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Carbon Fiber PRO 724 CF - Twist Locks (Discontinued)
- Discontinued - For Reference Only
- Replacement model is: CF-734 Tripod Legs
- Description
- Reviews
The Slik PRO 724 CF is a full size tripod extending to 64.4 inches and folds down to a compact 18.1 inches. Though lightweight (3.1lbs) the 724 CF handles up to 11 lbs. This makes it a great hiking and backpacking tripod to match with advanced enthusiast and professional camera bodies and/or heavy lenses in the field.
All 700 series carbon fiber tripods have legs made up of carbon fiber material that is actually comprised of 8 layers of inter-woven carbon strands that are then bonded together in a sealed, high-pressure furnace producing strong, light weight carbon fiber. The legs also feature A.R.S (Anti-Rotational System) is designed into the leg locks and do not allow the individual legs sections to rotate inside each other. Each leg also has an independent lock that sets in one 3 angles to vary the height and stance of the tripod. The three setting are for maximum height, waist level or low angle photography close to the ground.
The four leg sections are secured and loosened with twist locks. Because the legs are non-rotating, you can unlock all of a leg's stages at once by twisting the three large rubber grips with one hand. This enables fast setup.
Maximum Operating Height 64.4in / 1636mm Minimum Operating Height 7.1in / 180mm Maximum Center Column Exten. 12.80in / 325mm Folded Length 18.1in / 473mm Weight 3.1lbs / 1410g Number of Leg Sections 4 Maximum Load 11.0lbs / 5000 Leg Lock Type Twist Lock


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The dashing young producer is set to bring his deepest house sounds straight outta Detroit to Torino's Movement Festival
So much more than just another house producer hailing from Detroit, Kyle Hall has already reached a level of worldwide musical acclaim at the age of 20, making us all feel slightly disgusted with ourselves, and rightly so. Having set out in the music scene when he was 11-years-old, the producer and DJ basked in early support from the likes of Omar S who released his debut record on his FXHE label (Luke Hess, Marcellus Pittman). Hall's widely varying influences from hip hop to funk, soul and jazz are evident across his deep and melodic house creations, as well as in his versatile DJing style such as his stellar Boiler Room set.
Alongside releasing on his own Wild Oats imprint, his remixes for the likes of Motor City Drum Ensemble's L.O.V.E and Darkstar's Aidy's Girl is a Computer landed him on Kode9's prestigious Hyperdub to Warp, Clone Records, and Hypercolour. This weekend from Thursday 27th October, catch him playing alongside the likes of Laurent Garnier, Carl Craig, Visionquest, Space Dimension Controller and Derrick May at Torino's Movement Festival as it travels from its hometown to Europe.
Dazed Digital: Do you listen to a lot of dance/electronic music in your own time?
Kyle Hall: I listen to tons of electronic music... I'd say a good 80 per cent of music I listen to is some way electronic related. Electronics is my favourite thing to happen to music!
DD: What are you listening to at the moment?
Kyle Hall: More of who is a better question... Herbie Hancock, Change, Pirahnahead, Real by Real, Patrice Rushen, Funkineven, Floating Points, Karizma, Funkineven, Manuel Gonzales, Gifted and Blessed, Space Dimension Controller, Steve Poindexter, Jamal Moss aka Hieroglyphic Being, Debiase, Jay Simon, Doris Norton, Penny Wells, Alexander Robotnick.
DD: Who inspires you and your music, if anyone?
Kyle Hall: People who really care about what they do inspire me!
DD: What is the best thing about where you're from?
Kyle Hall: The best part about where I'm from is the peace, quiet and open space here. When I'm home there's plenty of mental space for me to think and get in touch with my inner thoughts.
DD: What do you like to do on a day off?
Kyle Hall: I never really have a day off. I'm always doing something that's related to music in some form. I do have more leisurely times though, so I guess those times would include me doing things such as record shopping, hanging out with my girlfriend, eating good meals, watching Netflix.
DD: If in doubt, play ____?
Kyle Hall: Soundmaster T - 'Too Much Booty in the Pants', and Kano - 'I'm Ready'
DD: What are you most excited about right now?
Kyle Hall: Making music and pressing vinyl records! Wooo! Records!
DD: Top 3 tracks for the winter?
Kyle Hall: Funkineven - Beat Crash (Apron Records) / Jay Simon - "Faith" (Wild Oats) / Floating Points - Danger (Eglo)
DD: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Kyle Hall: Chilling and making really wonderful music and eating good food. Driving nice cars, seeing friends... being happy!
Kyle Hall plays the Torino Movement Festival: Thursday 27th October - 31st October, and the upcoming Cocoon party at In:Motion with the likes of Tiefschwarz, Dinky and Onur Ozer on 10th December in Bristol.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Posted in Bolivia, Peru 2 Comments Into Bolivia by Michael on April 19, 2016 Fun times at the border. We made it back from Uros and onto a bus bound for La Paz via Copacabana. The bus trip is best described as strange. After a couple of hours travelling we stopped at a cambio (money exchange lady) near the border to swap our Peruvian Soles for Bolivianos, then drove another 10 minutes to the border. As we approached the bus man came and explained the crossing to us. In Spanish. Renée asked if anybody needed the explanation in English and most of the hands on the bus went up. The process is supposed to be straight forward. Get off the bus at the Peruvian immigration office, get your passport stamped. Then walk 200m up the road and into Bolivia. Get your passport stamped at Bolivian immigration and hop back on the bus. That's how it worked for me; Renée wasn't so lucky. In the Peruvian office she was informed she was a visa overstayer and would have to pay a fine. The situation was a joke. When you enter Peru your passport is stamped with the number of days you can stay written. You are given an immigration card with the same stamp and duration. My passport and immigration card said 100 days. Renee's passport and immigration card said 100 days. Their computer said 100 days for me, but just 10 days for Renée. Despite this obvious typo, the asshole customs man wouldn't budge. Renée was fined US$28. This might not sound like much but the fact is the fine was bullshit. It was an obvious data entry error. The more pressing issue though was the fine had to be paid in USD. We didn't have any. I had just changed all our cash into Bolivianos. A cambio outside changed this all back into USD. I'm sure I got a fantastic exchange rate. Then I had to sprint into Bolivia to make sure the bus didn't leave us, while Renée paid the fine. So yes, in the end we crossed the border. An hour or so later we swapped buses in Copacabana and continued for La Paz. After about 40 minutes the bus man told us to get off the bus. There wasn't much of an explanation. By now it was dark, but we all filed off as requested. It turns out there is a lake crossing. The empty bus goes over on a barge, while the passengers cross in small boats. Passengers are then left waiting in the square of a tiny town for 15 minutes for the bus to collect them. After all this, another 3 hours and we were in La Paz. Bienvenidos a Bolivia! Share this:FacebookTwitterTumblrPinterestReddit


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We had applications to the Autumn Batch from all over the world: Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America. After an online application process & pitching days finals, nine dynamic teams were chosen to join our 15 week program to startup growth and internationalization. Some of the teams were local, some were from elsewhere in Finland, one is from Lithuania and our most exotic Autumn batch member travelled from Paraguay to Kotka, Finland to join us on our growth journey.
Even the local startup teams are imaginative: local game development company Kuura funds their development work with a sauna rental business on the side (very Finnish!). Many of the teams that applied - and a few that were accepted - have participated in other local startup ecosystem events in the Kotka region, including the Ship Startup Festival, Ship Disruption Camp, Startup Passion or the local XAMK University of Applied Sciences PatteriES entrepreneurship society.
Two of the teams consist mainly of international engineering & business students from LUT Lappeenranta University of Technology. They are a diverse, truly dynamic bunch, representing tech & business know-how from countries such Egypt, Venezuela, Marocco & Vietnam. One team moved from Lappeenranta to Kotka and is in the process of registering his company here. The Achievely team from Helsinki is a bunch of techie psychology students (not as scary as it sounds).
The most experienced entrepreneur team this Autumn is DealLink from Lithuania. Their procurement portal already has large, serious corporate customers in the Baltic countries and they are aiming to further go international.
Finally we arrive at most exotic startup team this autumn: Paraguay's most successful startup (in funding terms) and game development company Posibillian Tech, hard at work on their location-based game Fhacktions. While attending Slush last year they met local gamedev guru Vesa Raudasoja, who is the Chairman of IGDA (International Game Developers Association) Finland. Lured by the global game industry know-how of Finland & the truly developed and networked game industry hub in Kotka, they hopped on a 40-hour flight to Europe and moved to our home town.
What is your startup story? Want to join us for Spring 2018? Apply now to the Levelup Startup Accelerator Spring 2018 Batch.


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Ready for Yoco? Great! First, please sign up for Yoco online.
To get Yoco, you must be:
A business
- Legal Entities registered in South Africa (Pty or CC)
- The applicant must be the principal, director or legal entity.
An individual
- Must be a South African citizen (a requirement for SA ID Number)
The process
- Sign up on our website.
- During the online sign-up, you will be prompted to:
- enter your delivery address
- enter your name, surname and contact information
- enter your trading name and CIPC number (if a registered company)
- accept terms and conditions (which includes a privacy policy and vetting)
- order & purchase your card reader via credit card, EFT or over a 16 week Debit Order
- enter your bank account details on your secure Business Portal
- You'll receive an e-mail with your receipt and a copy of the terms and conditions;
- We'll then vet your application and run account verification checks;
- When your application is approved, we'll deliver your card reader and check your ID on delivery;
- Once we've received your FICA documents and successfully verified your Bank Account, we'll activate your account for payout.
IMPORTANT: You must be available with your ID for delivery purposes. Remember that Yoco currently only works with iOS and Android devices.


