnered with Beskha and Malcolm in their quest to find a mercenary army, Asher's storyline breaks up the pace with charm and even light doses of humor — or at least the minimal amount of humor that can balance out the death and violence around every corner — with Asher and Beshka continuing to be a great pair.
In Gared's side of the story following his arrival at Castle Black last time around, Episode 3 moves the younger Forrester's story forward by taking his oath and officially donning him a member of the Night's Watch.
Similarly to Mira's storyline, Gared's plot comes to a crossroads between his duties taking the black and his responsibilities to aid House Forrester — a conflict that makes itself apparent by the episode's end.
With Gared guarding secrets and finding out new details about the mysterious "North Grove" alluded to in earlier episodes, Telltale's build on what exactly the fabled stronghold is and what it can provide to the Forrester clan is a good mystery that is sure to play a big role in later episodes.
Though Gared's storyline could have easily hit a brick wall at Castle Black and contain little-to-no progression for the overall Forrester plot, it instead makes it possibly into the most crucial element of House Forrester's survival.
Though there is still plenty more to be seen of what exactly Gared's involvement with both the Night's Watch and his duties to his house will hold, a newfound mystery and purpose will continue to make the storyline intriguing but also difficult to make decisions that will work out well, in either direction.
Back at home in the forests of Ironrath, Rodrik's storyline unfortunately continues to falter slightly as the weakest of the series' plot threads, with Rodrik having taken over as House Forrester's leader but faced with opposition on every side.
While maintaining dignity and keeping his pride to House Forrester but also bearing its survival in mind, most of Rodrik's thread forces him between submitting to the oppressive House Whitehill and keeping Ironrath from falling apart.
Though Rodrik's plot is rich with sympathy for a beaten, battered man struggling to keep everything together, the Ironrath plot-thread continues to move along slowly compared to Mira, Asher, and Gared's adventures.
Little has progressed beyond Rodrik and company being oppressed and berated by the Whitehill clan, often repeating events we have already seen in the previous two episodes — with one of the Whitehills coming up to threaten Rodrik and his family, the choices come down to either standing up and facing dire consequences or submitting to humiliation and mockery, but keeping the family alive.
Though the tension in those scenes are still palpable and awful to sit through, the storyline still suffers from repetition and the misery that the Forresters have been experiencing is getting old.
However, new information acquired from an unlikely source does lead to some genuine development, leading me to play more warily in what will surely be a big plot point for Rodrik in the next episode.
Despite the growing pains of the last few installments due to technical issues and slight narrative misgivings, Telltale's rendition of Game of Thrones has finally come into its own with an episode that neatly builds on the setup of the last two episodes, while also promising some exciting new territory in the later half of the season.
Though it's hard to believe that the series is already halfway through its run, Telltale hasn't let up its grip when it comes to providing a storytelling experience that remains faithful to the setting that many know and love but, more importantly, has led to characters we can root for just as heavily as Jon Snow or Tyrion Lannister.
The game of thrones is never an easy game to play, and while House Forrester is currently on the losing end of it, "The Sword in the Darkness" at least shows that hope may still remain for the family's safety by the season's end: even if it's only a silver lining.


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IB Examiner for Swedish B (as a second language)
- Location
- Working from home
- Salary
- fee per piece of work marked
- Posted
- Jul 17, 2019
- Job Category
- Teaching, World Language Teacher
- Grade Level
- College/University, High School
- Job Type
- After School, Part-Time, Temporary
Become an IB Examiner for Swedish B (as a second language)
As part of assessment processes, the IB works with educators in a variety of different roles. We are always looking to recruit new, skilled examiners and senior examiners as the IB continues to grow.
As an examiner you will play an important role in maintaining the quality of assessment for which the IB is known worldwide. This experience will enable you to:
- Enhance your professional development
- Expand your subject knowledge
- Earn extra income working from the convenience of your home
Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation offering four highly respected programmes of international education that develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world.
We strive to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The main focus of the IB Swedish B course is on language acquisition and development of language skills and intercultural understanding through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Such material will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts, and is related to the cultures concerned.
Applicants must have:
- a degree or equivalent in the subject (or a related subject) for which they are applying,
- a minimum of one year's experience teaching the subject (or a related subject) to students in an appropriate age range:
- 16 to 19 years of age – DP
- applicants who are no longer teaching must have taught or examined within the last three years
- access to the internet, via a broadband (or faster) connection, in an environment that is suitable for marking confidential assessment material
IB teaching experience is not essential.
