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Master & Dynamic's MH40 Over-Ear Headphones are the original modern thinking caps: tools to help focus, inspire, and transport your mind. Designed for decades of use, our headphones are built with only the finest materials and tuned to provide a rich, warm sound. They make an elegant yet everyday addition to your desk, studio or home.
Technical Specifications
45mm Neodymium
32 ohms
Cowhide x lambskin leather, stainless steel, aluminum, detachable woven cable
1.25m Cable with Remote and Mic
2.00m Standard Cable
Headphone Connection
Dual 3.5mm standard jack
Ear Coupling
Microphone Type
Ear Pads
Detachable lambskin memory foam
Apple Compatibility
The remote and mic are supported only by iPhone 3GS or later, iPad, iPod touch (2nd generation or later), iPod classic (120GB, 160GB), and iPod nano (4th generation or later). The remote is supported by iPod shuffle (3rd generation or later). Audio is supported by all iPad and iPod models.
Dimensions : 200mm x 185mm x 50mm
This item ships worldwide
If you are not fully happy with your Master & Dynamic item, you can return it to them within 14 days of receipt, providing they are in original resalable condition.
Master & Dynamic is a New York City-based audio brand that takes inspiration from the simplicity of design and the interaction between sound and creativity.
Built with the creative workspace in mind, Master & Dynamic's headphones are considered to be the 'modern thinking cap'; celebrated for comfort, style and most importantly, impeccable sound quality.


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Pretty much anyone can set up as an 'dressage rider' but when you are choosing who to place your horse with there are more things to think about than just the results that this rider gets (although of course that's very important too). Colina Pickles not only offers the chance to own an dressage horse that stands a good chance of getting to the top, she also offers a whole lot more!
Colina has competed horses of differing ability up to advanced level eventing and was given the rare opportunity to compete some of the best young horses in the country. Having ridden so many different horses she is now in a position of experience to ride all types/sizes/ temperaments of horses as well as being able to produce horses for other people. She can deliver the results clients are looking for as she has the relevant experience to take a horse and bring out the best in it.
Relationships with clients/owners
A large part of the enjoyment for the owner is the relationship they have with the rider and the trust they have in letting them compete their horse. Colina has the communication skills that are necessary to build lasting relationships with owners. Good communication is essential as it shows professional approach and builds trust between the client and the rider.
With a small yard all horses are given consistent care and routine which enables them to be more settled in their work and therefore perform to their optimum. Attention to detail is first rate on Colina's yard, with years of experience on a large competition yard behind her she is able to ensure that standards are kept high and constant. Colina looks after and trains her horses with a great deal of care. The smallest of things can make a huge difference, for example keeping a horse's programme regular.
Determination and commitment
Colina is determined to reach her goals and loves the process of forming, maintaining and building relationships with people who want to share the passion of eventing with her. She is extremely dedicated to both the horses, the people and the sport.
An Outstanding and Growing Reputation
Colina has built up an excellent reputation in the area with those that are following her career, those she teaches and with her existing owners.

subset: commoncrawl


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Not One Moment More, aka, I Was RapedAuthor: Vivid Muse // Category: Mental, No Whining, Too Long For Twitter
I've been on a mission for years now, trying to digitize my family's photos, films, videos, commencement programs, concert ticket stubs, etc.,. This is part of a huge family archive I've been trying for years to organize and also part of a larger, general purge of detritus and awesomeness that Chooch and I have collected separately and together.
While sorting pictures I'd not seen in at least a decade, I came across pictures that stopped me cold. I was clueless as to whether or not to scan them or toss them, so I took them to therapy the next day. I explained who they were and why I couldn't just toss the photos in the bin like I'd been doing with other photos of friendships untended in the quarter century since I graduated from high school.
One was of a girl that was rumored to have passed away years ago. I accidentally confirmed a few days previously that she had indeed passed away. If my math is correct, she was only one year out of high school at the time of her death. Melissa was one of my dearest friends in junior high, but we grew apart when my love of the punk rock/new wave/romantics/whatever you want to call it. It's actually when I embraced that my primary interest in life was music itself, not just as a soundtrack to stuff going on.
She was and remained very much in to boys, and the ones she liked seemed like douchebags to me. We drifted apart, but I don't believe there was every any animosity. A bit of, "You're weird now," is the worst, I think. Even so, there's no denying the true nature of our friendship. We were close and we were loyal. I've thought of her often over these years, and it breaks my heart that she had such a short life.
I never did find an answer on what to do. At home, it occurred to me after I'd chucked them in the bin, that if someone had photos of my mother or Chooch's brother, I'd love to receive them. I supposed that her parents, if still alive, may like to have the digital copies of the snapshots, so I'm scanning those and will send them on a path that should get to them or any other family that may want them.
The other photos, well, those are tougher. I was raped when I was 19 years old by a Trusted Friend. It happened after a night of staying in with movies and drinking with people I'd known for years. In the case of my Trusted Friend (TF), I'd known him about half of my life. I became friends with him through a best friend, also in middle school. He was several years older. During senior year and the summer before, he and I were part of a group that spent a lot of time together, drinking, going to concerts and generally acting like dumb asses. Seriously, like dumb asses. Even still, the girls were fiercely protected when the group of us would sneak into bars and dance clubs. I felt safe with TF and the other guys in our group.
Then, after high school graduation, I moved to Virginia with my family. I later found out that TF and another friend had also moved to the DC metro area. We naturally started making the long drives back and forth to 'party' and have fun, slowly building a larger group sprinkled with a few long known and trusted friends.
One late and very chill night of staying in and watching 'B' movies, this Trusted Friend raped me. While going through all these boxes of photos, I came across a few pictures (so far) of him, now referred to as Trusted Friend Rapist (TFR).
I told T-Pain that I didn't know what to do with them. I didn't want to carry them around any more. Hell, one of them is from the evening of the rape. I don't know why I still had them, other than I'd never done a purge of snapshots from high school and now is the time for digitizing and purging.
I asked what she suggested for catharsis, because I'm not just tired of carrying the photo around. I'm also tired of carrying around the unresolved rage in the pit of my stomach. T-Pain says, with disgust in her voice, "I think you should just burn them." A classic, and the first solution that had come to my mind when I found them.
Later that day, I took them out of my purse and put them to the side. I'd figure something out later. There's a fire pit, but it's not set up. It would be a hassle to set it up. Or I could burn them over a bucket of water. Also, a hassle, since I can't carry a bucket of water. My birthday was the next day and I just wanted it done. I didn't want to carry the damned things into my next year.
I stood up, looked at each picture and tore the stack up over the trash.
I tore them into tiny pieces.
I let them fall through my fingers to the bottom of the trashcan.
I was so tired that I have decided that I'm done.
I am done.
He doesn't get one more moment of my life.
Not a single one.
I'm no longer a secret rape victim.
I'm a rape survivor, dammit.
Lucky '13.
6 Responses to "Not One Moment More, aka, I Was Raped"
Nuchtchas Says:
September 23rd, 2013 at 11:05 pm
Ugh, I'm sorry you had to deal with any of that. Going through old pictures is hard for that very reason. After what happened with my niece my sister had be go through all of her photos and things to remove any pictures of HIM. At the time, she couldn't bring herself to remove photos of HIS kids, so those were left in. I later had to go back and remove those too because they were too triggering for her and my niece. Every now and then she will find an old CD or burnt DVD with photos. She has to hold onto it till I come and visit so I can go through them to make sure she won't find something horrible on there. She's always happy to find pictures of my Niece and other family, but to have HIM there is just too much.
I hate this job, but it's not something that she should have to deal with. I wish I could be that filter for you, it's not fun to have your past flung in your face like that.
*hugs* I'm glad you survived.
Vivid Muse Says:
October 2nd, 2013 at 6:30 pm
I'm so sorry that you're familiar with this subject, but it seems most women at least know someone this has happened to. She's VERY VERY lucky to have you.
In hindsight, this was a HUGE gift to myself. It never occurred to me to ask someone else to do it for me, but T-Pain was very happy on that subject.
*hugs back* Thank you, sweetling.
Allison G. Says:
October 2nd, 2013 at 10:20 pm
The sad part of these kind of crimes is that not only does the crime create a victim, it creates a jail for the victim. A cell that never ends until you have the courage to leave it just for the attacker.
I don't talk about what happened to me much, mostly because it always feels like anyone else would feel it was TMI. But being able to tell anyone, even just once, can make a world of difference. You aren't alone. And I'm very proud of you for being able to post about it online. I haven't really gotten to that point.
Vivid Muse Says:
October 4th, 2013 at 2:57 am
Thank you, Allie. That means a lot. I don't know why I needed to post it, just finally got tired of carrying it around. It's not MY shameful act, but you hit the head on the nail about the victim's jail aspect.
I wish we didn't have this in common, but it's a good reminder that we aren't alone. And it's all in your own time, sweetie. Just know that we're officially Bad Asses for surviving and not letting it take over our lives. ((hugs))
Lila Says:
December 7th, 2013 at 12:06 am
I don't have any physical reminders to throw away – my baggages are the intangible emotional and psychological ones. But i've undertaken the task of life edits and decluttering my house, which has been helpful in applying to my healing process. I've also started learning to express my emotions and thoughts to free up space and give voice to my secrets. I am slowly regaining parts of ME, and that is such an amazing feeling. Yeah for all women for their strength and courage to take those steps and appreciation to loved ones who support them.
Vivid Muse Says:
December 7th, 2013 at 10:52 am
We've given up a lot of things in recent years, which have made way for new things and people that are healthier for me in a variety of ways. Being able to physically let go of those specific things helped me, and decluttering in general and life edits (I believe) give a similarly strong catharsis. Kind of like a gnarly scab falling off an injury, revealing new, healed skin underneath. Sometimes there's still a scar on the new pink skin, but I like to think of those as reminders of adventures. Some good and some hurtful. Hopefully lessons can be learned, too.
Sorry for what you have been through and for your continued return to YOU! It's the best thing you can do for yourself, speaking up FOR yourself. I'm fairly addicted to it now. All my best as you continue forward past the dark trauma and back into the light.