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Earn Your Online Homeland Security Master's Degree
Professionals can obtain a Master of Social Science degree to advance in their anti-terrorism career by completing our online homeland security program at Mississippi College. This program includes a comprehensive basis in administration of justice, along with electives focusing on homeland security issues.
Graduates of our online homeland security degree program can pursue positions working for a variety of federal agencies, including:
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Office of the Inspector General
- Transportation and Security Administration
- Citizenship and Immigration Services
Coursework for our online homeland security degree includes:
- AJU 5541 - Introduction to Homeland Security
- AJU 5544 - Legal Aspects of Homeland Security
- AJU 6648 - Grant Writing for Homeland Security
- AJU 6632 - Special Issues in Homeland Security
The MC Experience
Working adults often juggle multiple responsibilities, including home, professional and personal lives. Mississippi College is a Christian university that focuses on providing the opportunity for our students to further their education while maintaining busy work, family and personal schedules.
If you are interested in a Master's of homeland security degree, contact Mississippi College today.


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Peter Thiel's support of
Donald Trump caused friction in the Facebook boardroom.
That's because Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who, like Thiel is a member of Facebook's board, chastised Thiel for supporting then-Presidential candidate Trump, according to a report in The New York Times.
Hastings went so far as to give Thiel a bad grade, citing poor judgment, while carrying out his official duties of assessing fellow board members.
Hastings, who supported Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, is the chairman of the Facebook board committee tasked with judging the performance of the board directors.
An email from Hastings to Thiel, obtained by the newspaper, reads in part:
"I'm so mystified by your endorsement of Trump for our President, that for me it moves from 'different judgment' to 'bad judgment.' Some diversity in views is healthy, but catastrophically bad judgment (in my view) is not what anyone wants in a fellow board member."
In the summer of 2016, Thiel took the stage at the Republican National Convention to express his support for Trump — support that earned him the ire of many in the largely left-leaning Silicon Valley.
Both Thiel and Hastings remain on Facebook's board. Spokespeople for Facebook, Netflix, and Thiel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Publicly, however, Facebook has been resolute in its support of Thiel, no matter his political views: In October, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sent a memo around to employees saying that "we can't create a culture that says it cares about diversity and then excludes almost half the country because they back a political candidate."
Meanwhile, recent reports from Buzzfeed News indicate that Thiel's support for Trump may be eroding.
Read the full report at the New York Times here.
NOW WATCH: Peter Thiel on why he supports Trump: Insider politicians are just 'rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic'
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Skilled Construction Laborer (In Town/Out of Town) - Helena Sand & Gravel (Helena, MT)
Helena, MT, US, 59601
Job ID: [[188099]]
Helena Sand & Gravel, a CRH company, is a member of the CRH West Division; Our purpose, commitment to the future, and formula for growth is to champion the safety, empowerment, and development of our employees. We strive to be the preferred source of quality sand, rock, landscape products, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, paving and construction services. We succeed as a team by embracing integrity, mutual respect, innovation, service, sustainability, and financial strength.
The General/Skilled Laborer is responsible for performing a variety of construction duties to assist the highway, utility or grade crews at various job site locations. Skilled Laborer positions perform more advanced work duties along with training and supervising the General Laborers. Primarily work 10-hours per day, 5 days per week. Will also be required to work up to 14-hours per day, and up to 7 days per week as needed during the busy construction season. This position requires traveling for extended periods of time to perform the job duties at various jobsite locations.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Highway Crew:
Prepares ground surfaces for the road building process. Removes debris out of the construction path.
Operates ground compactors, levels out and rakes dirt, sets string markers, and removes items within the area to be paved.
Sets up fencing, barricades, and/or safety cones to block off the work area as needed.
Prepares manhole covers, openings and water lines. May insert risers as needed.
Walks behind paver machine to shovel and rake asphalt as it is applied to the ground. Levels out asphalt with rake and uses shovel to dig out manhole covers and water valve boxes that are buried by the asphalt.
Cleans asphalt off tools and equipment after each work day.
May assist with operating equipment as needed and if trained, including paver, roller, backhoe, water truck, etc.
Performs other laborer tasks as needed to include cutting concrete or asphalt with saw, sweeping, etc.
Utility Crew:
Hand shovels to prepare ground trenches for pipes and utility lines. May dig up existing pipes and lines. Pipes include water, sewer, conduit and other utility lines.
Attaches trench box and pipes to chains or guide wires to be lifted and moved by the heavy equipment operator. Installs shoring materials.
Guides pipes into place while equipment operator maneuvers pipe on chains/wires. Connects pipes using tools, lubricants, glue, grout, etc. Builds couplings, connectors, and mechanical joints using various tools and parts. Cuts pipe to size.
Sets up and operates laser level tripod and pipe lasers.
May operate equipment as needed if trained, including front end loader, excavator, backhoe, skidsteer and other construction equipment.
Grade Crew:
Hand shovels and rakes to perform groundwork.
May cut concrete with saw as needed to finish grades.
Removes and replaces sewer/manhole/sump castings and covers in the ground.
Assists the Grader with grading tasks as needed.
Performs other laborer duties as required.
May operate equipment as needed if trained, including skidsteer and other equipment.
Other Duties:
Uses various equipment, hand and power tools.
Picks up and/or delivers construction materials at job site locations.
Performs job site clean-up.
Assists with flagging and traffic control as needed.
Maintains all tools and equipment in a safe and clean condition.
High school graduate or equivalent preferred. Must have the ability to interpret and apply verbal and/or written instructions in English. Previous experience preferred, however employer will train. Must have good depth perception and coordination skills. Must have a valid driver's license. Class A CDL with Tanker highly preferred. Basic math skills required. Must pass pre-employment physical screening and controlled substance testing.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to crawl, kneel, bend, and reach with hands and arms above their shoulders. Physical abilities test will be required. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid outside weather conditions; and extreme cold and/or heat. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The job of General/Skilled Laborer is a Heavy Duty job, according to the Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles, U.S. Department of Labor and Industry. Heavy Duty involves exerting 50-100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25-50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force continuously to move objects.
What CRH Americas Offers You
- A culture that values opportunity for growth, development and internal promotion
- Highly competitive base pay
- Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
- Group retirement savings program
- Health and wellness programs
About CRH Americas
CRH Americas has a long and proud heritage as one of North America's largest corporations. We are a proud reflection of the hundreds of family businesses, local and regional companies and mid to large sized enterprises that together form the CRH Americas family. CRH Americas operates with a decentralized, diversified structure, letting you work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large enterprise.
CRH Americas is a great place to grow! If you're up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Please complete your online application and profile which will be sent directly to the appropriate Hiring Manager. Thank you for your interest in the CRH Americas family!
Helena Sand & Gravel is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
EOE/Vet/Disability--If you want to know more, please click on this link.
Nearest Major Market: Helena
Nearest Secondary Market: Montana
Job Segment: Construction, Laborer, Labor, Equipment Operator, General Labor, Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing


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Campfire Audio are only new to the scene but it is already clear how hard they are striving to become the best. On launch they initially had 3 models, led by the quad armature Jupiter. It was only after reviewing this and talking to Ken Ball I realised how CA were not a company who would settle for having anything less than the best. Here are a couple of direct quotes from Ken back in March!
"Not a slam dunk but we have some more models in the works, so I am hoping to raise some eyebrows with the next volley of models."
"I have a developed a number of new IEM designs that are all markedly better."
While at the time I had no concept of timeline, it had shown that they had never stopped since the still successful release of their original collection of Orion, Lyra and Jupiter so when a month later in April at the Apoxna show, they unveiled the Nova & Andromeda, I knew these models were something I needed to try. Coming perhaps sooner than I had anticipated and also integrating smartly into Campfires portfolio of IEMs, it was the new flagship that got everyone talking. Coming in at $1099 and featuring 5 balanced armature drivers per channel, the green Andromeda is what we have to review today.
A New Cable
If you have already experienced a Campfire product then you are in for more of the same. From the outside I noticed some minuscule changes, like the box being a touch bigger but still of the same aesthetic and the case being a different finish but still with the same furry inside. In fact talking about the case it could be the best one yet, or at least the my favourite of the 3 I have (of 5). It once again has a strong scent of leather but has been finished in a dark brown. Beyond that it is the same impressive array of 3 breeds of tips, a cleaning tool and badge that is included. We lose the additional cable the Jupiter was packaged with.
Other than being green, using different screws and sprouting a third bore for the extra driver this is the same housing as came with the Jupiter so for my thoughts on that it will be easier on us both if you just hop over to that review. Even though they have not changed the housing I will not complain because it is spectacular as is, a step above the opposition and I know how labour intensive it is to make (only a small group made at a time which takes 9 hours).
Like previously with the Jupiter they use their special resonator assembly for the high frequencies. They keep the high level of care for all parts both in and out as well individually checking every single armature that goes into this monitor.
While the housings were always a hit previously, the included Tinsel wire not so much. It was microphonic and I know for a fact I was not alone in complaining about it! They now supply a new Campfire Audio litz wire IEM cable which is without doubt better! It is a very floppy and flexible cable with a cute 4 braid weave. It has everything you could want in a cable from a cinch and a right angled jack, but it still opts for memory wire, maybe a problem if you have glasses. It is thankfully much less plagued by microphonics than its predecessor on top of all that! It still has plenty of bling shining bright, don't worry! It does go far knowing you don't just get the same old stock cable that everyone else uses and while originally didn't do them favours, they have now found the cable for them!
Turn the Page for Sound
Go to Page 3 for Measurements