For more information and to apply, please visit our website:


text: Home > Wine shop > White Wine > Premium Hunter Valley Semillon 6-pack Premium Hunter Valley Semillon 6-pack Varietal Semillon Region Hunter Valley Including Gold medal-winners from First Creek and Leogate Estate, this Hunter Valley Semillon 6-pack celebrates the long, successful union of variety and region. It's yours for just $22 a bottle. The Gold medal-winning First Creek Winemaker's Reserve Semillon 2011 is an intense and powerful amalgam of bright lemonade, lemon and lime fruit and vibrant, mouth-watering acidity with faint honey and toast notes adding complexity. Another Gold medal-winner, the Leogate Estate Wines Creek Bed Semillon 2013 displays a pure line of citrussy acidity supporting a lovely core of lemony fruit of considerable depth. Although youthful, the acidity is soft enough to make this a delicious drink now. Experience Hunter Valley Semillon at its finest and save $74! Order code161238 Wine varietySemillon RegionHunter Valley Read moreRead less Quantity (case) Out of Stock Availability Get free shipping for a limited time* Shop with confidence. 100% money back guarantee. 500+ Australian wineries. 40yrs experience & passion. Pack Contents 1 x Allandale Semillon 2008 1 x First Creek Winemaker's Reserve Semillon 2011 1 x Jackson's Hill Reserve Semillon 2014 1 x Karl Stockhausen Semillon 2014 1 x Keith Tulloch Semillon 2013 1 x Leogate Estate Wines Creek Bed Semillon 2013 Reviews (0) CUSTOMER REVIEWS Sort results by Highest ratings Lowest ratings Latest ratings Oldest ratings To leave a review, please Login OR Sign up You might also like New Year Next Level Top Shelf Aged HV Semillon 6-pack Price $180.00 Save $75.00 Qty | case Add to cart Hunter Valley Semillon 6-pack Price $102.00 Save $51.00 Qty | case Add to cart Schott Zwiesel Everyday Vina 556ml Stemless Glasses 6-Pack $0.00 in any 12 $0.00 in any 6 $60.00 each Price $60.00 Qty Add to cart Two Blues Sauvignon Blanc 2014 1 case has been added to your cart. Cart total: xxx 1 case, 12 bottles, 3 accessories Checkout Continue Shopping


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In North America there are a few bird species that are best called promiscuous, a rather chaotic social structure (according to human standards) in which any female may mate with many males and same is also true for males. This mating system may appear to be a combination of polygyny and polyandry, but polygynous and polyandrous birds make some commitment, however brief, to their mates, but promiscuous birds maintain no associations whatsoever, after mating. The Polygynous Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), for example, the male actually helps care for its young; the polyandrous Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius syn. Actitis macularia) female defends a territory upon which the males nest.
It is interesting to note that all of North America's hummingbirds (family Trochilidae) are promiscuous breeders. The males defend large territories around important food sources and then display to females coming to feed. Females may fly well beyond the territories of local males to find males with which to mate. In these birds males almost certainly never see their offspring or the nest, and most likely will not see the female again. But what energy he displays to each and every female who comes to call! Promiscuous species, which constitute about 6% of all birds, indulge in Indiscriminant sexual relationships, but for a brief duration.
Similarly males of many grouse species and some shorebirds display on leks (mating grounds used each year) to attract females that depart immediately after mating. The males may subsequently mate with additional females. It is presumed that promiscuous mating systems can evolve only where the advantage of the male remaining with the female to help in raising the young is negligible.
Saltmarsh Sparrows (Ammodramus caudacutus) : the most promiscuous bird
Saltmarsh Sparrow, a small American sparrow, is thought to be the most promiscuous birds in the world. In a study it has been found that 57 out of 60 broods of the bird had at least two chicks with different fathers and at least 97 percent of females were mating with more than one male.
A research by CLAS faculty member Chris Elphick and colleagues shows that this shoreline bird is remarkable for its "extreme levels of multiple mating" and is believed to be the most promiscuous bird in the world. In an article in The Auk, a premier ornithological journal, the scientists described mating patterns that give new meaning to the term "multiple paternity."
In any one nest, it was impossible to tell who the fathers were of all the chicks without checking DNA.
According to researchers the promiscuity levels seen in Saltmarsh Sparrows are extraordinarily high. Only the Greater Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis vasa) of Madagascar and the Superb Fairy-Wren (Malurus cyaneus) of Australia are known to come close.
It was easy to determine maternity of the chicks, because the mothers sit on the nests, Elphick says: "The tricky part is the fathers."
Male Saltmarsh Sparrows take no part in chick rearing, so the only way to associate a male with a brood is to catch all the males in an area and conduct paternity tests through DNA analyses.
Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)
Reed bunting, a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, is another bird in which promiscuity is quite rampant. Studies have found that extra-pair males sired roughly half of all of the chicks that were reared in study nests.
It is surprising that promiscuity is quite common in small birds, and both sexes are known to solicit 'extra-pair' copulations – those involving individuals other than their mate.
Greater vasa parrot (Coracopsis vasa)
Greater vasa parrot (Coracopsis vasa), found throughout Madagascar and the Comoros, is one of two species of vasa parrots and has a very unusual breeding biology and mating system. The species lives in loose polygynandrous groups wherein each female, 25 per cent larger than males and is physically dominant, has at least three to eight sexual partners.