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YA Connection
(Week of October 5th - 11th)
The YA Connection is a collaborative column collected by Kristi (The Story Siren) and Steph (Reviewer X). In it can be found links from around the YA blogosphere, including, but not limited to, contests links, author blog links, review links, and miscellaneous news pertaining to the age group. Also, Kristi and Steph hold weekly contests accompanying the column, as well as a book and author spotlight.
If you're a blogger, author or publicist looking to have your links added, please email Kristi at thestorysiren (at) hotmail.com or Steph at reviewerx (at) gmail.com. Any book donations for giveaways are also greatly appreciated. Please note that the spotlights are not up to suggestion, but rather decided by both Kristi and Steph.
This week's contest is for a copy of The Fold by An Na. To enter, email email@example.com with your MAILING ADDRESS. Extra entries may be earned by posting about it elsewhere and linking to it in your email entry (+1 for each mention) and by getting the secret word at http://thestorysiren.com/.
(Compiled by Kristi)
Random House is hosting The Lilly Pulitzer "Deb Club" Makeover Contest. One lucky winner will Win a trip for four to New York City for a shopping spree at the new Lilly Pulitzer Store on Madison Avenue.
Gaby Triana (The Temptress Four) has a $25 i-Tunes gc up for grabs! For more information visit the post, here.
Linda Joy (Dead Girl Walking) is going to dedicate her next book to one lucky winner! For more info on this contest, you can see the original post, here.
Vanessa of What Vanessa Reads is giving away a copy of Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott.
Book Adorer is giving away a signed copy of I Heart You, I Haunt You by Lisa Schroeder.
Keri Mikulski (Screwball) is giving away six books, yes you read right, SIX!!
Brooke Taylor (Undone) is hosting a MONSTER giveaway all month long! This week is Ghosts!!
Author Musings
(Compiled by Kristi)
Jennifer Banash has some ARCs of In Too Deep hot of the press. If you want one for yourself stop by The Story Siren! There you go JB you're number one, how bout them apples.
It was a very busy week over at Books, Boys, Buzz. This weeks topics included movies, a living goddess and The Office. Books, Boys and Buzz is hosted by the following YA authors: Donna Sarkar-Mishra (How To Salsa in a Sari), Heather Davis (Never Cry Werewolf), Marley Gibson (Sorority 101), Simone Elkeles (Leaving Paradise), Stephanie Hale (Twisted Sisters), Tina Ferraro (How To Hook a Hottie) and Tera Lynn Childs (Oh. My. Gods.).
Fall is hitting New York and Taylor Morris (Total Knockout: Tales of an Ex-Class President) has been taking notice.
Lesley Livingston (Wondrous Strange) is getting some advance praise for her upcoming debut novel Wondrous Strange.
Ally Carter (I'd Tell You That I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You) announced the title to her newest Gallagher Girls novel: Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover.
Carrie Ryan (Forest of Hands and Teeth) is quitting her day job! That's right, she is taking the plunge and becoming a full time writer! CONGRATS Carrie!!
Elizabeth Scott (Living Dead Girl) shared the cover art to her new novel Something Maybe!
Jessica Burkhart (Take the Reins) is busy decorating for Halloween, posing with horses and revealing the cover to her third Canterwood Crest Novel! What a jam packed week!
Libba Bray (The Sweet Far Thing) has a sort of an update for the AGATB movie!
Melissa Walker (The Violet Series) ad a lot going on over at her blog this week! h Some of my fav's were the Cover Stories post by fellow YA Author Alyson Noel (Cruel Summer) and the post about Paul Newman, I love him in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof too!! Oh Brick!
Cassandra Clare (City of Ashes) posted a link for an excerpt of City of Glass, she also announced that she will be having a City of Glass ARC contest sometime around Christmas!
The Flux Blog shared some love for the upcoming novel Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King.
Regina Scott (La Petite Four) reflected on how important research is on writing her novels. To jump or not to jump? That is the question.
Liz Gallagher (The Opposite of Invisible) is working on another novel! You remember Vanessa from The Opposite of Invisible right, cool artsy chick, yeah her. She is getting her own novel. How cool is that!
Yeah, so John Green (Paper Towns) is going on tour! You can check it out his schedule here. He is coming to Indy! I so need to go. I mean I should go, I will!
Author of the Week
John Green is the Michael L. Printz Award-winning author of Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines. When he was little, he wanted to be an earthworm scientist. (There is a word for such a person: oligochaetologist.) But he killed off his entire earthworm farm due to his general inability to care for pets. Later, he made a list of things he was good at. The list included "telling lies" and "sitting." So he became a writer.
Blogger Blurbs
(Compiled by Steph)
Leila Roy of bookshelves of doom reviewed The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King (!!): "The Dust of 100 Dogs is entertaining, multi-layered, smart and definitely gripping (sorry if this is TMI, but I had to pee for the better part of the last quarter of the book, but somehow, I just COULD NOT put it down and run for the bathroom). Though the book begins with Emer's death, I had no idea how she got to that point, and I didn't know what would happen when (or if) Saffron finally made it to Jamaica. I find it impressive that A. S. King began the book with the death of the main character and still succeeded in writing a suspenseful story."
Reader Rabbit reviewed Revealers by Amanda Marrone: "I wish the book was longer. Seriously, if only it had been. It had alot of promise but there wasn't enough space in the short 288 pages to develop the plot and characters as much as I'd have liked. The concept of the book was interesting. Not completely original but it did have it's own points."
Taren of The Chick Manifesto reviewed The Debutante by Kathryn Williams: "I was surprised and happy about how normal and relatable the characters were. Even Annie's occasional bitchiness, which under a lesser author would have made her into a clone of Paris Hilton on "The Simple Life", is understandable because who among us wouldn't be pissed off to leave everyone we know behind during our senior year?"
Lenore of Presenting Lenore reviewed a whole bunch of middle grade books for her dawn-to-dusk reading marathon!
Chelsea of the awesome The Page Flipper reviewed Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist: "I loved the use of references within the book. From the South Park movie to the picture book Are You My Mother?, there was definitely a wide range of them. And they were all pretty damn comical. The humor in this book measured up to what I expected, after reading Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List."
Rachael of The Book Muncher reviewed All About Vee by C Leigh Purtill: "I found it refreshing that "All About Vee" did not focus solely upon physical body image but also incorporated family and friendship. I especially liked Vee's connection to her dead mother through letters her mother wrote."
Gabbi of All Five Stars reviewed Perfect by Natasha Friend: "My biggest gripe with Ms. Natasha is the same as my only gripe with legendary YA author, Sarah Dessen. They pick a formula and stick to it. [...] That being said Perfect is still a great read."
Becky of Becky's Book Reviews reviewed Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank-you Notes by Peggy Giford: "Everything I loved about the first book is present in the second. And then some. The completely original and hilarious voice. The wacky chapter titles."
Cat of Beyond Books reviewed The P.L.A.I.N Janes by Cecil Castellucci: "I don't think I liked it all that much. Sure it had an interesting plot idea, but I found the characters all rather, well, plain. Boring, actually. I especially didn't like the Original Jane, the one who was planning all these art attacks, I found her to be fake and uninteresting. "
For differential, check out Khyrinthia of Frenetic Reader's opinion on the same title: " enjoyed the plot immensely, mostly because I see the whole adventure of the Janes as a message to go and do something to make the world, and yourself, better. But just because it has a message doesn't mean it's boring or lame or a pain to read. It's not. It's light and it's just fun to read since much of it is made up of pretty pictures."
James of Book Chic reviewed How To Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier: "Since I'd heard all these good things, my expectations were fairly high and unfortunately, the book fell a bit short."
Carol of Book-Luver Carol reviewed Moby Clique by Cara Lockwood: "Moby Clique was a pretty good book. The references to classical books and the titles makes me want to check out all the classic books mentioned in this series (and that's saying something, since I don't really like to read literary fiction)."
Harmony of Harmony Book Reviews reviewed I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert: "This.Book.Is.Amazing.Read.It.Now. I could honestly stop there but that wouldn't be much of a review, would it?"
Hope of Hope's Bookshelf reviewed Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott: "Elizabeth Scott has done it again. Living Dead Girl is an amazing, gripping novel that will have you hooked, wanting to know Alice's story."
Kelsey of Just Blinded Book Reviews reviewed Sisters of Misery by Megan Kelley Hall: "I zipped through this book so quickly; once I started reading it I couldn't stop. Sisters of Misery was so original--the plot and the characters were so unlike anything that I've read before."
Alea of Pop Culture Junkie posted a new Lookalikes post! This one is of The Host by Stephenie Meyer and Bible Illuminated: The Book: New Testament.
Frenetic Reader interviewed Jim Rugg, graphic artist of The PLAIN Janes by Cecil Castellucci.
Stephanie Kuehnert (I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone) was interviewed by the FABULOUS nineseveneight book reviews and posted her favorite songs on Harmony Book Reviews.
Book-Luver Carol interviewed Diana Rodriguez Wallach, author of Amor and Summer Secrets.
Book of the Week:
Paper Towns by John Green
Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life--dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge--he follows.
After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues--and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.
Printz medalist John Green returns with the brilliant wit and searing emotional honesty that have inspired a new generation of listeners.
Our Reviews:
Kristi: Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan and A BFF Novel: The Guy Next Door by Carol Culver.
Steph: My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger (A) and How To Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier (C).