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I've been to Olympus three times already and never made it to the summit. Needless to say, this peak is my nemesis. To break the spell, I scheduled a five-day trip with the aim of climbing both Mt. Olympus and Mt. Tom – a rarely climbed peak about as far away from any trailhead as a peak can get.
On day 1, we drove to the Hoh Ranger Station, stopping at the WIC in Port Angeles for our permit and bear canisters along the way. We hiked the Hoh River Trail 15.2 miles to Elk Lake where we made camp at the group site.
Day 2, we hiked up to the lateral moraine, crossed the Blue Glacier, and worked our way up to the rocky slopes on the side of Panic Peak, near the UW research station. There, we met the caretaker, David Skinner, who generously offered to supply us with melted snow for the duration of our stay. David is a fixture in the summer, and quite the friendly host. If you camp there, consider bringing him a pershing donut (his favorite kind) or some other treat to thank him for all the hard work he does maintaining the historic structure up there and melting water for climbers. We made camp on the side of Panic Peak, about 200' below the summit. There are beautiful campsites there with awesome views of Olympus and Tom. The sunsets, moonrises, and sunrises were out of this world. It can be quite windy there, so factor that into your tent/bivy choice.
Day 3, we were off to climb Mt. Tom. There are three bumps on the ridge just west of Mt. Olympus. The correct notch to pass through is the one between the two bumps on the right. (We made the mistake of going through the other notch and had to backtrack a bit.)
From the notch, we dropped a couple hundred feet down the snow until a notch on the adjoining ridge that leads to arguably the most horrible, nasty scramble I've ever been experienced. We divided into two groups (3 people and 4 people) to descend to the snow below. One of our party decided that it was too exposed and too crumbly, so he returned to the ridge to await our return. Total time to get two groups down this section was about 3 hours. It could easily be done in less time with a smaller group of more confident scramblers. Whatever you do – stay close together and move very, VERY carefully! (One party member knocked a large rock loose that almost ended in a double MOFA incident.)
Once we were on the snow, the remainder of the climb went quickly. We stayed left and high to attain the ridge leading to the summit of Mt. Tom. Camp to summit: 8 hours.
After examining the summit register we concluded that we were the first party in 2012 and only the second party in two years to reach the summit. This is truly a rarely climbed peak.
After relaxing for a bit, we headed down. Ascending the loose gully was much easier than going down it naturally, and we were back at camp in no time. Summit to camp: 3 ½ hours. Since we were so close to the summit of Panic Peak, we all made the easy trip to the top to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean and the lights of Victoria come on to the north. This is honestly one of the prettiest sunsets I've ever seen.
Day 4 dawned early and we roped up for an attempt on Mt. Olympus. We reached Crystal Pass in about 45 minutes and the base of the rock not too long afterwards. The hardest part of the climb was getting everyone off the snow and onto the summit block. We rigged a hand line so no one would slip. Then it was an easy scramble to the top. We descended back to camp, where David had pitchers of ice cold koolaid and lawn chairs waiting for us. (This man is my hero!)
We enjoyed a much needed break before packing up and heading back across the Blue Glacier and down to Elk Lake again. A couple logs extend out into the lake and make the perfect diving platform for a plunge in the cool (but not cold) waters. After three days on the glacier, the swim was very welcome!
Day 5, we packed up and hiked 15.2 miles to the TH. All in all a most excellent trip!


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These Ravensburger Peppa Pig 4 Shaped Jigsaw Puzzles are bright and colourful puzzles showing your favourite Peppa Pig Characters. The 10 piece puzzle shows Peppa Pig on a space hopper, Suzy Sheep is playing with a ball in the 12 piece, Rebecca Rabbit is about to go swimming in the 14 piece puzzle and in the 16 piece puzzle George Pig is riding his bicycle. Each character is shown against a different coloured background so the puzzle pieces are easier to find, sort and assemble. Four high quality cardboard jigsaw puzzles in 10, 12, 14 and 16 pieces.
Assembly Required: Yes
EU Warning: Not suitable for children under the age of 3 years due to small parts which could cause a choking hazard.
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I am hopefully going to make this life changing purchase in the near future and I work in the software industry. Am I being naive to get some clarity on the financial status of the company I work for and the current status of my employment at the company before undertaking this process?
Basically, should I ask my boss, "Hey, your not planning on downsizing in the near future, are you?"
I have no reason to believe that I am not of value to the company and the company is stable and growing.


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The Missoni family has made headlines this year, and sadly, it's been more for their family losses than their iconic space-dyed wool. First there was the tragedy with Vittorio Missoni, when his plane went missing, and now this morning, we learned that Ottavio Missoni, founder and patriarch of the family, has passed away.
He was 91, and for so many years, Missoni worked alongside his wife and children, creating one of the most renowned Italian brands in the world. The announcement marks the passing of a true fashion legend, and one who appeared to have lead a rich, full life. (WWD)
Photo: Rex/Rex USA


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What is VenaSeal™?
The VenaSeal™ closure system is a recent development that uses a proprietary medical adhesive ("glue") delivered into the vein to close it. It uses neither heat nor sclerosing chemicals. The VenaSeal™ procedure also eliminates the risk of nerve or other heat-related injury and may reduce the need for compression stockings post-procedure.
Is VenaSeal™ Safe?
Clinical studies have demonstrated that the procedure is safe and effective. The procedure is administered without the use of tumescent anesthesia, avoiding patient discomfort associated with multiple needle sticks. Having only recently received FDA approval, insurance will cover the procedure as of 2018.


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I'm just popping in to say hey, and sorry for my absenteeism. Actually, "absenteeism" isn't really a very accurate term either. "Totally and inexcusably lazy slacker" when it comes to anything I should be doing would be more to the point to be completely honest. I've had a sickness since, oh, along about Christmas Eve or so. I don't want to eat or sleep, I haven't read blogs (since long before that actually), haven't posted anything myself, my email inbox is crowded with over 100 emails (it's been down under 30-40 for months up until now), I haven't done anything remotely related to quilting and think only of XP, gold, spells and quests. I have managed to feed my family the requisite Christmas goodies and meals at least, but other than these two huge must-dos, I have been completely out of touch with reality as it has been for the last few years.
I've been infected by a computer game of all things! And here's where the admission comes in: I've been a closet gamer for 20+ years, but haven't found anything that really captured my interest like this since Dungeons & Dragons role playing games for the PC from 20 years ago. But a couple of days before Christmas, I picked up a copy of World of Warcraft on a whim, thinking I'd just check it out since my mom is a long time player and loves it, and my aunt has played even longer along with my cousin and his girlfriend. I figured I'd take a little break now and then and play a bit, just for something completely different from anything else I do right now, and I've definitely been feeling that need grow more insistent since I returned from the States in early November.
Riiiight. All that quickly turned into playing for hours every day, and I took ITMan and LittleOne along for the ride so to speak. ITMan said he'd been wanting to try World of Warcraft for a while, and LittleOne couldn't wait to try too when she saw how it looked on my screen. Two more copies of the game were duly purchased, and now the three of us adventure together in game, and we're having the time of our lives!
Sadly, GuitarGirl hasn't really been into games on the PC after the Game Cube and other consoles came along, and she's being fairly surly about it all, especially since her ex boyfriend played WoW to the exclusion of all else, including her at times. She probably feels like her house has been invaded by something she really hates, but she'll just have to live with it, and at some point it may become a "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" thing.
Anyway, I. LOVE. This. Game. LOVE IT. A couple of weeks ago, Alex at Aurifil Threads ran a contest where you had to go into Second Life with an alternate "You", and place a notecard in a box and he drew a winner. I did it, but I really just didn't "get" Second Life. Yeah, it's a virtual world and you can talk to other people in there and you can sit down and sew and lots of other things I'm sure, but it's just not the same as gaming in World of Warcraft.
WoW is like reading a fantasy novel, except you're actually in it living it and doing things to make it your own story, and there are quests to do that build your strength and reputation and all that. That's Valinaeya, one of my characters, on the right there, riding the mount she just earned at level 20 in the game. And this game is so highly detailed: it's night time where she is because we play on servers that are in the US (Dallas I think) so that we can adventure with my family there, and it's raining, so it's really dark. Hard to take a great picture in the dark when it's raining… 😉
I'm going to go with the flow for a while and play because that's what I feel like doing. Even if I'm a slacker. I'll be back … eventually … 🙂 Toodles!
P.S. Are there any other WoW players out there? If you play, what faction, race and class do you like best? Any experiences to share?