In these parrots males have re-evolved a phallus and copulations can last up to 90 minutes. Copulations come in two varieties, short duration lasting only 1–3 seconds, but the long duration averages 36 minutes, with the latter involving a copulatory tie, usually found in mammals such as canines where the animals are unable to part during mating due to the swelling of the penis within the females body.
Bird's breeding season is uncertain but is probably between October to December. While brooding and chick-rearing, females discard their head feathers and develop bright orange skin coloration. This is the time when they start singing complex songs from perches close to the nest, which attracts males to approach and regurgitate food, which they accept while off the nest. During this period females defend a territory around their nest from other females.
Nelson's sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni)
Nelson's sparrow, a small American sparrow, named after Edward William Nelson, an American naturalist, has unusual breeding system. Males instead of defending territories move around large area of marsh attracting females by singing. Both sexes are promiscuous in this species and do not form pairs like many other birds do; since there are no pairs, males take no part in caring for the eggs or young. Nest built by female is usually a bulky open cup of grass. It is sometimes partially domed over, with lining of finer grass. Incubation and caring of chicks done solely by female.
This bird's breeding habitat is marshes on the Atlantic coast of Canada and Maine, central Canada, (the Canadian Prairies region and a coastal strip on the south of Hudson Bay) and the north central United States.
Superb fairywren (Malurus cyaneus)
Fairywrens are socially monogamous, sexually promiscuous and at the same time cooperative breeding species. Though the pairs will bond for life, but both males and females will regularly mate with other individuals; a section of young will have been fathered by males from outside the group.
Since they are cooperative breeders, pairs or groups of 3–5 birds maintain and guard small territories year-round. Groups that are formed consist of a social pair with one or more male or female helper birds that were hatched in the territory, though they may not necessarily be the offspring of the main pair. These helpers help in protecting the territory and feeding and rearing the young. Birds in a group roost side-by-side in dense cover as well as engage in mutual preening, which strengthens social bonding between group members.
Fledglings start feeding on their own after 40 days, but remain in the family group as helpers for a year or more before moving to another group or assuming a dominant position in the original group. In this role they feed and care for subsequent broods and repel predators and intruders. Young are often raised not by the pair alone, but by other males too who also mated with the pair's female.
American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
American flamingos are usually monogamous while selecting nest sites, incubating and raising young; however, extra-pair copulations (EPSs) are frequent. Long-term pairs do not often engage in courtship performances or in-group displays. Pairs often stand, sleep, and eat in close proximity. Courtships are most frequently seen among individuals that change partners over and over again or are promiscuous.
In these birds there is a variety of pairing relationships. Some have long-term partners throughout the year; others form pairs during periods of courtship and nest attendance. How long a relationship lasts is dependent on many factors, such as addition and removal of adults, maturation of juveniles, and occurrence of trios and quartets.
In most pairs, both individuals usually construct and defend the nest site, but in some cases, one individual undertakes both the duties. If it is trio then the dominant pair begins the nesting process by choosing and then defending the site. For trios with 1 female and 2 males, the subordinate male is tolerated by both individuals and will often become the primary incubator and caregiver of the chicks. Where there are 2 females and 1 male, the subordinate female is tolerated by the male, but often fights with the dominant female. If two females share a nest and both lay an egg, one female will try to destroy the other egg or roll it out of the nest.
In the case of quartets, the 2 females and the dominant male take care of the nest, while the subordinate male remains always around the periphery. In such cases, compared to trios, less animosity is seen between the dominant and subordinate females. Eggs and chicks are attended constantly and equally by alternating parents.


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Are you looking to buy a dining table or a kitchen table? But you don't know which finish or size could be the best for you and your family? Here's some advice and if you still feel confused you can always call me and I will be happy to give you the best advice. You can call me directly to 01223 327463 or email me on firstname.lastname@example.com.
I have pinned down few key point that will help you choose the right table.
The first consideration to do is in which room the table will be in, are you looking for a family kitchen dining table or a dining table that you will use for the occasional dinner party with your friends and family? If so how many people do you need to seat?
Space is a must in modern houses, so it is worth considering if you need a fixed or an extending dining table. Do you have the space for a large fixed table or would an extending table be better, extending tables are especially useful for a multi-purpose dining table. Ideal if you need to sit a few people every day, but would also like the option of being able to invite your friends for a dinner!
If you decide to go for an extending dining table make sure you have a large enough room for the table to be extend fully.
Is it a simple hinged folding design, does it need to slide out on a track and require you to fold down extra legs, or is it an automated leaver operated design?
Once that you have decided on which room your table will go, and whether or not is going to be extending table or fixed table, it's time to consider the shape!
A round dining table, round tables are great for kitchens and make for a friendly informal dining experience. Very nice and simple round table is the Calligaris Planet Table or the Cattelan bistro hugo round table, with a nice modern look and affordable too.