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Preventing running injuries – Part 1
It is estimated that worldwide around 1.6 billion people take part in running for exercise or competition. Around 10.5 million of those are in the UK alone running for various reasons such as health, fitness, recreation, social wellbeing or training.
However, running injuries can happen to any runner, and it's estimated that 79% of will get injured in any given year. It takes just a few steps to prevent the development of a serious injury and a few moments to understand the cause and education in preventative plans.
Running injuries
The most common place for running injuries are from the hips down, although most runners will report issues from the knees down – if you're reading, and you are a frequent runner, it is very likely you've experience one of the injuries below. But fatigue, poor technique, the wrong footwear, change in running surface or a fall can also lead to injuries from the waist up.
The below two graphics show the front (anterior) and back (posterior) most common running injuries.
The many causes of injuries
There are many things that can cause running injuries and often are combined, increasing the risk of injury:
- Poor footwear
- Non-specific training methods
- Previous history of injury
- Abnormal running mechanics.
Particularly for males there is a high tendency to run excessive distances, which also predispose the runner to injury. A high arched foot (cavus foot) muscle weakness and leg length difference also appear to be factors for predisposition to injuries.
A tremendous amount of body weight is placed on the heel and ball of the foot combined with much higher impact forces due to sufferers with cavus foot decreased shock absorbency and flexibility. Injuries that are more prevalent with cavus foot include stress fractures and a higher risk of PFP. An asymmetric gait caused by leg length difference, which can be anything from as little as 0.05cm up to 4cm, is associated with injuries such as stress fracture of the lower leg, Iliotibial band syndrome and lower back or hip pain. However a major factor associated with lower extremity injuries is due to muscle weakness that causes imbalances and if not corrected can lead to particular areas of the body being placed under undue stress, this in turn can also lead to injury.
A few examples of how weak or inhibited muscles can lead to specific injuries:
- Tight gastrocnemius (calf) muscles combined with weak tibialis anterior (shin muscles) can lead to stress fractures of the tibia and shin splints.
- Inhibited or weak gluteal muscles can cause ITB injury.
- As with leg length difference, muscle weakness causes the weak muscles to fight the tight muscles. This results in fatigue setting in, and combined with inadequate biomechanics generally leads to joint integrity being compromised, which further leads to the onset of injury.
Choosing the appropriate footwear
The attempts to reduce injury for runners through specific based on shoe design is based on material development, technological advancement in shock absorbency and active control of the impact area. But it seems runners are swayed more by brand, colours and looks than terrain suitability and fit.
The interaction between your feet and the shoe and the shoe and the running surface should be the key aspects of shoe design and choice. Manufacturers have embraced that to decrease injury the shoe has to be fitted top the foot and gait and modern shows have various features that help with foot functions. Reducing injury is further achieved by understanding the terrain that the runner will be running on predominantly, examples of shoe specific design would be extra cushioned shoes for greater shock absorbency supinators or cavus feet and elevated insteps for overpronators.
Barefoot running is also becoming more popular and the lower impact midfoot and forefoot strike and shorter stride is thought to reduce the risk of injury even further. But the transition from traditional running to this more natural running must be done gradually, managed properly and on appropriate terrain to reduce risk of injury.