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From Weekly Email, Korach 5775 - Gimmel Tamuz Yartzeit of the Rebbe
Most of this was written while hunched over my iPhone at the edge of bench in a crowded marquee near the Rebbe's Ohel Friday before Shabbos
Doomed by a Self-diagnosed Prophecy
Korach, a learned and prominent cousin of Moshe, rebels against Moshe's leadership and choices of appointments in the sanctuary-including that of his brother Aaron as high priest. Korach brings along in his rebellion 250 prominent members of the tribe of Reuven and some other known rabble-rousers.
This becomes more than just grumbling about nepotism—it turns into a dangerous, full-blown challenge against Moshe's credibility as reliable conveyer of G-d's word, regarding more than just appointments (which eventually leads into Divine, unnatural retribution for the rebels and their families--Korach swallowed up by the earth, and the others by fire).
Moshe throughout the mutiny goes to extreme lengths to try and talk sense into them, make peace, and allow them to graciously back down. He offers a test to the 250 men: there is one service, the incense, that only one person may bring. Let them all offer the incense, together with Aaron, and "the man whom G-d will choose is the holy one." Simply put, one man will remain standing and all others will perish (as indeed transpired).
Rashi, the famous pre-medieval Torah commentator, comments, from the Midrash: What did Korach, who was a clever (and righteous) man, see in this whole foolishness? How could he not know that the end wouldn't be good?
Korach was a prophet of sorts. He saw the future, and acted upon it—but he misinterpreted what he saw. Korach saw that a great line would stem from him. He foresaw Shmuel the prophet, who was compared to Moshe and Aaron. He foresaw 24 units of Levites, all prophesying with divine inspiration. All this greatness will stem from me and I should be quiet? If only one person will survive for sure it will be me!
Korach was right – this greatness was going to stem from him. But what he didn't see is that the greatness would all come directly through his sons, who did teshuva at the last minute and pulled out of the rebellion (fascinating story how they were saved). He saw but didn't see well.
But, Rashi concludes, U' Moshe Hoyo Roeh. Moshe saw. He knew what Korach didn't, that the glory was destined to come from the children.
And Moshe Saw – The interpreter makes all the difference
These words seem extra: Why is it important to know that Moshe saw? Moshe knew he was acting directly on divine command, appointing exactly who he was told to appoint. Moshe knew that Aaron was meant to be the high-priest. So why is it important that he also had the same prophecy as Korach and also knew how to interpret it correctly? It's hard to imagine that Moshe would have done anything different even if he didn't see.
One answer that came to me that I feel is directly related to the idea of a Rebbe, and the day we are marking this weekend:
And Moshe saw.
A leader, a Moshe, sees. Rashi is teaching us an important moral of the whole story that applies to us in every generation.
According to the Torah we have to use our mind and hearts and all the resources we have been blessed with to try and do what is right in the eyes of G-d, as revealed to us in the Torah and our holy teachers and commentators authentic to its teachings.
But we are not left alone, to have to navigate in the dark. We have a Moshe, in every generation, who helps make sure we know what we are seeing, that we make sense of it all and follow the right path. That we emphasize the right things, that we keep secondary things secondary and the primary thing primary. That we understand how to best approach the specific challenges and opportunities of each generation. That we don't use our cleverness or emotions to justify approaches to life that go counter to what is good and healthy, productive and moral, Jewish and G-dly – even if it may seem like its coming from a good place, or even a personal vision or prophecy.
A Moshe, who is humbly dedicated to the Torah and it's precepts in the fullest way with no personal interest or motivation. And, especially, a Rebbe-Moshe, who lives his entire physical life on an entirely different plane, unhampered by personal materialistic desires, pleasures, or goals, infused with selflessness, holiness, fearlessness, and humbleness, a Moshe who cares and gives his whole life for the people—Moshe sees.
When he speaks we can be comfortable to know that we are doing the right thing. We don't have to worry that we are seeing distortedly. There is clear direction and purely objective, prophetic vision.
And Moshe saw – and shared.
We were given the tremendous merit to have such a Moshe in our times. Post-holocaust Judaism and the challenges of secularism and assimilation, the age of modernity and rapid-speed advancements in technology, progressive thought and philosophy, personal freedom and rights, Israel in the face of oppression, and the list goes on--we merited to have the clear guidance through thousands of letters, talks, personal interactions--so many of which are available in English at Chabad.org and the learning section on jewishrsm.com.
Whether it be how to reach and care for another individual - the simple power of love and harmony -or the power of one moment, of one additional mitzvah, of one person to make global change. Or how to harness technology for advancement of good, utilize the freedoms of a free society to stand up for what's right, to stand firm on important principles of Judaism and G-d-given morality for America and all of mankind, to increase Jewish pride and unabashed self-identity and observance, to disseminate Torah in all languages--not to mention the phenomenal Jewish scholarship, depth, light and inspiration he brought to so many topics in Torah.
There is so much more to write but my point is this:
A Moshe's main life on earth is in the spiritual and this continues without interruption.
And Moshe saw. And he still sees. And helps others see too.
Here I come to pray. To be re-inspired. To get clarity. For physical needs or spiritual ones.
People come to cry, people come to rejoice. But people come because they know that praying here to G-d, and asking the Rebbe to pray on our behalf--as the head of our one body of so many disparate but united parts of a whole--is the straightest way.
There is more I want to say but I'll end with this parable I just heard from my Australian fifth-grade teacher that I met this week here in NY:
Imagine young children in a car, traveling on a long and monotonous stretch highway. They can't read the signs yet, and the scenery doesn't change. After hours of driving the parent--who can read the signs exclaims happily: we're almost there. The kids don't get it - everything looks the same to them, how do you know we are any closer? Because the signs say so--and the driver can read the signs.
And Moshe saw. The Rebbe saw and shared with us that Moshiach is coming imminently. All the signs say so. And even though we can't read as well as he, we don't and shouldn't take it on faith alone--we can read and recognize what he pointed out, the tremendous changes in the world for the good (another article for that :), the many signs discussed in our tradition.
Let us take the commitment to open our eyes and live our lives on a plane a little higher then before, and ready ourselves for the coming of Moshiach, by doing more acts of kindness, morality, Jewish ritual; by speaking and even thinking better, kinder, in a more elevated refined way.
And then, we will see and perceive a new world of peace, harmony, abundance, and G-dliness.
Blessing and success and a good Shabbos to you and yours,


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Ages: 0+
Product Height: 6"


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Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
Wins "Best Of" Award from Meetings Today
Cedar Rapids, IA, June 20, 2019– Meetings Today is proud to announce that Marina Inn at Grande Dunes has won a Best of Award.
Each year Meetings Today has its readers who hold events globally, determine the best hotels and resorts for meetings and events in North America. The properties are judged on the quality of meeting space, guest rooms, services and amenities, food and beverage, tech and bandwidth support, recreational facilities/activities, helpfulness of staff, and overall value and experience.
MARINA INN AT GRANDE DUNES is one of the very Elite who has won the award this year.The winners of this program will be highlighted in the September 2019 issue of our magazine, as well as the digital publication.
Explore a unique experience for your next Myrtle Beach meeting! You will feel like you have stepped back in time with our elegant décor and 10 to 18 foot ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers, and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the quiet green space of the Grande Lawn and the golf course. Includes 15,000 square feet of total meeting space that breaks out into:
- 5,000 square foot ballroom
- (4) Individual breakout rooms
- Pre-Function that opens out onto the Patio & Lawn
- Private dining room in WaterScapes Restaurant
# # #
About Meetings Today Meetings Today is a division of Stamats Communications Inc., based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Meetings Today publishes content geared toward the meetings industry, including print and digital publication Meetings Today, as well as e-media content channels such as www.MeetingsToday.com, various e-newsletters and educational webinars, podcasts and its Meetings Today LIVE! series of hosted-buyer educational events, among other products.
About Marina Inn at Grande Dunes The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes began welcoming visitors in November 2007. Since opening, it has received the AAA four diamond award for outstanding services and amenities along with several other award such as TripAdvisor's "Certificate of Excellence" since 2014. The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is located inside the exclusive Grande Dunes Resort on the north coast of South Carolina with 200 guest rooms and suites and top amenities such as beach service, golf, tennis, watersports, bike/walk/run trails and more!


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At the heart of this ranch-style model home are a spacious great room with a stone fireplace and beamed ceilings and a gourmet kitchen featuring a center island, nook and convenient butler's pantry that opens to a formal dining room. The lavish master suite boasts an expansive walk-in closet and attached bath with separate tub and extra-large shower, and is separated from two additional bedrooms for privacy. Other highlights include a quiet study, a relaxing covered patio and a 3-car garage. A finished basement with flex space, a bedroom, a bath and a rec room with wet bar completes the home.
Mon.– Thur., 10 am – 6 pm
Fri., 12 pm – 6 pm
Sat.– Sun., 10 am – 6 pm
5600 Heritage Oak Drive
Parker Colorado, 80134


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Amblin' Alameda: Renewal time
Amblin' Alameda: Renewal time
It's that time of year for me again - renewal time for my medical marijuana card! Buying marijuana at a (semi)legitimate outlet is so much easier and less expensive than the old way of meeting my dealer in a dark alley and handing over cash for who knows what that I'm sure to renew my access to my sleep-aid of choice. For me this entails a trip to Oakland and a visit to a "prescribing" facility.
Ever the American way. Every step toward liberalization of anything is forced into an unholy pairing with details designed to discourage. The forces of anti-liberalization in our society have never learned to accept the desires of the majority as legitimate and strive to undermine and countervail them wherever and however they can. The intolerant can be so wearing and tiresome.
For marijuana this attempt to deny the obvious forces us all into a charade of hypocrisy where the doctor, a legitimate MD who perhaps doesn't like dealing with sick people, asks a few questions to which we give canned answers and signs off on our access to the herb. I hesitate to call it a drug and place it in the same arena as cocaine and heroin and prescription opiates. So be it. You pay your money and you get your card.
But there was a half hour wait to see the doc and in the waiting room they were playing a CD of a program about two doctors who separately were working on the causes and preventions and treatment of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases of human life. There were vignettes about different patients and the inevitable resistance from the medical community as well as details of the science they used.
Both researchers reached the conclusion that the American diet was the main culprit in these diseases as well as the cause of the epidemic of obesity we live with. Their findings proved conclusively that a diet of whole, unprocessed foods like grains and fruits and vegetables and a concomitant reduction in red meats, highly processed foods loaded with salt and sugar and deep fried foods would, by itself, reduce the incidences of heart attacks and diabetes and obesity and hypertension to nearly zero.
Now, this research was done in the late seventies and was well known to me from aspects of my previous professional life, but for some reason I found myself more receptive than ever to its message. It seemed sort of strange to be waiting for access to my personal indulgence and viewing the program as a captive audience it would have the impact it did, but it did.
I left the facility with my renewal papers in hand and a resolve to reform my diet in my head. I hope it sticks this time. I hope I can overcome my addiction to sweets and fried foods and finally turn to a diet of whole foods. Even at this late date in my life I know that ending the ingestion of crap foods and replacing them with simply prepared veggies followed by a dessert of fruit will make me feel better and probably prolong my health.
I hope my mind has been prepared enough to receive and act upon this wisdom. Based on past experiences where I nearly always indulged myself this will be more a siege than a short battle but I hope to persevere and finally turn my diet around.
My stomach and the rest of my organs will, I am sure, thank me for it.