Rectangular tables are very practical and allow for full maximisation of available space, you can easily fit a large number of people around them, making them perfect for a dinner party's.
So you've decided where your table will be going, if it will be fixed or extending, and what shape you would like it to be. The next point I would consider is the type of base the table has. The main choices you come across are pedestal base or the more traditional legs on each corner. Small round kitchen tables are best with pedestal bases as it allows for flexible seating arrangements. As well a large oval dining table would be best with a pedestal base for much the same reason. Where a small rectangular table would generally be best on a set of four legs
Your last consideration and most important one is what type of table top, wooden, glass or melamine. Each one has it's own advantages and disadvantages and at the end of the day it comes down to personal choice, but consider – Wooden tops are a great way to introduce a traditional material into your dining room, and a small round kitchen table can look lovely with a wood finish.
Glass tops help to create an ultra-modern contemporary look, perfect for showing off at a fancy dinner party. They can be very easy to clean and don't mark as easily as wood.
Melamine tops or the new Alucompact top are hard wearing, easy to clean great for family use and child friendly :) too. We truly recommend the Ciacci Domino table, simple modern Italian design.
At Belvisi we also sell bespoke dining table that can be designed just for you. Call Belvisi Furniture and our style team will gladly help you match your dream dining table to your vision of fine entertaining. Ciao
Cattelan Spyder Fix Dining Table
A centrepiece of sparkling light, the Spyder dining table has a 15mm thick clear glass top balanced by the geometry of criss-cross legs. For the most contemporary effect, choose cool matt white, matt graphite steel or polished stainless steel for the Spyder base. To achieve a warmer distinction, we also offer the base in sumptuous Canaletto walnut or wenge wood.
This glorious statement is offered in five accommodating sizes and with the option of a crystal-clear glass top to deepen the reflective lustre still further. Call Belvisi Furniture and our style team will gladly help you match your Spyder table to your vision of fine entertaining.
Calligaris Magic J Coffe Dining Table is the best modern space saving dining table for modern houses. With this table you have two table in one.


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Virtually all married couples file their taxes jointly, and who can blame them? It's usually easier to prepare one tax return than two, and it almost always results in a lower tax bill than filing separately. But sometimes, splitting up those returns might make sense financially.
The lowdown on filing separately
Although most married couples file jointly, they can file separately if they choose. There are rules to follow for filing separately, though.
- If one spouse itemizes instead of taking the standard deduction, for example, the other spouse must itemize, too. You'll also have to decide which spouse gets each deduction, and that can get complicated.
- Plus, there are a bunch of deductions and credits you probably won't be allowed to take if you file separately, such as the credit for child and dependent care expenses, the earned income credit, the adoption credit, education credits and the deduction for student loan interest.
- Filing separately isn't the same as filing single. Only single people can file single, and their tax brackets are different in some cases from the ones that will apply to you if you're married and filing separately.
Nonetheless, in the right circumstances, being married and filing separately could save you money. Here are a few things to think about if you're considering whether it's right for you.
Student loans
- If you're enrolled in an income-based student loan repayment plan, filing separately could reduce your monthly bill. Income-based repayment programs generally key off adjusted gross income, or AGI.
- If you file separately, your payments are in many cases based only on the borrower's income rather than on your joint income as a couple. That's a big consideration that makes it worth the time to calculate your taxes both jointly and separately. It could be worth filing separately and paying an extra $500 in April, for example, if you're going to save $200 a month in student loan payments.
Medical expenses
- Generally, you can deduct unreimbursed medical expenses — but only the portion that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI. Filing separately could make more of those expenses deductible.
- Here's an example. Let's say you and your spouse are both 30, and one of you racked up $6,000 in unreimbursed medical bills last year. If you file jointly and your combined AGI is, say, $100,000, then only the portion of your medical bills over 7.5% of that — or the portion over $7,500 — is deductible. So in this scenario, you can't deduct a penny of your $6,000 in medical bills because you filed jointly.
- Now let's say you file separately. Your AGI is, say, $55,000 and your spouse's AGI is $45,000. Now the math may work in your favor, because anything more than $4,125 (that's 7.5% of your AGI) is deductible. If you were the one with the medical bills, filing separately just got you a $1,875 deduction. Alternatively, if the medical bills belong to your spouse, he or she could deduct anything over 7.5% of that $45,000 AGI, or $3,375. That would mean a $2,625 tax deduction for filing separately.
» MORE: Learn more about how to claim the medical expense deduction
Complicated spouses
- If your spouse brought overdue taxes into the relationship, it may be worth filing separately. That way, the IRS may not snatch your refund away and apply it to your spouse's overdue bill.
- Remember, however, that in most cases filing separately means a higher overall tax bill for both of you. So if the goal is to keep your tax bills low, the better choice may be to fork over that refund and get that liability out of your hair.