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When the economy slows, government receipts tend to drop, since taxes generally derive from economic activity (such as sales, salaries, etc). So what really happens when the government starts running a deficit? The government is taking unproductive assets (money parked in low yielding bonds) and putting it to productive use (health care, education, etc). The alternative is to try to take money from taxes, which act as a brake for the exact activity that the government is trying to encourage.
Maybe people just intuitively think about government debt the wrong way. Maybe if it was called "citizen assets", people wouldn't automatically think it's a such a bad thing. If the economy has a lot of slack (people unemployed, assets put to unproductive use), funding the government via these kind of unproductive assets seems like the perfect solution.
This is all related to an economic theory called "Modern Monetary Theory", which is definitely worth reading about. It will turn your world around once you get it.
Because the government can issue its own currency at will, MMT maintains that the level of taxation relative to government spending (the government's deficit spending or budget surplus) is in reality a policy tool that regulates inflation and unemployment, and not a means of funding the government's activities per se.
Of course, now that Spain is using a currency that it cannot issue at will, we're pretty much screwed, unless the Eurozone finally gets its head out of the sand, which is unlikely to happen.


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Update: NYSE has completed its review of the impaired stocks. Those are the only 6 stocks which will see trade cancellations:
15:54 ET 01 Aug 2012
MARKET: NYSE, NYSE Amex CATEGORY: Market Operations Update
The NYSE and NYSE MKT in association with all relevant regulatory authorities have concluded the review of this morning's CEE filing. The six symbols listed below will be the only symbols with cancelled trades; no additional symbols will be considered for review.
This decision is not subject to appeal.
WZE at or above $4.68
CO at or above $3.22
UTG RT at or below $0.0497
EJ at or below $3.36
ARC at or above $5.71
KWK at or above $5.91
Just as the only response by the SEC and various exchanges to the May 2010 flash crash was to cancel all trades beyond a 20% band of the prevailing NBBO before the Flash Crash (in the process destroying any confidence that market crash perpetrators would be truly punished by forcing them to incur the full damage resulting from the consequences of their stupidity), so the NYSE has determined to unilaterally cancel all trades, initially in six stocks, but probably in all of the attached 140 symbols, in a move that will teach the offenders absolutely nothing, and will punish only those who took advantage of a broken market to incur one-time profits courtesy of a broken market structure. However, what it will also do, is likely make Knight directly liable for any losses incurred by traders from the opening price through the 30% breakage threshold. In other words, with Knight losing about $300 million in market cap today, investors are speculating that the net loss to the firm will be just that as it has to foot the bill. Considering the volume and breadth of the impaired universe, this will likely be very big underestimation of just what the final bill will be to Knight. And isn't it ironic that Knight itself was until recently complaining about how much money it itself lost on the FaceBook IPO as a market maker...
From the NYSE:
CEE Review Determination for multiple symbols
14:57 ET 01 Aug 2012
The NYSE and NYSE MKT have determined to cancel all trades in the following six symbols associated with this morning's CEE for multiple securities. Trades executed 30% or more above or below the NYSE/NYSE MKT opening price today between 09:30:00 a.m. and 10:15:00 a.m. ET will be busted.
This situation is still under review by all relevant regulatory authorities.
WZE at or above $4.68
CO at or above $3.22
UTG RT at or below $0.0497
EJ at or below $3.36
ARC at or above $5.71
KWK at or above $5.91
And then the NYSE gave out this update as well:
Update: CEE Review Determination for multiple symbols
15:11 ET 01 Aug 2012
MARKET: NYSE, NYSE Amex CATEGORY: Market Operations Update
The NYSE and NYSE MKT encourage all member firms to keep their Common Customer Gateway (CCG) lines up and available after 4 p.m. ET today as some of the trade cancellations referenced in the prior message may not flow back until after 4 p.m. ET.
In addition, all associated tape prints will be removed from the Consolidated Tape after 4 p.m. ET


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Hi guys! How is your week going so far? I hope all is well! I know I've been a little silent on the blog and social media this week but that's only because I'm trying my best to unplug a bit and immerse myself in family fun! Is it just me or do you guys also find it WAY easier to share little updates on social media when you're alone or at home? I honestly think that's a GOOD thing and really like completely forgetting about my phone and not being so connected. I feel like I could write a blog post all about this one day but until then I'll just share a recap of our Wednesday since I toted my real camera along on our adventures and managed to snap a few pics to share!
A Visit to the Jacksonville Zoo
Our plans yesterday took me, my mom, dad and Chase to the Jacksonville Zoo first thing in the morning! A glimpse at the forecast told us we should arrive early if we wanted to beat the heat of the day and avoid afternoon thunderstorms so we arrived right when it opened at 9 a.m.
Even though it was already more than 80 degrees and the humidity was hoppin' when we arrived, we didn't get too sweaty until the last hour or so of our visit thanks to all of the shade around the zoo. I was so impressed with the cleanliness and landscaping of the zoo and definitely appreciated the added sun protection the tall trees provided as we walked around to look at all of the beautiful animals.
The layout of the Jacksonville Zoo included several different loops that made it easy to navigate and see animals of different continents without feeling lost. We began with the Africa loop and had fun pointing out the cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and rhinos to Chase!
He was really into checking everything out and made a bazillion animal noises all day long. My mom, dad and I also loved looking at the animals and agreed that the apes and monkeys were a highlight thanks to the playful and extremely energetic babies that had everyone captivated and laughing.
At one point a baby bonobo monkey was goofing off on a nearby rope net and his mother pulled him down as if to say "Knock it off." A dad next to us looked at his kids and said, "See, that mom was telling her baby to stop doing something just like Mom and Dad tell you!" Apparently saying "no" on repeat is something that parents of all species do all day long!
We spent lots of time looking at everything from jaguars and tigers to otters and bears before it was time to board the train for a big loop around the outside of the zoo.
The train was a highlight for our locomotive-lovin' toddler, that's for sure!
We took the train on the full loop of the zoo back to the front entrance before we figured it was time to head home and put Chase down for a nap. He did amazingly well for such a hot activity that kept him engaged for more than three hours but crashed hard after a quick lunch back at my parents' place.
I used Chase's naptime to catch up on some blog stuff (and begin typing up this post!) and before we knew it he was up again! After a quick snack, my mom, Chase and I headed out to run a Father's Day-related errand and popped into the grocery store for some dinnertime essentials as well. Once we made it home, I had to put together a quick spread for some photos for The Laughing Cow (I regularly contribute photos for their social pages) and my mini food photoshoot doubled as appetizers for our family which was an added bonus!
My sister joined us for dinner after work which was such a treat! Leslie's birthday is at the end of June and since I won't see her on her big day, I wrapped some presents for her to open last night as part of a mini pre-birthday celebration while I am in town.
I gave her a new mug and a pair of earrings from a local Charlotte-area boutique, a new notebook/journal and a mini backpack from lululemon that she seemed to love! She unwrapped her gifts and we ate tacos, fruit salad and cookies together before Leslie headed home and we made our way to bed around 10 p.m.
Today is my last full day in Florida with my family and I'm determined to enjoy as much time as possible at the pool and on the beach with everyone! I'll see you guys tomorrow morning with my usual Things I'm Loving Friday blog post but until then I hope you have a great Thursday!