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Skip to comments.Meghan McCain shoots back when Whoopi Goldberg compares Mitt Romney to John McCain on 'The View'
Posted on 02/06/2020 11:21:06 PM PST by knighthawk
ABC News The View co-host Meghan McCain shot back Thursday when Whoopi Goldberg compared Mitt Romney to the late Sen. John McCain, her father, and told the panel Romney is nothing like her dad.
Goldberg said Romneys decision to break party lines Wednesday and vote to convict President Trump on one article of impeachment reminded her of another free-thinking Republican.
Im just glad somebody stood up and said no, Goldberg said. Im going to give faith in him like I gave to your dad.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Trump hating Non-republicans.
Oh, please. There MUST be video of things Whoopi Cushion said about John McCain when he was running for President.
If McCain had somehow become President, Whoopi would have said the same damn things about him that she's saying about Trump. Guarandamnteed.
'Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while'
On The View a blind squirrel could find enough nuts to winter over.
Very much like him, actually.
That is some weak a** T
When Meghan McCain won't defend you Mitt, you're toast.
Sen John McCain voted guilty to
convict/remove Bill Clinton.
The spat reminded me of the National Geographic specials of the sea elephants fighting complete with the bellowing
He didn't have to wait. They shunned him in 2008 (after all he did for them!). The one thing that McCain, Romney, Flake, and the rest of the "moderates" never seem to figure out. They love the fawning caress of the media as they betray their constituents, until they are no longer useful and are tossed aside. McCain, more than any other craved their love, and would do anything to get it. He was an absolute idiot to continue kissing their feet for approval after the 2008 election.
"Trump hating Non-republicans."
When McCain was running for Prez, he was not invited to the Opera show only Zero was a guest. I am certain this was the case with The View. Barb Walters was there at the time.
I love these View updates, thanks.
Romney IS Juan McCain reincarnated!
You know,when you think about it,wasn't it great that McStain lived long enough to see Trump as President?
They both ran against 0 and lost so there is that.
With Keating 5 McCain will always be in a class all his own.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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Upcoming Exam Dates
Music 100/131 Exemption Exam
Exam Details
1. The written portion evaluates:
- Writing all major and minor scales, including natural, harmonic, and melodic minor.
- Writing key signatures for all major and minor keys.
- Identification of all intervals within an octave, both by size (e.g., second or fifth) and quality (perfect, augmented, diminished, minor, or major).
- Writing triads of specified quality (major, minor, augmented, or diminished) from any given note.
- Identifying the root and quality of triads in brief musical examples.
2. The aural portion evaluates:
- Identification of all intervals within an octave, both by size (e.g., second or fifth) and quality (perfect, augmented, diminished, minor, or major).
- Identification of quality of triads ( major, minor, augmented, or diminished).
In both portions of the exemption exam, the ability to read and write notes in both treble and bass clefs is assumed.
No distribution credit is given for exemption from Music 100.
Useful practice resource: musictheory.net
3. Skills preparation
Basic Theory Skills: The following pages contain materials which may be useful for those wishing to refresh their understanding of written theory material:
- Basic Theory - Chapter I
- Basic Theory - Chapter II
- Basic Theory - Chapter III
- Basic Theory - Chapter IV
- Basic Theory - Chapter V
- Basic Theory - Chapter VI
- Work Sheet VII
And the following links can be used to practice identifying intervals and triads for the aural portion of the Exam:
- http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/ear-interval
- http://www.teoria.com/en/exercises/
- http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/ear-chord
- http://www.teoria.com/exercises
In order to pass the exam, students must achieve either
- minimum scores of 75% on both the written and aural portions, or
- a minimum score of 80% on the written and aural portions combined.
Students who demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the rudiments of music will be exempted from the MUSIC-100 prerequisite for certain courses and from the MUSIC-100 requirement associated with individual performance studies. The examination is administered online at https://moodle.mtholyoke.edu/course/view.php?id=19739
For information on exemption from other courses, please contact the department.
Keyboard Proficiency Exam
Exam Details
The Keyboard Proficiency Exam includes:
- Sight-reading of melodic lines.
Read, in correct rhythm, individual parts of a string quartet or a four-part choral work. Student may choose to be tested on either an instrumental or a vocal example
Read, in correct rhythm, single atonal melodic lines notated in treble and bass clefs.
- Performance of a prepared piece of upper elementary difficulty, at minimum.
Students should direct any questions regarding the keyboard proficiency exam to members of the keyboard faculty.
Music majors are required to demonstrate a level of keyboard proficiency that permits the reading of elementary keyboard repertory with some facility.


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Google adds 36 university campuses across the US and Canada to Street View
Google today announced it has added 36 new university campuses across the US and Canada to Street View in Google Maps. Want to go on a tour of a school without actually driving there and you know, walking? Done.
The addition will be useful for college applicants, their parents, and anyone else in the family curious to see where their future student is considering attending. You can check to see if a Street View tour is available by searching for a particular university on Google Maps and clicking on Pegman to enter the Street View imagery.
Although Google says it has added 36 campuses, it doesn't list them all. The university campuses link shows 30 of them, so it appears the full list is still being populated.
See also – New Google Maps gets Pegman back, Street View tweaks, 3D Earth Tours, preview directions, and Waze traffic reports and Google Maps Embed API lets developers generate HTML snippets for including maps in their own websites
Image Credit: calsidyrose/Flickr
Read next: VSCO Cam for Android gets an Instagram-style feed for following other photographers


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Having tight regulations for campaign finances is the best way for running campaign finances. This is true in that it would reduce the corrupting role of unlimited contributions, reduce the effort required to raise funds, but unregulated campaign finances also have their benefits.
Firm rules for campaign finances would reduce the corrupting role of unlimited contributions. This would be done by increasing individual contribution limits, so that it would reduce the time candidates spend raising money. Also, it would allow more small donors of money back into politics to voice their opinion. Moreover, it would raise the limit to $3,000, which just alters the $1,000 limit for 25 years of inflation. It would give improved chance for all candidates to get their messages through.
Another benefit of having a strict system for campaign finances is that it would reduce the effort required to raise funds. This would cause the candidates to be more concerned with the issues than the money they have to raise.
Also, this would give candidates opportunities to compete against rich adversary's funding their own campaigns. Likewise, it would make available indispensable responsibility of political campaigners to the electorate. Finally, it would help in reducing large donors in campaigns.
However, it does seem that unregulated campaign finance also has its benefits. Such as, soft money would not be banned allowing there to be no corrupting, because it is between a candidate and their political party. Also, it would give challengers the ability to raise the money they need to build up a triumphant campaign. In addition, regulating campaign finances is like restricting the First Amendment for political parties and their candidates. Furthermore, political affairs and political campaigns belong to the people, and not the candidates or the national government.
In conclusion, restricted campaign finances are very beneficial in that it diminishes the corrupting role of limitless donations, decrease the endeavor necessary to increase money for a campaign; however, a loose system for campaign finance also has benefits. Also, a restricted structure for campaign finance would make our political system healthier and better.


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We are committed to promoting leaders from within.– Michael Smith, President
Islands culture stems from a genuine care and respect for people. It has evolved organically, nurtured and guided by the mindset and actions of our team.
The spirit of Aloha; a humble kindness and gratitude towards our employees and guests is what makes Islands welcoming and sustaining. We love our Islands family, and we share that love with our guests every day.
of Operations have been Islands Managers
of Corporate have worked at the store level at Islands.
years average tenure of our hourly employees
Be a part of our growing Ohana
From bartenders to bussers, from cooks to servers, our Front and Back of the House team members are the warm, friendly faces who bring the spirit of Ohana to our guests every day.
From general store managers to regional managers, our management ensures the smooth and efficient operation of our in-store teams.
From human resources, to IT administrators, to marketing managers, our Home Office team are the people who help manage the behind the scenes that help keep our restaurants running smoothly.


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Skull Pillow ~ Sinister Spiked Decay ~ Industrial Punk Metal
This freaky design has cool decayed looking skulls with caved-in craniums and spikes. Its definitely going to get attention. This pillow is generously filled with premium fiber fluff and is sewn closed at the base. Measures approximately 16" x 16.


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Mario Badescu Spot Treatment
I Finally Found an Acne Spot Treatment That I Actually See Results From
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. POPSUGAR has affiliate and advertising partnerships so we get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase.
I've suffered from hormonal cystic acne since I hit puberty, and those huge, painful, and embarrassing blemishes have never stopped stressing me out. Finally, after 15 years and the help of a dermatologist, I have clear skin. But that doesn't mean I don't suffer from a breakout every now and then. I often feel those pesky, painful pimples under my skin before they're even noticeable, and I want to fight them before they get bigger. From the classic myth of using toothpaste as a spot treatment to rubbing a piece of aspirin on my skin (I know, but I was desperate at the time), these kooky hacks never did it for me. Then, a little over a year ago, I found a spot treatment product that finally does what it promises to: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion($26).
I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, but I discovered this amazing product by watching Kylie Jenner's Snapchat. (This was before the launch of her own cosmetic line, when she used to show more of her own skin care routine.) Little did I know that the small pink bottle was a total cult classic. I went and bought it immediately. That night before bed, I followed the instructions and used a cotton swab to dab the pink lotion on every little bump I could find. I woke up the next day and there was no trace of the lotion or of a blemish. At last, a product that I saw results with. I've been addicted ever since.
If you're wondering what makes this treatment so special, it's the pink substance itself: the calamine lotion. (Yes, that's the same lotion that you may have used if you've ever suffered from poison ivy or insect bites as a kid.) This soothing lotion is mixed with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and sulfur, which work together to dry out clogged pores, kill bacteria, and diminish your spots. If you've been searching for the right spot treatment for you, this one is definitely worth a try.