- If you're getting a divorce or you suspect your spouse isn't being upfront about tax matters, you should think about filing separately, too. After all, once you sign that joint return, you have joint liability. You may be able to get "innocent spouse" relief from the IRS if things explode, but convincing the IRS that you're innocent isn't easy.
What's yours is mine
If you're thinking seriously about filing separately, there's one more thing to understand: Even if you do the math and determine you'll pay less by filing separately, state law might throw a wrench in your plans. That's because if you live in a community property state — Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington or Wisconsin — anything couples earn generally belongs to both spouses equally. Couples filing separately there each have to report half of the income both spouses earned, which could nullify most of the advantages of filing separately.
Take charge of your financial life right now
- Learn how to save money, from adjusting daily and monthly habits to making long-term changes.
- Building a budget isn't magic, but it represents more financial freedom and a life with much less stress.


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We have reached our goal of 100 followers!!!
Thank you all for following our story and helping to raise awareness for invisible illness and chronic pain.
I have a lot of ideas and goals to implement throughout the next few months and I'm thankful for our readers and fellow invisible pain warriors who make it all worthwhile.
💙💜Wishing you all a low pain level day 💜💙


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Today I received something new from 2 talented producers from israel named Ron Tal Ferier and Omri Bar Hod. Better known as Feri & Multi. Their first release contained 2 big club-house tracks named "Rockin'" and Festival and was released on Hahmo Recordings. Now, less then 3 months later they are back with a new release!
Feri & Multi remixed Michel Leroy & Nuff!'s "Superstring 2k12". And to be honest…It's a fantastic remix! Ready to destroy the dancefloors!
Listen this track here:
And to keep the best for last… It's out now on Tiger Records!
Download this release:


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Ivan Uzunov was born in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
In 2016/2017 he studies at Wildner Akademie , München, Germany.
In 2010 he obtains a certificate in Film Production
from CCSF
, San Francisco, USA.
In 1994 he graduates as a Master of Fine Arts
from the University of Veliko Turnovo
, Bulgaria.
His art has been presented in the USA, Germany, England, Poland, Turkey and Bulgaria. His artworks are in possession of galleries and private collectors.
Ivan has worked as a graphic designer, concept artist and a teacher in fine arts in Bulgaria, as well as a videographer and filmmaker in the USA.
He has participated in the production of the movies:
"The Darwin Awards" (2006, director Finn Taylor)
"The Lark Farm" (2007, directors Paolo and Vittorio Taviani)
"The Legend of Hercules" (2014, director Renny Harlin)


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Funny Jokes
Good, Bad and WorseHot 2 years ago
Bad: You can't find your vibrator. Worse: Your daughter "borrowed" it. Bad: You find a porn movie in your son's room. Worse: You're in it. Bad: Your children are sexually active. Worse: With each other. Bad: Your husband's a cross dresser. Worse: He looks better than you. Bad: Your son's involved in Satanism. Worse: As a sacrifice. Bad: Your wife wants a divorce. Worse: She's a lawyer. Bad: Your wife's leaving you. Worse: For another woman. Bad: Your wife's leaving you. Worse: To enter a convent. Bad: Your wife's arrested for soliciting. Worse: She implicates you. Good: Hot outdoor sex. Bad: You're arrested. Worse: By your husband. Good: The postman's early. Bad: He's wearing camos and has an AK-47. Good: The secretary said "yes." Bad: Your wife says "no." Good: The teacher likes your son. Bad: Sexually. Worse: He's gay. Good: You came home for a quickie. Bad: So did the postman. Good: You came home for a quickie. Bad: Your wife walks in. Good: You get a more...101
Cable Company Plays 30 Seconds of Porn During Super BowlHot 2 years ago
A Tucson Arizona cable television provider has apologized to area customers after 30-seconds of porn was mistakenly shown during the Super Bowl. Customers angrily called when programming returned to the Super Bowl.
Gordon RamsayHot 6 years agoby Funny gal
Bruce comes home from the pub and sees Sheila watching Gordon Ramsay's F%*#ing cooking show on the telly.
Bruce says; "What are you watching that shit for? You can't cook to save your life!."
To which Sheila replies; "So what? You watch porn movies, don't you?"148
A Diamond is a Man's Worst FriendHot 4 years ago
Women get a diamond ring when they get engaged. What do we get? A lousy blowjob. We spend $5,000 on a ring and that's it? Do you know how many blowjobs you can get for five grand? May I add that none would be lousy.
Well, if a woman gets an engagement ring, why don't we get something in return? (Women always say,"You get me!" Well I've had you!) I need something else, like maybe an engagement flatscreen, plasma T.V. We can both enjoy the plasma T.V. We both can't enjoy your diamond ring. And when we have kids we can enjoy it as a family.
Now, that's an engagement present that makes sense. And when the kids are off to school and you're off to work, I can continue to enjoy my engagement present and watch porn in HDTV!