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Solid Steel
Steel Drum Band
Were Solid Steel and were a professional UK-based steel band (or steel drum band) available for hire with musicians based in London and Manchester. The band was born into this less than tropical climate back in 1986, and promptly achieved nationwide popularity. We travel all over the country, and... [ more ]
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† This act is VAT registered, therefore an additional 20% will be payable on the fee.
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Caribbean Steel Orchestra
» ProfileWere Solid Steel and were a professional UK-based steel band (or steel drum band) available for hire with musicians based in London and Manchester.
The band was born into this less than tropical climate back in 1986, and promptly achieved nationwide popularity. We travel all over the country, and indeed abroad, playing to audiences at events with (or without!) a tropical theme like Caribbean nights, private parties, wedding receptions, corporate events, product and project launches etc. in venues as diverse as hotels, festivals, schools, tv and radio studios, village halls, pubs and restaurants.
In so doing, we make it our business to transport your imagination to the most idyllic sun and rum-soaked Caribbean vacation you have ever or never had!
And so to the music. The instruments we play are Caribbean steel pans or steel drums (the national modern folk instrument of Trinidad & Tobago) which we augment with other stuff as and when required.
So we can sing, we can perform in various sizes and guises, organise steelband workshops and generally on request mould performances that expand upon the traditional calypso and Latin styles of music that form the core of our repertoire. This flexibility and a great sense of fun, we could argue, give us the edge over the competition. But wed be lying. Its the music.
We're in high demand as an acoustic (unplugged!) trio. Why so popular? Well one reason is that the format itself is so very natural, organic and beautifully undated. It has a timeless quality only other acoustic groups like string quartets can aspire to.
The other reason is that Solid Steel, in particular, use the best musicians playing the highest quality of instruments to achieve the best sound. We then choose suitably melodic material such as traditional calypsos and Caribbean folk music with Latin and popular 'standards' fleshing out the repertoire.
But we don't always play as a trio. As much as we love that line-up, it's not always suitable. Sometimes we are booked to play sessions for dancing. There are times when we play as a trio, especially with vocals, that audiences will dance to us.
However, this is far from guaranteed and younger audiences especially find trios too 'light' rhythmically and often prefer us to work with a bass guitar and a drummer in a bigger band with a heavier rhythm. We're then sure to pack the dance floor!
We also play requests, especially those we have prior knowledge of, before your event. Unless we don't know your tune and don't consider it suitable to play on future engagements, we will freely add it to our already extensive repertoire.
» Song List
- Hot Hot Hot -arrow
- Miss Tourist -kitchener
- Who Let The Dogs Out? -anslem Douglas/baha Men
- Sugar Bum Bum -lord Kitchener
- Obeah Wedding -the Mighty Sparrow
- Soul Limbo (test Cricket Theme) -booker T & The Mgs
- Brown Skin Gal -traditional
- Mango Walk -traditional
- Bahia Girl -david Rudder
- Dollar Whine -colin Lucas
- St. Thomas -sonny Rollins
- Linstead Market -traditional
- Matilda -harry Belafonte
- Brown Girl In The Ring -traditional/boney M
- Latin Standards (boleros, Cha Chas, Merengues Etc):
- Brazil
- Peanut Vendor
- Guantanamera
- Perfidia
- South Of The Border
- Quando, Quando, Quando
- Samba De Orfeu
- Island Or tourist Music:
- Yellow Bird -harry Belafonte
- Island In The Sun -harry Belafonte
- Jamaica Farewell -harry Belafonte
- Reggae/ Reggae-pop/ska:
- Stir It Up -bob Marley
- Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
- One Love -bob Marley
- Baby I Love Your Way -big Mountain -
- Like Glue -sean Paul
- Red, Red, Wine -ub40
- Rivers Of Babylon -traditional/boney M
- Monkey Man -toots And The Maytals
- Israelites -desmond Dekker
- Soul/jazz:
- Summertime -gershwin
- Dont Know Why -norah Jones
- Breezin -george Benson
- And Many More!
» TestimonialsBig thanks to Solid Steel for performing at our UKTV company Christmas party. They were fab and great to find a steel band that plays Christmas Carols so well!
Solid Steel just rocked our company Christmas party. Our tuneless group of carol singers would have been lost without their fantastic musical accompaniment.
Hire them! Tom
Solid Steel played at our Wedding earlier this month in suffolk, it was an usual choice for the location but it went down so well, all the guests and the staff at the venue loved them, I can't praise them enough. Hope they go on to have a wonderful and long career
Rachel And Aidan Norris.
Just wanted to say a BIG THANKS! to Solid Steel, the band played at my engagement party in July 09 and gave a great performance!,
Thanks again for helping make the day a special one!
Sandy Stewart.
Thank you to the trio which played at our wedding on 26 September. They were fantastic and everyone loved it. We would definitely recommend you and book you again.
Ian & Magda.
Thank you so much for your entertaining set in Guernsey. the audience loved the limbo and the crowd participation with the dancers. You were great made it more than just another corporate event.
Elaine Lawrie.