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For those of us who grew up in 1980s suburban Dublin, "Local landmark nostalgia" isn't something experienced too often. Aside from the odd ancient shooting lodge, most suburban buildings aren't much older than our parents and are far less dilapidated. Anything that does need tearing down was no great shakes in the first place and is unlikely to be missed.
You could say that the Blake's Restaurant buildings in Stillorgan fell into the latter category. The building that in its hey-day housed three restaurants, Blake's, Pappagallo's and Pings could never have been called beautiful. High on an elevated site, it was surrounded by an ugly, tarmacked car-park and did little to enhance the already dubious vista that was/is Stillorgan village. Indeed, its very elevation served to block the only half-decent view in the area, that of the old Stillorgan hill road with its thatched pub and quaint terrace of cottages. It's planned demolition was never going to rally a protest crowd.
In a previous incarnation, the building was the home of the Swiss Chalet restaurant which served any meat you desired, as long as it was chicken. Even with the sense of an eight-year-old, it seemed like a ridiculous idea to me, although I guess the balance sheet at Nando's Corp has since proven me wrong.
But back in my day (the day being the mid-eighties), the place was known as Blake's.
Now, in the mid-eighties, we didn't have the profusion of restaurants that we currently do. In the mid-eighties, dining out was a Big Deal. Being served boiled, disc-shaped carrots in crescent-shaped, nuclear-hot-or-lukewarm dishes by strangers was something to be revered, and reserved for special occasions. Like the Good Room. And Blake's, where they sprinkled sawdust on the floor on purpose and every dessert came with a classy cocktail umbrella, was THE place to go if you lived in south county Dublin and had something to celebrate.
My favourite memory of the place is celebrating my confirmation there, because it coincided with my birthday. No one could knock me off my pedestal with that double-whammy of celebratory potential, and where else could you mark such an auspicious occasion but Blake's, with chicken and chips and a Banana Boat? Stay classy, Stillorgan.
And Blake's was the restaurant that just kept on giving, because when you got too old for eating (or was it drinking?) the Coke Floats, you could be paid to serve them. My two sisters and I all found gainful employment there. Working in the main restaurant, my sisters had the dubious honour of having to wear straw boaters as part of their decidedly bizarre uniform. It was never decided whether this headgear was utterly cringe-worthy or ironically cool. Either way, it was unhygienic.
I, on the other hand, chose to work in Pappagallo's, or Blake's Pizzeria as it was previously known. This smaller restaurant (sixty covers, I still remember) was tucked in behind the main restaurant, up a steep staircase, hidden from view. But inside, it was a cavernous beauty of slightly-sticky, waxed, tablecloths, terracotta tiles and candle wax-encrusted chianti bottles. The pizza chef, who was of indeterminate ethnicity but was definitely not Italian, tossed dough for the pleasure of those lucky enough to sit in the front (non-smoking!) section, and loved to burst our eardrums with his call of PIZZ-AWAY! even if us wait staff were standing right next to him, eh, waiting. There were other items on the menu (chicken cacciatore, anyone?) but everyone knew you only came to Pappagallo's for the pizza. And it was good.
I loved that job. I took it very seriously. Customers might have heard me ask "smoking or non-smoking" as I ushered them in, but a waitress worth half her salt can tell a smoker a mille off. I was stalling, deciding whether you were going to be a good tipper and should therefore sit in my section, or a first date (nice people: a booth; not nice people: a wobbly table with chairs with the young families in the back), or welcome regulars (Tables 9 or 10), or unwelcome regulars (Tiny Table 1, worst in the house. You're welcome).
Working in Pappagallo's as a teenager taught me so much. How to deal with rudeness and arrogance, how to deal with understanding and kindness, how to make money, how to make a knickerbocker glory. How to get candle wax off any known substance, how to stabilise a wine-glass-laden wobbly table in under ten seconds with spirit level accuracy, how to mop a floor.
How to anticipate what people want before they realise they want it. How to be a team player.
I learned how to toss pizza dough, how to eat garlic (in my defence it was still quite exotic in the 1980's) and how to prank newbies by sending them into Blake's to ask the manager for a long stand. In which case they were left there. Standing. A Blake's family in-joke.
Random, inanimate objects like those sticky, gingham tablecloths, and blunt pizza cutters, and long-handled ice-cream spoons and ceiling fans are all indelibly seared onto my happiest, formative memories.
And when I hung up my apron for the last time and got a real, adult job, I reverted to being a paying customer (good tipper, table 10). Later, when I was pregnant and had unexplainable cravings for Pappagallo's mayonnaise, my long-suffering husband would drive all the way to Stillorgan for a take-out for his cranky wife.
The Pappagallo's pizza ovens have been cold for over a decade now, the ceiling fans stilled, the chianti caskets quenched. For a time, Blake's morphed into some awful beach-themed nightclub, the sawdust on the floor being replaced by sand. But now, this week, the sand and the pizza ovens and those terracotta tiles are finally no more. They've disappeared along with the rest of the building and its contents, torn down to make way for a shiny new development of student accommodation. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's not like the suburbs are short of restaurants.
But then it's not just rubble those diggers are loading into endless skips on that elevated site. Mingled in with the rebar and dust are some of the happiest memories of a generation of young Dublin suburbanites. It's hard to imagine our kids getting nostalgic and weepy over a Nando's closure. Blake's was more than a restaurant. It was a landmark. An institution.
It really is the end of an era.


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Jeremy Lin officially a villain in NY
NEW YORK — At first, it was hard to deny the resemblance, in both sight and sound, between Jeremy Lin's first return to Madison Square Garden as a visitor and his final game as member of the home team at the basketball Mecca.
The last time Lin took the court at MSG, on March 24 against Detroit in front of an arena full of blue and orange No. 17 jerseys, he did so as a legend in the making — and deservedly so.
That was before a knee injury ended Linsanity just as it was getting started; before Lin was widely panned for sitting out the playoffs despite pronouncing himself to be at "85 percent" health; before the Knicks were reportedly ready to write the global sensation a blank check to stay in town; and before New York's about-face as they let Lin walk, declining to match his back-loaded $25 million offer sheet with Houston.
And despite all that — despite everything that had occurred since March 24 — when the Knicks' public address announcer called out Lin's name in front of a familiarly packed house Monday, this time as Lin wore No. 7 for the visiting team in red, it didn't really sound or feel like much of anything had changed.
It was like Lin had never left, like the events of the last few months just hadn't happened, like he was still a Knick. The home crowd offered a roaring ovation for their ex-savior, a kind of thank you for the transformative impact Lin had during a 35-game ride that many hoped wouldn't end.
But then the game got started, and Lin quickly reminded the New York fans what they were missing with him gone, and by the end of the Rockets' 109-96 rout, the Knicks' first home loss of the season, Lin had a once-adoring crowd booing his existence and cursing his name — making him just another villain in a league full of them.
"I had fun out there," Lin said after the win, which improved Houston to 12-12 on the season while dropping New York to 18-6. "I am still thankful for the fans, and it was a lot better than I had thought."
Houston led by as many as 27 points in Monday's drubbing, and the fans who cheered Lin's introduction proved unwilling to do the same as Lin's new team demolished his old one for the second time this season. But never did Lin feel less welcome in his old home than when former teammate Tyson Chandler laid him out with a flagrant foul under the basket with 3:39 left in the first half.
At that point, fans were booing Lin just for touching the ball, but he received his loudest boos of the night as he shot the two subsequent free throws after the Chandler foul. Then fans mockingly cheered his airball with 2:29 left in the half. Another hard foul from Chandler with 1:10 left in the second quarter officially knocked whatever Knick was left in Lin out of him for good; in less than 24 minutes, Jeremy Lin had become one of the bad guys.
"He hit me hard," Lin said with a smile later, "but I still kept coming."
Indeed, Lin did keep coming, dominating the paint all night — a far cry from his passive performance in the Rockets' first meeting with New York, and much to the delight of his coach, Kevin McHale. Lin got to the basket early and often and scored eight first-quarter points on four layups at the rim. Lin added eight more second quarter points, and then scored six points in the second half, with the game well in hand.
"We keep on telling him to be aggressive and attack," McHale said. "Maybe he felt comfortable here in Madison Square Garden — I don't know, but he played great."
In addition to Lin's 22-point effort, his second-highest scoring game of the season, the Rockets also got a superstar performance out of fellow newcomer James Harden, who had 28 points and 10 boards in the win.
This Rockets team is at its best when the guards are both playing well — as they did back in Houston's second game of the season, when Lin and Harden combined for 66 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists — and Monday's win seemed to be a step in the direction McHale is hoping to take his club going forward.
"Harden and Lin scoring like that was big because they got in the paint," McHale said. "James is just such a downhill player that he starts coming at you and it's hard not to foul him. And when Jeremy starts getting in there, starts driving and starts breaking down the defense, it opens things up for our shooters."
The Rockets also got solid contributions out of second-year man Marcus Morris, who had 13 points, and reserve guard Carlos Delfino, who hit four 3s and had 16 points off the bench. But Monday was all about Lin, who didn't disappoint in his much-ballyhooed return to the city where he became a household name.
An undrafted guard from Harvard and the first Taiwanese-American to play in the NBA, Lin broke records last year for most points in the first three and five starts of a career, while also becoming the first player in NBA history to score 20 points and have seven assists in each of his first four starts. New York won nine of its first 11 games with Lin in a significant role, and as the wins piled up, Lin became a cult hero.
Eventually Lin's name, more so than even Carmelo Anthony's, became synonymous with the Knicks, and there was never a real sense — on the part of Lin or the Knicks — that he wouldn't be back when this season started, making his stunning departure that much more unexpected.
"Obviously, it was the time of my life, just being able to play basketball and for us to win games," Lin said. "And do it in the fashion that we did was so much fun, and energy, and buzz. That's something I'll remember forever."
Thus far, Lin has failed to live up to the unrealistic expectations he set for himself during last year's run, averaging just 10.8 points on 39.5 percent shooting coming in to Monday's game. His struggles have provided some comfort for the Knicks and their fans, but so far, they're not of any concern to McHale.
"If you're competitive, you always probably expect more out of yourself and you're a harsh critic of yourself, but there are times when you've got to give yourself a break," McHale said. "This is a good league with a lot of good players, and he's going to be fine."
It's too early to know what Lin's legacy will be in Houston, but he looked like his old self Monday as his former following booed him on. And if his return to Madison Square Garden was any indication of what's to come, he shouldn't have any problem proving his worth as he continues to acclimate to the Rockets' system — even if he's never able to generate the same Linsanity he brought to New York.
"The easy part for me is just to make sure I don't try to live up to that," Lin said before Monday's game. "As long as I do that, I'm not really worried too much about anything else. … I don't think anybody from the Rockets organization is expecting me to recreate anything, and I'm not either."
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text: Hi, I've found out what was causing the segfault with gcc-3.4, and it was not the gc. It was in fact the choice-point library, which also deals with the stack, in order to release the constraint of longjmp being called from a function called from the function calling setjmp. Let me explain what was going on, it's a good piece of gcc optimisation problem. The problem is the use of an asm() instruction to get the stack pointer, as the following simple test_asm.c shows: (btw, I could not reproduce it on any other gcc than gcc-3.4, so maybe a (know ?) gcc-3.4 bug, or is it simply a bad idea in the first place ?) #include <stdio.h> void *s1; void *s2; int main(void) { void *s3; asm ("mov %%esp,%0" : "=g" (s1) : : "esp"); asm ("mov %%esp,%0" : "=g" (s2)); s3=(void *)(((int)s1)+((int)s2)); printf("s3=s1+s2=%p\n",s3); printf("s1=%p, s2=%p\n",s1,s2); s3=(void *)(((int)s1)+((int)s2)); printf("s3=s1+s2=%p\n",s3); return 0; } $ gcc -Wall -Wstrict-prototypes -O2 test_asm.c -o test_asm $ ./test_asm s3=s1+s2=0x7f72a6a0 s1=0xbfb95350, s2=0xbfb95348 s3=s1+s2=0x7f72a698 Pretty odd that s3 does get two different values... $ gcc -Wall -Wstrict-prototypes -O2 -S test_asm.c -o test_asm.s .file "test_asm.c" .section .rodata.str1.1,"aMS", at progbits,1 .LC0: .string "s3=s1+s2=%p\n" .LC1: .string "s1=%p, s2=%p\n" .text .p2align 2,,3 .globl main .type main, @function main: pushl %ebp movl %esp, %ebp subl $8, %esp andl $-16, %esp subl $16, %esp #APP mov %esp,%eax ; here esp in eax mov %esp,s1 ; here esp in s1, is the clobber-list the right thing to do ? #NO_APP sall %eax subl $8, %esp ; here esp change !! #APP mov %esp,s2 ; here esp in s2, but we computed with a different value in eax #NO_APP pushl %eax pushl $.LC0 call printf addl $12, %esp pushl s2 pushl s1 pushl $.LC1 call printf movl s2, %eax popl %edx popl %ecx addl s1, %eax pushl %eax pushl $.LC0 call printf xorl %eax, %eax leave ret .size main, .-main .comm s1,4,4 .comm s2,4,4 .section .note.GNU-stack,"", at progbits .ident "GCC: (GNU) 3.4.4 20050721 (Red Hat 3.4.4-2)" gcc doesn't get it that esp is read, and does not save the value before it's modified. Adding esp in the clobber-list seems to work, but I thought it was for written registers. -- Eric Deplagne -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 189 bytes Desc: Digital signature Url : https://napali.hpl.hp.com/pipermail/gc/attachments/20061116/ef818568/attachment.pgp