An aspiring pianist was hired to play the background music for a movie. When it was completed, he inquired as to when and where he would be able to see the film. Sheepishly, the produced confessed that it was actually a porn movie and was due to be released in a month.
A month later, with his collar up and wearing dark glasses, the pianist went to a porn theatre to see it. He took a seat in the back row, right next to a couple who also appeared to be in disguise.
The film was even raunchier than his worst fears. It featured goup sex, S & M, and even a dog.
After a few minutes, the embarrassed pianist turned to the couple and said, "I'm only here to listen to the music."
"Really?" the man replied. "Well, we're only here to see our dog."
- Add a Useful Link
External Links
- Adult Jokes - Lots of funny adult jokes to please your dirty mind…funny-games.biz/…/adult-jokes.html16229
- Stand-up Videos tagged with 'porn' | Jokes.com | Comedy Central…1348See funny jokes, porn jokes, and more on Comedy Central's Jokes.comjokes.com/…/porn
- Humor Erotica - Sex and the Witty14525Sex and the witty - Humor Erotica laughs at skin and mating with adult humor through satire - parody and spoof sites and funny sensual games - This stuff is nutshumor.about.com/…/Humor_Erotica.htm Show More
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Dowling Gibson
Jacksonville Regional Admissions Counselor
- B.FA Degree with a Major in Mass Media
Valdosta State University
Hometown: St. Mary's, Georgia
About me: Born and raised in South Georgia I always loved being surrounded by the mix of palm trees and pines, and always knew that it was home for me. Valdosta State University gave me that same feeling from day one. In starting my college search after high school, I knew I wanted somewhere that offered endless opportunities and an excellent education. My years spent in the classroom behind and in front of the camera as a Mass Media major I will never forget and my friends I made through different organizations and out on the town are ones I will have for a lifetime.
Favorite Spot on Campus: Our campus is beautiful! There would be days I would be walking from class to class looking around at the trees and architecture and think "do I really live here?!" Our campus is the perfect size for those daily strolls or evening runs. Saturdays in the fall are equally as great cheering on the Blazers in Bazemore-Hyder stadium!
My advice to you: When looking at colleges, find somewhere that feels like home. For the next four years, this is YOUR place. College is what you make it, so choose a place you love and get involved in everything possible! It's an experience you only get to have once!


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Superfoods Healthstyle
Proven Strategies for Lifelong HealthBook - 2006 | 1st ed.
HealthStyle is the twenty-first-century program for promoting vigor, preventing disease, and extending your life span
If up until now you have relied on luck, genetics, and a few healthful practices to achieve this goal, SuperFoods HealthStyle will be your authoritative, engaging introduction to a new, better life. Like SuperFoods Rx, the authors' bestselling book, HealthStyle takes the most recent, cutting-edge research on what lifestyle practices have actually been proven to achieve disease prevention and improve daily functioning -- both physically and mentally -- and translates this information into simple recommendations that you can use to improve your physical and mental health now and in the future.
Evidence abounds that total health is achieved via a network of efforts. You might guess that diet and exercise are important. Did you know that other factors like sleep and stress management can have just as much impact on your daily health and functioning? In HealthStyle Dr. Steven Pratt, dubbed "the Food Dude" by Oprah Winfrey, has expanded on his original thirteen SuperFoods and broadened his focus to include all aspects of health promotion. He covers such topics as:How ordinary spices like black pepper and cinnamon can make surprising contributions to health promotion What the latest compelling research shows about how poor sleep habits could be sabotaging your efforts at weight control, reducing your cognitive abilities, and impairing your overall health How achieving "personal peace" can prolong life and improve brain function Why dark chocolate, honey, and kiwi have joined the ranks of SuperFoods How the simplest imaginable exercise program can be the most effective Why paying attention to one simple aspect of eating could be the answer to weight control
HealthStyle is about extending the true quality of life. It's about being as active at seventy as you are at thirty-five. It's about helping to prevent osteoporosis, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease. It's about ending the confusion about how people should exercise and how often. It is about making simple but significant changes to get the most out of life for the rest of your life.
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I just bought a new camera, and I have spent the last week out hiking all around SW Florida practising with it. I have always loved hiking out here, it is so amazingly beautiful. The one thing you always have to keep in mind that there is also a lot of wildlife down here. This gorgeous fellow is not something you like to see around any corner. The bobcats are amazing to see- yes I had a zoom lens on the camera!!
I also did a little portrait practise on the hikes, 🙂 can't waste any opportunities! My photography assistant was happy to strike a few poses on the trail. If you get a chance, head outdoors and find an adventure- there are so many out there.
Have a great weekend, folks!