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Four people have been arrested in late night raids by Australia's counter-terrorism task force over an alleged plot to blow up a passenger plane, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed. The federal police believes the planned attack was "Islamic-inspired terrorism."
Police have obtained information that "some people in Sydney were planning to commit a terrorist attack using an improvised devise," Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin told reporters.
The plot is believed to be related to "Islamic-inspired terrorism," Colvin said. He did not specify if any terrorist groups, such as Islamic State (IS, ISIS/ISIL), have been linked to the foiled attack.
The federal police are "investigating information indicating the aviation industry was potentially a target of that attack,"Colvin added.
He said there was no indication that airport security was "compromised" at any time.
"Four men have been taken into custody and are assisting police with their enquiries," the Australian Federal Police said in a statement.
Security at Sydney airport was stepped up Thursday in anticipation of a potential attack, with similar measures implemented at airports across the country.
"The public should be reassured that our security and intelligence agencies are working tirelessly to keep us safe," PM Turnbull said in a statement earlier.
Australia's terrorism threat remains at the same "probable" level as it was prior to the raids.
Turnbull advised travellers to expect delays due to increased airport security but said there was no imminent danger.
"Some of the measures will be obvious to the public, some will not be — those travelling should go about their business with confidence," Turnbull said, as cited by Reuters.
"The office of transport security has advised security screening will take longer, and travellers should arrive at terminals at least two hours before flights to allow ample time for screening.
"They should limit the amount of carry-on and checked baggage, as this will help to ensure that security screening is efficient."
Last week, Turnbull released an online video statement in which he announced major reforms of Australia's counter terrorism agencies.
Bomb defused at property, several detainees injured – reports
With little information released by police on the suspects, some details of the counter-terrorism operations have emerged in media reports.
Following a raid in Sydney's eastern suburb of Surry Hills, a man was escorted from a house with a white sheet covering his head and shoulders. His head was wrapped with a bandage. Before being driven away in an ambulance the man told journalists gathered at the property, that he had "no idea" what he was suspected of. "They bashed me," he said, referring to the police arrest.
An elderly woman wearing a hijab, with her face covered with a jacket, was also seen being ushered from the property by police. Another woman with her hands tied up was treated by the medics at the scene, The Daily Telegraph reports. It was unclear if any of the women would be charged.
Witnesses cited by the outlet said they heard loud screams during the operation that reportedly involved around 40 armed riot police, who stormed into the house from both front and back, smashing a part of a back fence, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
A bomb disposal unit was called to the scene and a street near the property was briefly sealed off. With no official confirmation forthcoming, Australia's Channel 7 reported that an explosive device was discovered.
Another police raid was conducted at a property located in Wiley Park, a suburb in south-western Sydney. According to neighbors, the man detained by police was aged around 50, lived with his brother, enjoyed an occasional family visit and had a thing for cats; keeping over a dozen of felines at home.
"He was a strange man, he never looked at you in the eye when you spoke to him," one of the neighbors told the Daily Telegraph.
In Punchbowl, also in south-western Sydney, police reportedly raided a home of a Lebanese family. Eyewitnesses said they heard a woman screaming and saw police questioning four women and a wheelchair-bound man.
"We don't really know them, we just say hi because they're Lebanese as well. They seem like good people," neighbors were cited as saying.
Another raid was conducted at Lakembam, south-western Sydney. Police were seen with gas masks as they entered the property but no further details were released.
Australia's Halal Chief Rants that White Women Need to Be Fertilized by Muslim Men
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Most punters are only interested in the welcome bonus offered by the sportsbook when they do their research for choosing a new place to bet. Many players might not even know how to claim a reload bonus. However, you should trust us when we say that finding bookies with a solid reload bonus system is often a lot more profitable in the long term. Reload bonus sports betting allows you to increase the stake and maximise your winnings over a longer period. So, if you want to discover all the benefits of such a bonus and get a complete answer to "what is a reload bonus?", keep reading the article we prepared for you.
Sportsbook reload offers
How Do Reload Offers Work?
We are jumping straight into the matter of what's a reload bonus and how does one work towards improving your overall betting experience. This type of bonus becomes available right after the sign-up offer has been claimed and wagered, and it can be applied to any number of deposits you make. To claim such a promotion, you can either use a bookmaker reload bonus code or simply opt in to a promo on the betting site. Some bookmakers may ask you to contact the customer support to claim your reload bonus; it all depends on how they have organised their bonus system. No matter which option you need to apply, the process is straightforward, and you will be able to claim your bonus in no time.
Keep in mind that one thing applies to all types of reload bonuses. The wagering requirement. You should always make sure you have all the info on the turnover requirements before claiming a bonus because only after meeting these prerequisites you will be able to withdraw.
We have given you a hint regarding this subject in the introduction. However, it is time to settle this matter once and for all. Most bookmakers put an emphasis on their first deposit offer because that is the highest bonus value you will ever get. However, as the name suggests, you can only claim that bonus for your first deposit. The reload bonus sportsbook websites offer, on the other hand, can be claimed for multiple deposits in a row, sometimes even for every deposit that you make. So, if taken separately, the best reload bonus percentage might be lower than the first deposit offer, however, by being available for multiple deposits, reload bonuses become much more valuable.
After establishing that betting reload offers are far more lucrative than sign-up deposit bonuses, we are going to continue by detailing the types of different reload bonuses available out there. Each bookmaker decides on their structure of betreload bonuses, and the main differences come from how often these bonuses can be claimed.
Second and Third Deposit Bonus
Perhaps the best reload offers sportsbooks deliver the ones for the second and third deposit bonus. These bonuses are designed as a gateway between the first deposit bonus and the ongoing offers. Most of the time, the second deposit bonus betting sites offer is as close as possible to the sign-up deal. It acts as a buffer for the gradual decrease of bonus values after the first deposit offer.
Weekly and Monthly Reload Offers
Proving their efficiency in online casinos, the weekly and monthly reload offers take bookmakers by storm. Offering punters regular bonuses to claim, the bookie reload offer is a great way to maximise the number of bets and the total value of the stakes. If you are into valuable reload offers that are awarded regularly, make sure you pay 10Bet and Betrebels a visit. The monthly and even weekly reload bonuses offered here are sure to give you a welcome addition to back all your favourite teams.
Special Events Reload Bonus
Another, very popular, example of reload bonuses offered by betting sites are the ones linked with various events around the world. No matter if we are talking about the start of a new season in the English Premier League, a huge event like the UEFA Champions League final or the Superbowl, the reload bonuses offered make it easier for punters to bet on their favourite events. One thing you can be sure of is that there is a sportsbook reload bonus for every major sporting event out there.
Second Chance Bonus
The second chance bonus gets its name from being offered to players that had an active period within a sportsbook and stopped playing afterwards. Punters can expect higher bonus values when it comes to the second chance bonus. A 100 reload bonus sportsbook offer is quite common, and besides the higher value, punters can also expect much lower wagering requirements.
Payment Reload Bonus
Payment-specific bonuses have been around for a long time. Not late after online betting sites became a thing, bonuses offered for certain payment methods started to appear. While it may seem a random thing, bookmakers carefully choose the deposit options that get special bonuses. In most cases, these are low-fee banking methods such as EcoPayz or Bitcoin that come with lower expenses for bookmakers. What you get is a win-win situation when talking about a Bitcoin sportsbook bonus because you enjoy the extra balance and the bookmaker pays lower administration fees.
In most cases, bookmakers will request that you finish the wagering requirements on the offer you previously claimed before being able to apply for a new bonus. You should check the Terms and Conditions of the bookmaker to make sure.
The bookmaker specifies how every bonus can be used by players. Some online betting sites allow you to enjoy casinos games with a bonus claimed in the sportsbook, however, most of the reload bonuses are destined for the sportsbooks only.
We are constantly updating this page to make sure you get instant access to the best to reload offers offered by top bookmakers. So, checking our website regularly is the only action you need to take to make sure you get the best bonuses.