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Shotgun Lovesongs caught my eye a few months ago while I was perusing my local bookstore. The book flap synopsis sold me:
"It's a place like hundreds of others, nothing special, really. But for four friends – all born and raised in this small Wisconsin town – it is home. And now they are men, coming into their own or struggling to do so. One of them never left, still working the family farm that has been tilled for generations. But others felt the need to move on, with varying degrees of success. One trades commodities, another took to the rodeo circuit, and one of them even hit it big as a rock star. And then there's Beth, a woman who has meant something special in each of their lives. Now all four are brought together for a wedding. Little Wing seems even smaller than before. While lifelong bonds are still strong, there are stresses – among the friends, between husbands and wives. There will be heartbreak, but there will also be hope, healing, even heroism as these memorable people learn the true meaning of adult friendship and love."
Butler tells us this story through the voices of a group of friends. Each chapter is designated by the first initial of that character and the reader experiences the forward momentum of the story from their perspective, while also being given insight to the events of the past. Perhaps my favorite part of this construction is that we often hear about the same event from multiple perspectives, giving the elusive hint of truth.
But truth, and to an extent loyalty and trust, are the through lines of the narrative. Through much of the early part of the book, I was convinced this was merely a character study, without much of a plot. And perhaps that's why it took me quite a while to get through it (Goodreads tells me I spent 2 weeks with this book which barely clocks in over 300 pages). But the plot is centered so heavily on what builds a friendship, what destroys it, and how it can be repaired that it felt like nothing was really happening, but everything was happening at the same time.
Nikolas Butler's first novel is a statement. It's bold, but not overblown. And for that reason alone, I suggest you read it, I may be giving it 3 stars here, but it's really a 3.5 book that I just couldn't quite find my way to giving a 4. Even though it had the following quote:
"America, I think, is about poor people playing music and poor people sharing food and poor people dancing, even when everything else in their life is so desperate, and so dismal that it doesn't seem there should be any room for any music, any extra food, or any extra energy for dancing.
P.S. Don't read too much about the 'origins' of this book if you want to go in clean. I read some things about where the characters may have been based as I was prepping my review and I wish I hadn't.


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Professional Community for Car Dealers, Marketing, Advertising and Sales Leaders
Jon Munzel has not received a gift from an ADM Member
Posted on April 26, 2011 at 10:43am 0 Comments 1 Like
Ford's Jeff Eggen, Experiential Marketing Manager is a featured presenter at the Automotive Social Media Summit on June 14th. Jeff's presentation will discuss how to "Break Through" and gain exposure by combining the power of Reality TV, Social Media, and Online Gaming. Jeff will explain how Ford's "Focus Rally America" attracted…Continue
Posted on April 22, 2011 at 9:16am 0 Comments 0 Likes
The Automotive Summit Series, hosted by Thought Leadership Summits on June 14th & 15th at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey
Many past delegates requested continuity between Summits, so for 2011, Thought Leadership Summits (TLS) has added "Keynote Continuum" presentations as a follow-up to the 2010 keynote addresses.
At the Automotive Customer Centricity Summit on June 14th, Hyundai will return to provide an update on their Assurance, Blue…Continue
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:47am 0 Comments 1 Like
Automotive Customer Centricity Summit - June 14th
Thought Leadership Summits (TLS) is pleased to feature a Keynote Presentation from Thilo Koslowski, Vice President & Lead Automotive Analyst at Gartner at the Auto Customer Centricity Summit. Thilo's presentation will focus on the challenges and opportunities technology is creating for the automotive industry, and how effective collaboration between OEMs, Dealers, and Captives is the next step in the evolution of customer…Continue
Posted on April 18, 2011 at 9:25am 0 Comments 0 Likes
I founded Thought Leadership Summits (TLS) seven years ago with the goal of developing exclusive events that enable executives to have high-quality interactions with fellow thought leaders. Having worked in the automotive industry, I knew there was a need for a Summit addressing relationships between OEMs, Dealers, Captive Finance providers, and their shared customers.
With that in mind, TLS launched the Automotive…Continue
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A couple of football enthusiasts have come together to form the Cayman Christian Football League.
It's a group of church football teams that will play each other competitively to develop lasting friendships and share their faith.
The league, which is sponsored by Futbolista World, Cayman's only online football merchandise and apparel store, consists of four churches – Agape Family Worship Centre, Savannah United Church, New Testament Church of God and Church of God Chapel.
It is a mixed league and team members must be at least 15 years old to participate.
The first round of matches are on Tuesday evenings at the Agape Church football field from Nov. 10 to Dec. 15. Churches that miss the first round can participate in the second round, which starts in January 2016.
The league officially kicks off on Oct. 31 with a rally at the Agape Church football field from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Organizers are inviting the public to show their support and promise food, fun, fellowship and football.
For more information about the Cayman Christian Football League, call Billy Humphreys on 916-1966 or email caymanchristianfoot [email protected]
Support local journalism. Subscribe to the all-access pass for the Cayman Compass.