Mary Michelle


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Toevoegen aan winkelmandje
- Jaar
- 2013
- Land van herkomst
- Italie
- Regio
- Sicilia
- Parker
- 94
- Appellatie
- Sicilia IGT
- Volume
- 0,75 l
- Druiven
- Cesanese, Petit Verdot
- Serveertemperatuur
- 16
- Bewaarpotentieel
- 2015-2020
Parker review
This wine is usually a blend of Petit Verdot and Cesanese d'Affile (a red grape from Central Italy). But the 2013 Franchetti is declared as 100% Petit Verdot. In fact, Franchetti was made as a mono-varietal expression only in 2006, 2010 and now with this 2013 vintage. The bouquet here is beautiful and generous with thick layers of black fruit and spice that peel back very slowly. The wine sports an inky black and impenetrable appearance with a thick, chewy consistency. The quality of fruit is slightly jammy but those drying volcanic and mineral tones bring the wine back to center and balance. Only 3,000 bottles were made. 94/100.
PressAntonio Galloni's Vinous.com: 92/100. Inky ruby. Superripe aromas and flavors of black cherry syrup, red cherry jam, chocolate and minerals. Spicy, peppery tannins and bright acidity provide plenty of backbone to this opulent, ultra-suave wine, which tastes like it was made with air-dried grapes. Extremely long on the finish, closing with a strong note of sweet pipe tobacco and a hint of volcanic ash. In fact, the smoky note was so evident that I couldn't help thinking that this is what it must be like to drink a cigar. Winespectator.com: 92/100.
Andere wijnen van dit domein
Professioneel en toegankelijk wijnadvies? Bel Jean Paul op +32(0)3 711 32 22, mail op email@example.com of kom langs in de showroom te Nieuwkerken-Waas.


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Home Automation Services & Control Systems Installation in Lexington
Today's home is a smart home thanks to the technology innovations of home automation companies. Whether it's front door locks and home protection, climate control, or appliances, your home in Lexington is now completely under your control from the office, car, or other remote locale because many home automation companies now provide a mobile app.
So your thinking about investing in home automation for your new home or remodel. Here are a few interesting things that you may not know about Home automation equipment.
1) Certain home automation equipment allows you to start small. I don't know about you but just the idea of a $50,000 price tag for home technology can be overwhelming to many people. Now while it is very easy to spend that and more on a true home automation system... it is not necessary with all systems. Many homeowners start off with using the basic brain of an automation system that will allow you to grow with it. They usually use it as a smart remote control for their home theater system. They may then add on additional home automation modules as they see fit and can afford to. Down the road a few light switches can be added in to the system. Even further down the road you can tie in your security system & thermostats. Some people even add music throughout their home with this system. Just remember that you can start off your home automation with one project at a time-- yet still have a system that integrates everything seamlessly.
2) Certain systems allow you to turn on your television and see a copy of every DVD movie that you own. When you combine them with the Sony 400 disc DVD player, the system accesses the Internet and automatically searches for the DVD jackets cover art. Now you no longer have to look for your movies or worry about them getting scratched by the kids. The Movies stay in the DVD player all of the time. All you have to do is turn on the TV and with your Controller-- simply click on the "video" button. Instantly you will see a picture of every DVD movie you own. Choose a movie by clicking on it & the system does everything else. No more wrestling with 6 remote controls.
3) Some Controllers use Wi-fi, Ethernet and a relatively unheard of technology called...Zigbee 802.15.4 mesh networking standard. Believe it or not the name "ZigBee" is comes from zig- zag patterns made by bees when they go flower to flower to collect pollen. This is similar to the invisible webs of connections existing in a fully wireless Zigbee system. So what that means in simple English is that the more Zigbee devices you add to the system...the stronger the connection will be since each device will feed off of the next. All of the lighting dimmers are Zigbee based. The LCD keypads may be Zigbee based or hard wired via Ethernet.
4) What does this mean for you? Zigbee technology means that if you live in an existing home that does not give you access to run wires for home automation technology...you still can use this system. By taking advantage of the Zigbee protocol and Wi-fi, you can add complete home automation to your house including your lighting, thermostats, security and movies. In fact, if you want to add zones of distributed audio (music in other rooms) there is even something called a wireless Speaker Point. This allows you to deliver remote audio throughout the home without running any wires back to your audio source.
5) These systems afre very user friendly. You do not have to have an engineering degree to use it. In fact... I have had clients choose it instead of some of the more expensive systems just for its simplicity and ease of use.
Home automation and smart home technology are here to stay. Why not look for an affordable home automation system that can grow with you, add value to your home and give you pleasure at the same time.
Home Automation Systems - Great Quality At Reasonable Price!
The home automation technology is widely available in the form of consumer products in some of the rich countries of the world. People are living in futuristic homes fitted out with home automation systems. Even though these systems are comparatively new, they are gaining popularity among people who lead a hectic life. Home automation makes their lives a little easier, even though it may be an expensive proposition.
Technology has provided us with many gadgets and devices to simplify our lives. As yet, there may not be robots to perform the daily chores of cooking and washing, but home automation makes it easier to perform these tasks and in general makes life a bit simpler. It is possible to remotely switch on air conditioners or the washing machine to perform its tasks or even to record your favorite television program in your absence, with the help of home automation technology. This technology enables the user to control the electronic devices in the home from wherever they are.