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If you're looking for a new smartphone that is easy to use, right from the box, the Samsung Focus from AT&T running Windows Phone 7 is a great choice.
This skinny compact phone has a beautiful screen that feels good in your hand and is the lightest and thinnest of the Windows Phone 7 devices.
Screen Customization
|Blue tiles on
start screen
The phone came with a white background and lime green accent color. When it seems that almost everyone is using black, the change to a white background is rather refreshing. The screens flip away in pieces when starting apps or making selections from menus. It's a neat effect that has been novel during the two months of testing but one can't help wonder if this gets old after awhile.
Syncing Email, Contacts, and Calendars
The Samsung Focus includes a 5 megapixel camera with a flash. It also records 720p HD video. Users with older smartphones will be amazed at how much better the cameras on phones have gotten. The camera takes clear pictures. When taking pictures of light colored things, it seemed there was a red cloud in the middle of the pictures. Strange.
When a picture is taken, it can be shared immediately from the screen, eliminating extra navigational steps like on most other phones. There's also a dedicated camera button that can be used even when the phone is locked.
|Windows Phone 7 Pictures Hub
Voice Dialing
I have always been a big fan of voice dialing on phones. Some phone vendors haven't taken this seriously, and others are starting to catch on. Ten years ago, you had to record a name for each person manually. Five years ago, you didn't have to record the name, but your phone would sit there thinking about whether to call "Domino's Pizza or "Dominic in Palo Alto."
The new fad is that the phone sends your voice up to the Internet where the brainpower of an entire datacenter can think about the answer and get back to you with, thankfully, the right answer. For Microsoft, it's "powered by TellMe", a leader in voice recognition software, and company Microsoft acquired a few years ago. They are the ones who run the 800 directory listing service. So rest assured, you're dealing with commercial-quality speech recognition here.
Other apps that are necessities include:
|Twitter app
- Twitter and Facebook because a busy social media mom on the go can't ever be out of touch with her networks
- WordPress to manage content on sites like MyBlogalicious and ChicaLogic so I can be sure that new content is always being loaded
- The Weather Channel for helping me plan our pool trips around the day's thunderstorms
- Apps for the kids that help them learn wherever we may be and keep them entertained during unexpected long waits. My phone came preloaded with Smarty Sharky ($1.29— math for ages 3-5), Flashcards (free — interactive way to review all kinds of content), Math 4 Kids (free—math puzzles that make it fun to learn basic concepts), and Giggle Pad (free— interactive puzzle game containing songs, colors, sounds, shapes, and even fireworks).
Other Features
The home screen is fully customizable as are the ringtones. I found it funny that the volume was adjustable from 0 to 30. I wonder how much louder 27 is versus 25? From the volume menu, you can quickly put the phone into vibrate mode. There didn't seem to be a shortcut for enabling/disabling GPS, Bluetooth or Airplane mode. For many people, that's probably not an issue. Overall, the number of changeable settings and options seems to be on the low side. The phone seems to fall between Android (fully customizable) and the iPhone (exactly the way Steve Jobs wants it).
The phone ran flawlessly and was quite responsive with no crashes or errors. Whether or not you've looked at Windows phones in the past, Windows Phone 7 is definitely worth checking out.
GIVEAWAY: Win a Samsung Focus Windows Phone 7 courtesy of Microsoft! Please note that this giveaway is for the device only and does not come with AT&T service. AT&T customers can most likely use their SIM card from their current service plan but are encouraged to check with AT&T.
TO ENTER: Leave a comment about your biggest pet peeve about your current smartphone. Include your email or Twitter handle in your comment to be eligible to win. Comments must be left before Sunday, July 10 at 12:00 EST.
For extra entries, complete the above and do any of the following:
- Tweet this daily and leave a comment with the link to your tweet: Samsung Focus @WindowsPhone 7 review & #giveaway on @TechSavvyMama! I entered 2 win here: www.TechSavvyMama.com
- Follow @TechSavvyMama on Twitter and comment below.
- Follow Windows Phone on Twitter and let me know in your comment.
- Subscribe to this blog via email and tell me you've done so below
- Be my Facebook friend and leave a comment. My new Leticia-TechSavvyMama page is up but under construction!
- Post the Tech Savvy Mama badge on your site and leave a link to your blog in your comment. Here is the badge HTML:
Fine print: Eligible comments for this giveaway must be received by Sunday, July 10 at 12:00 pm EST. Winner will selected by Random.org and contacted via email or DMed on Twitter. Winner has 24 hours to respond with a US shipping address and their phone number or another winner will be selected. Winner acknowledges that the Samsung Focus Windows Phone 7 giveaway is for the device only and no service is part of the giveaway. Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama and Microsoft are not responsible for items lost, damaged, or delayed during shipping.


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Neuer Löschroboter In Den USA Entwickelt
Der Roboterhersteller Howe and Howe Technologies aus den USA hat einen neuen Löschroboter auf den Markt gebracht. Der Hersteller spricht hier selbst vom weltweit ersten Feuerwehrroboter, allerdings sind uns auch andere Robotermodelle für den Feuerwehrbereich bekannt...
Maine Twins' Fire-Fighting Robot Catches On
Twin brothers from Maine have devised an unmanned vehicle that's being hailed as the world's first fire-fighting robot. Identical twins Michael and Geoffrey Howe, of Howe Howe Technologies in Waterboro, have a background as defense contractors, building robotic bomb-sniffing and surveillance vehicles for the military.
Our Howe And Howe Technologies' Adventure Trip
In early May, ATV Rider Editor Thad Josey and I road-tripped it to Howe and Howe Technologies' main headquarters in Waterboro, Maine, in the hopes of riding their Mini Rip. What we envisioned as a basic ride test instead turned into the greatest adventure story I've ever been involved with
Waterboro-based company builds firefighter robots to go places where people can't
The nuclear plant meltdowns after Japan's catastrophic earthquake and resultant tsunamis 17 months ago gave Geoff and Mike Howe pause.
The twin inventors who head the Waterboro-based Howe & Howe Technologies — subject of a popular television show on the Discovery Channel — realized there were more ways their now famous unmanned military vehicles could be used to help keep people out of harm's way.
Howe brothers discover precision fabrication
How are fabricators made? The Howes are fabricators made from natural inquisitiveness, tireless enthusiasm, and keen intellect. No formal fabricating training was needed.
Invention Awards: Ripsaw Tank Delivers Death at 60MPH
Today's featured Invention Award winner really requires no justification--it's an unmanned, armed tank faster than anything the US Army has. Behold, the Ripsaw.
Howe and Howe Technologies deals with vandalism
Suspected metal thieves are being blamed for extensive damage to a test facility in Lebanon owned by Howe and Howe Technologies, an extreme-vehicle fabricator that was featured for two seasons on the Discovery Channel.
Geoffrey Howe, a co-owner of the Waterboro-based company, said he noticed the damage earlier this month when he entered the site to test a robotic ballistic shield suitable for SWAT team use in front of Maine State Police.
Howe & Howe Technologies' fire-fighting, unmanned ground vehicle removes the human element from hazardous environments and rescues downed victims with its robotic arm.
Firefighters have an extremely dangerous career involving high-risk challenges that could result in critical injuries or fatalities. Most of the time, they enter into hazardous environments with limited visibility, toxic chemicals, and extreme heat variations.


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I first noticed on Sunday morning that she was super fussy and by mid-day she was inconsolable. I took her temperature and it was 101. I called the nurse line for UCSD Pediatrics and they told me to head to the Children's Hospital ER.
Luckily they got us right in and took Elise's blood and urine. She did NOT like either of those one bit. Then we waited and started to worry that she could be really sick with something terrible. Of course the ER doctor asked me about the pregnancy (normal?) and I had to tell her I had chemo while pregnant. I hate repeating my sad, crazy story.
|After they took her blood via the little IV in her hand. She looks so sad.
After a couple of hours, we got the results back and it turned out Elise had a urinary track infection. Poor baby! They gave her IV antibiotics and let us go once her fever was under 100.4. Now we just had to give her antibiotics for 10 days to make sure the infection is 100% gone.
Of course this all happened when both Jon and my parents were out of town, so I was alone, scared, and exhausted. Luckily, our dear family friends, Bill and Kay, came to the ER when I told them the news and Kay even stayed the night at my house with us after Elise was discharged to help out. So sweet.
So I survived Elise's first health scare. While we were in the hospital I just prayed and prayed that it would be nothing serious and easily treatable. And, thank God, it was. We can only have one of us in the hospital at a time!
The antibiotics worked right away, and she's back to her usual happy self.
The only follow-up we have to do is a kidney and bladder ultrasound tomorrow to make sure there is nothing obviously wrong with her kidneys or bladder that caused the UTI, but very often UTIs just happen to little girls from bacteria. Nevertheless, please send up some prayers for us tomorrow that the ultrasound shows nothing bad. It's hard for me to trust a "routine" test since the last time I had one of those I found out I had cancer.