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We hear much about the "culture wars". While they still rage with much fury in the US today, Christians in Canada lost the wars here many years ago. We may be tempted to lament the demise of Judeo- Christian values. Please allow me to share why I do not, and to suggest some ABCs regarding life after losing the culture wars.
A. "A" stands for Attitude.
Paul tells us to have the same attitude as our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2). What is that attitude? In a word, humility. I once heard the noted apologist Paul Chamberlain preach on Philippians 2. The title of his message? "Humility, the Ultimate Apologetic". It seems to me that as Western Christians we suffer from a bad case of entitlement. We feel entitled to have our morals enshrined in law, to being the dominant religion of our culture, to having power to set the nation's agenda. After all, we all live in "Christian nations", don't we? I don't want to debate whether Canada or the US were built on deist or Christian principles, but I do want to remind us that our God blesses the "poor in spirit", not the proud.
The first century church had little power in the culture, yet it did quite well. Historical examples abound; the church doesn't need to possess political clout in order to exhibit spiritual power. In fact, political influence is often quite detrimental to spiritual vitality. So, yes, in Canada (and increasingly in the US) we live in a multicultural country, in a pluralistic land of many religions. We are not the only game in town anymore. We can be angry that our place in the sun has been eclipsed, that our religious hegemony has been undermined. We can become paranoid that "everyone" is out to get us (all those militant atheists!).
I believe, however, that we do well to model our attitude on the Saviour who, in humility, gave His life away. We now have to earn a hearing. But let's not despair! In fact, "they" aren't all atheists out there! In Canada, we have an entire generation that hasn't had a bad experience in church! What a great opportunity to make sure their first experience is a good one! Let's not assume that the academic elite's hostility to evangelicals is shared by the general populace. Many average folks are curious about the church, the gospel, Christians, and this humble man we believe to be the Son of God. If we share our lives with them, they will often ask us "to give an account for the hope that is in" us. This we have great opportunity to do – with the correct attitude of "gentleness and respect" (I Peter 3:15).
B. "B" stands for Beliefs.
We need to reevaluate what we believe regarding a number of key issues. First, what do we believe about our citizenship? As a child of God, I belong to a different kingdom. I am Canadian — but I am not a Canadian first. This is not my home — I am a "stranger and alien". This means that I need to expect to feel uncomfortable here. When folks change the rules so that I feel less cozy here – that is not a bad thing at all. Instead of being angry about it, perhaps I should be… thankful?
Second, do I really believe that my call as a Christ-follower is to impose moral conformity on the masses? I am not saying moral truth isn't important, but if (when?) I lose the debate and my country legislates a new morality that I don't agree with, is that the end of the world? It wasn't for first century Christians.
Rodney Stark's The Rise of Christianity chronicles how early Christians lived out their faith in stark contrast to the morality of the day (I will highlight this in the last point). While external legislation and laws are important, are we not a people who really believe it is only the inward change brought about by the power of the gospel that really transforms lives and culture for eternity? Many outside the church view us as modern day Puritans – social control freaks who want to impose our morality on them and to oppress people by running roughshod over human rights. This is not a fair caricature, but what would happen if we really believed that the gospel (not the government, a political party, or a social agenda) was the source of our hope?
Related to this is a third belief: what do we believe about Jesus? Do we really believe that Jesus is unique? John Ortberg's book Who is this Man? is a great reminder that Jesus is the central point of all history: He is the only hope for this world because He is the only one so uniquely qualified to save it! I have no hesitation sharing with my friends that Hyundai can meet their automotive needs – do I have the same passion to share the merits of Jesus?
C. "C" stands for Centre.
Rodney Stark reminds us that the early church led with what they were for, not with what they were against. They took in abandoned children and raised them as their own; they treated women and slaves better than anyone else; they cared for the sick during plagues when no one else would. They lived out the heart of their Lord, so it is no wonder that many joined them. Perhaps we need to act more like a persecuted minority and adopt a subversive leavening strategy in the culture, rather than taking the demanding stance of the moral majority. Why not lead with what we are for rather than being known mostly for what we lobby, march and rail against?
A number of years ago, we in the EFCC changed our credentialing procedures to allow pastors to write something positive regarding social issues rather than just writing against an issue. So, we asked pastors to write something on the Bible's teaching on human sexuality and the sanctity of life. The result? Very few pastors took us up on the offer. They continued to write against things. I'm sorry, but I think God is for sex. He designed it. He left us some great biblical passages to tell us how to enjoy it according to His plan (Proverbs, Song of Solomon, I Corinthians 7 anyone?). It seems that we are so used to writing against things that we cannot articulate well to the culture what God loves and what He has lovingly designed for our good! What if we modeled the marriages, the families, care for the poor, and the treatment of the immigrant and the oppressed in a manner that demonstrates the heart of God as early Christians did? Friends, it is show-and-tell time. In a pluralistic culture we must first show others that we are Great Commandment people before we will be invited to tell them anything. And when we do tell them something, it needs to be centred on the gospel – on the person of Jesus Christ.
We do not act like the gospel is the power of God very often. It seems to me that we tend to centre our ministry on things like buildings, budgets, programs, personalities, politicians, Christian athletes or… a million things other than the gospel. The early church was disenfranchised – they had no Christian bookstores full of Christian books written by Christian celebrities – yet Jesus somehow still built His Church.
Since we at EFCC began to act more like first-century Christians in Canada, we have planted more churches and shared the gospel with more regularity. We have a long way to go, but maybe, just maybe, our new disenfranchised status will move us to focus on what is most important, and to rely on the Spirit's power for life and ministry. When we do, He will help us learn to speak the truth in love. May we embrace our weakness, may we ask our God for His strength, may our attitude, beliefs and centre lead us to share good news once again with people who desperately need to hear it.
Here is a video of a panel I (Ed) hosted at the EFCA national meeting and that Bill participated in as a panelist:
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Why Do Your Job When Influencers Can Do It For You?
Influencers have become a major source of advocacy for brands. Sure, television, radio and print continue to be tried-and-true vehicles for promotion, but social media platforms and digital influencers mean that there really are no limits to the number of consumers a brand can reach out to.


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Heavy commercial Expona Flow PUR sheet vinyl flooring from Polyflor was recently installed in the School of Life Sciences building at the University of Nottingham to help create a striking break out area for students to relax, work and grab a snack in between lectures.
Around 300m² of Expona Flow high design vinyl flooring was installed by local flooring contractor Derbyshire Floorcraft Ltd in the Life Sciences building's vending machine lounge. The bold and graphic Firelight design was chosen from the Infinity collection within the Expona Flow product range by main contractor Petric Contracts. This abstract design gives the effect of endless wood, featuring contrasting warm orange and cool blue tones in a linear design which perfectly complement the newly refurbished lounge's dark blue walls and orange furniture.
The Estates department at the University of Nottingham commented, "We're really happy with the finished look that has been achieved in the Life Sciences vending lounge with help from Expona Flow flooring. The design has an energy and vibrancy which we hope our students will enjoy and will help motivate them during a long day of lectures."
Manufactured in the UK, the Expona Flow PUR collection of heterogeneous vinyl flooring features 50 wood, stone and abstract designs in a 2 metre sheet format and 2mm gauge for heavy commercial environments including the education sector. This durable vinyl floorcovering is also enhanced with PUR, Polyflor's exclusive and robust polyurethane reinforcement which is cross linked and UV cured for a simple polish-free maintenance regime and superior cleaning benefits.
Expona Flow's environmental credentials are impressive, achieving a BRE A+ rating for major use areas in the education sector and Indoor Air Comfort Gold, assuring that VOC emissions are below any globally determined levels. It is also 100% recyclable via the Recofloor recycling scheme and contains recycled material.
Product samples can be ordered free of charge on the Polyflor website or by calling the Polyflor Samples Direct Hotline on 0161 767 2551.
Polyflor has recently launched a brand new education brochure which shows how high performance and high design vinyl flooring can help to create inspirational and practical education facilities from pre-school to higher education environments. Visit the Polyflor website to read online or order your free copy.
Further details of Polyflor's extensive range of resilient vinyl flooring are available from Polyflor Ltd, Radcliffe New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 7NR. Tel: 0161 767 1111. Fax: 0161 767 1128.
Website: www.polyflor.com Email: info(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)polyflor.com


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Reflecting on Practice: Working with Diverse Learners and Motivation for Learning
Register to attend this 1 ½-day workshop for informal science educators. Reflecting on Practice (RoP) provides current research on learning in informal environments, applications to professional practice, and the opportunity to participate in a professional learning community. This workshop will build on the program offered in February 2015 with two additional modules: working with diverse learners and motivation for learning. Participants may attend this workshop regardless of whether they have attended previous RoP workshops. More information about RoP can be found at the LHS website.
Registration is free and open to staff from NM ISE Net organizations. Travel and lodging costs will be covered by NM ISE Net.
The registration deadline is January 27.
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PMB #149 │ 1208 San Pedro NE │ Albuquerque, NM │ 87110-6762 │ firstname.lastname@example.com


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This article describes how to enable and configure Web Content Filtering for a Datto router.
- Datto Routers
Datto routers use a web filtering service provided by TitanHQ that proactively assesses and halts threats prior to entering your network at the DNS level. This prevents malware and ransomware attacks. You can also filter out content from a user's web experience by type, such as community and download sites, to ensure that users only browse appropriate, safe web sites.
1. Navigate to a device web session for your network.
2. Click the Manage dropdown, then click Routers, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Navigating to Content Filtering (click to enlarge)
3. Click the name of the router you are configuring.
4. Click Content Filtering, as shown in Figure 1.
Select the Enable Web Content Filters checkbox shown in Figure 2 to turn on Web Content Filtering. By enabling this service you are agreeing to our terms and conditions, which are viewable by clicking the terms and conditions link shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Enabling Web Content Filters (click to enlarge)
DNS Server Zone
All DNS requests will forward to a DNS Server Zone that houses the web content filtering service. Select a DNS Server Zone using the dropdown shown in Figure 3. The following options are available:
Figure 3: DNS Server Zone (click to enlarge)
- Automatic (selects the closest server to your router's geographical location)
- US East (Ohio)
- US West (N. California)
- EU (London)
- Asia Pacific (Sydney)
Web Filter Configuration
Web filtering options
Figure 4: Web filtering options (click to enlarge)
Select the Enable Safe Search checkbox shown in Figure 4 to force all search results from a major search engine, such as Google, to pass through the engine's Safe Search service.
The web filtering service has a database which contains a master list of sites, web page elements, and their content types. If it does not recognize the content type of incoming traffic, it is labeled Unclassified Traffic. Selecting the Allow Unclassified Traffic checkbox shown in Figure 4 will allow any unknown site and web page element to load.
Category Filtering
Figure 5: Category Filtering (click to enlarge)
Use the Category Filtering table shown in Figure 5 to select what types of pages the web content filtering service will block. Click See category details for a detailed explanation of what type of pages each category contains. You can also select or deselect all category types at once.
Whitelist/Blacklist Domains
To create a rule that whitelists or blacklists domains, follow the steps below:
Figure 6: Whitelist/Blacklist Domains (click to enlarge)
1. Enter a Domain.
2. Select a Filter Type. You can either Whitelist, which allows traffic from a domain, or Blacklist, which blocks all traffic from a domain.
3. Select if the rule will Include Subdomains.
4. Click Add to add the rule. Click Remove to remove an existing rule.
5. Click Save Router Changes on the top right of the page.