The home automation system allows you manage your tasks much easily. For instance, before leaving the office, you can preset many things, just by registering into your home automation account. You can simply click the icons designated for a particular device in your home, by determining the status of some of the tasks by checking out the security camera monitor. You can start these tasks if you have forgotten to do so, just by the click of the icon, and the chores will be completed by the time you reach home.
Such home automation systems can make life easy. The systems are connected to the Internet and the individual can access it through the internet, even though he or she may be far from home. They can check their homes once in a while to make sure that there are no security problems. The home automation system allows you to switch on the security system remotely from your office in case you may have forgotten to do so while leaving for work. The facility is advantageous for security purposes and guarantees peace of mind for the owner of the house.
Most people will like to know more about this amazing technology with a capability to reduce the workload and make life in general, comfortable by taking care of daily chores. The best way is to search the internet to find out information on the subject matter. More information on home automation systems is available in Streaming Media technology. It provides the distribution of audio, video and multimedia on demand on the Internet. Streaming media.com is a website that provides this facility to the manufacturers to display their products to their prospective buyers. In the home automation sector, information is provided and live demonstration of the product at work is shown on the internet. In this manner, prospective customers can make a selection of the best system suited to their needs.
Once you decide on automating your home and identify the areas that need automation, you can visit the streaming media website to see the products in action. This will give you a good idea of the working of the system. You may also read the customer reviews so that you can make an informed decision while buying a home automation system. Detailed reports on the latest development in technology are also available for those interested in it.
Home Automation Prices
Let us bring your home in Lexington into the future of technology. Contact us today at for a free estimate for your smart home automation project.
Discount Outdoor Entertainment Lexington


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Back in the driver's seat of Grid Autosport
I decided to put down the flaming arrows and death touch from Shroud of the Avatar and jump behind the wheel in Grid Autosport. I've been away from the racing games too long and the need to speed through a chicane at breakneck speeds has been missing from my life. I'm not sure if I'm ready to face the frustrations of Assetto Corsa just yet, so Autosport it is!
I decided the series of the day would be Open Wheel. I've done a couple of the other series, but the thrill of being strapped to a large engine with nothing but a couple of pieces of carbon fiber separating us sounded great! But right off the bat something felt wrong. No, the graphics are quite excellent, the controller worked fine and the tracks were nicely rendered. No, it was something with me.
I noticed it when I went out for a qualifying lap. I hadn't been doing the qualifying laps which is why I always ended up dead last. I quickly realized I wasn't crashing into the walls or sliding off the track into the sandpits. What's gone wrong here? Why all of a sudden can I drive this car like I know what I'm doing?
Following the indicators I choose decent lines, hit the apex and held off braking until I was in the red. Not every lap was a gem and I overcooked a few turns, but by and large I was on the straight and narrow. Much to my surprise and thinking the game was broken or at the very least defective, I managed to come in 1st. And not just once, but several times. I even came in first and won the season. Sadly, I have a boat anchor of a teammate who can't seem to figure out which pedal is used for making the car go fast and drives like Mr. Magoo in a rain storm. What the hell is wrong with that guy and how can I fire him?
But now that I seem to have found my driving rhythm I was at it for hours! The first couple of seasons were somewhat short, but get a couple of seasons under your belt and it becomes quite the commitment. But holy hell it was fun! I had the sound turned up and music from the Echo laying on top of that. I even had to remind myself to blink.
The Grid games and the Dirt series have been a lot of fun, but this is beefed up little. It's still got some arcade mechanics, but it's far more simulator that Dirt.
By the time I was done, I'd managed to reach Lvl 10 for Open Wheel and the wicked harpy narrator kept telling me I needed to up the difficulty. Oh really now? I manage to get one day's worth of racing where I don't crash into every other car on the track and you think I need to turn the dial up to 11? Shut up ya devil! You just tell me I've won the season, made the sponsors happy and then zip it!
During the last sale I did buy the XP Boost and one or two other DLC packs so there is plenty more to play with this game. I'm going to have to jump back in next weekend and try one of the other series. I wonder if I'll be kissing the wall like usual?
Other articles of interest:
- Dirt 3 Complete Edition without GFWL and an endurance run in Grid Autosport
- DiRT Rally by Codemasters on Steam Early Access
- Racing along in Dirt 4 and Dirt Rally
- Speaking of games to avoid – Racecraft – back in Early Access – again
- A few thoughts on Early Access and Kickstarter Projects
- Back into the lab to release plague and pestilence – Trouble with the Necroa Virus
- Rocket League – Making it to the playoffs in the first season
- Time for Steam to clean up Early Access
- Games to get in the Steam Summer Sale
- Glorious scene and city builders in a non-traditional sense