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Some of the best Carlos Gonzalez rookie cards make great investments. Gonzalez baseball cards have been getting a lot of attention after he put up some amazing numbers last season. He has become a key hitter in the Rockies lineup and will be a vital part of their success in 2011. This young talent has proven that he can hit major league pitching. He can hit for power as well as average. Some of the best Carlos Gonzalez baseball cards have more than doubled in value over the past season. These cards are still very undervalued if he continues to put up the tremendous numbers that he did last season.
Value of Carlos Gonzalez Rookie Cards
The price of a Carlos Gonzalez rookie is determined by a small number of factors. The condition of the card or cards is vital to its price. The better the condition the more the Carlos Gonzalez rookie card is worth. Scarcity is also an important element when figuring out just how much a Carlos Gonzalez rookie card is worth. Like condition, scarcity can make a huge difference when it comes to pricing. Popularity is another key factor which should also be considered when buying his cards. The more popular a player is the more money it costs to purchase their rookie cards.
Best Carlos Gonzalez Rookie Card- 2006 Bowman Carlos Gonzalez rookie card. Currently the card is selling for $8-$10 in Mint condition.
Best Carlos Gonzalez Rookie Cards of all-time- These are some of the greatest Gonzalez cards of all-time. They are currently some of the hottest baseball cards in the hobby.
- 2006 Bowman Carlos Gonzalez rookie card
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Carlos Gonzalez rookie card
- 2005 Topps Update Chrome Carlos Gonzalez rookie card
Teams Carlos Gonzalez has Played For- Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics
Carlos Gonzalez baseball cards will always be great collectibles. He has proven to be one of the elite hitters in the game. Carlos Gonzalez autograph cards are also very popular investments. Carlos Gonzalez signed rookie cards can be purchased for much less than what it costs to have him sign something at a card show. Now is a great time to buy some of his better cards and wait to see how he develops.
[gma_ebay player="carlos+gonzalez+rookie"]


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Golden Globes 2017: See full winners list here
Hollywood's best party took place Sunday night at the Jimmy Fallon-hosted Golden Globes.
SEE ALSO: 5 Golden Globe wins we'd love to see
Television faves such as Game of Thrones and Stranger Things are set to duke it out, alongside movie frontrunners such as La La Land and Manchester by the Sea. Plus: Deadpool.
A full list of winners, updating live, is below.
Best Motion Picture, Drama
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight — WINNER
Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
20th Century Women
Florence Foster Jenkins
La La Land — WINNER
Sing Street
Best Director
Damien Chazelle, La La Land — WINNER
Tom Ford, Nocturnal Animals
Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea
Best Actor, Drama
Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea — WINNER
Joel Edgerton, Loving
Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge
Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington, Fences
Best Actress, Drama
Amy Adams, Arrival
Jessica Chastain, Miss Sloane
Isabelle Huppert, Elle — WINNER
Ruth Negga, Loving
Natalie Portman, Jackie
Best Actor, Comedy
Colin Farrell, The Lobster
Ryan Gosling, La La Land — WINNER
Hugh Grant, Florence Foster Jenkins
Jonah Hill, War Dogs
Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool
Best Actress, Comedy
Annette Bening, 20th Century Women
Lily Collins, Rules Don't Apply
Hailee Steinfeld, The Edge of Seventeen
Emma Stone, La La Land — WINNER
Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins
Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water
Simon Helberg, Florence Foster Jenkins
Dev Patel, Lion
Aaron Taylor Johnson, Nocturnal Animals — WINNER
Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis, Fences — WINNER
Naomie Harris, Moonlight
Nicole Kidman, Lion
Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea
Best Screenplay
Damien Chazelle, La La Land — WINNER
Tom Ford, Nocturnal Animals
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea
Taylor Sheridan, Hell or High Water
Best Original Score
La La Land — WINNER
Hidden Figures
Best Original Song
"Can't Stop the Feeling," Trolls
"City of Stars," La La Land — WINNER
"Faith," Sing
"Gold," Gold
"How Far I'll Go," Moana
Best Animated Feature Film
Kubo and the Two Strings
My Life as a Zucchini
Zootopia — WINNER
Best Foreign Language Film
Elle — WINNER
The Salesman
Toni Erdmann
Best TV Series, Drama
The Crown — WINNER
Game of Thrones
Stranger Things
This Is Us
Best TV Series, Comedy or Musical
Atlanta — WINNER
Mozart in the Jungle
Best TV Miniseries or Movie
American Crime
The Dresser
The Night Manager
The Night Of
The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story — WINNER
Best Actor, Drama
Rami Malek, Mr. Robot
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Matthew Rhys, The Americans
Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan
Billy Bob Thornton, Goliath — WINNER
Best Actress, Drama
Caitriona Balfe, Outlander
Claire Foy, The Crown — WINNER
Keri Russell, The Americans
Winona Ryder, Stranger Things
Evan Rachel Wood, Westworld
Best Actor, Comedy
Anthony Anderson, Blackish
Gael Garcia Bernal, Mozart in the Jungle
Donald Glover, Atlanta — WINNER
Nick Nolte, Graves
Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent
Best Actress, Comedy
Rachel Bloom, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Sarah Jessica Parker, Divorce
Issa Rae, Insecure
Gina Rodriguez, Jane the Virgin
Tracee Ellis Ross, Blackish — WINNER
Best Supporting Actor
Sterling K. Brown, The People vs. O.J. Simpson
Hugh Laurie, The Night Manager —WINNER
John Lithgow, The Crown
Christian Slater, Mr. Robot
John Travolta, The People vs. O.J. Simpson
Best Supporting Actress
Olivia Colman, The Night Manager — WINNER
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
Chrissy Metz, This Is Us
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
Thandie Newton, Westworld
Best Actor, Mini-Series or TV Movie
Riz Ahmed, The Night Of
Bryan Cranston, All the Way
Tom Hiddleston, The Night Manager — WINNER
John Turturro, The Night Of
Courtney B. Vance, The People vs. O.J. Simpson
Best Actress, Mini-Series or TV Movie
Felicity Huffman, American Crime
Riley Keough, The Girlfriend Experience
Sarah Paulson, The People vs. O.J. Simpson — WINNER
Charlotte Rampling, London Spy
Kerry Washington, Confirmation


text: search Search keywords City, state, zip code Find a job Please select an auto suggested location. Explore our top Office Clerical Administrative jobs today. We have a wide selection of contracts available, so whether you want to be employed as a temp-to-hire, temporary contract, or a direct hire employee, Adecco USA has a position for you.Adecco USA's experts can help you find a job, just fill out a short application form and send it to us; otherwise, you can also apply for vacant positions yourself. To further help your job search, our resources section has some great career tips and tools. Did you know that the technology and skills you need at work can change over time? Sign up to our newsletter and get all the information you need to stay in the know. Sort By Relevance Date within 25 miles Category Office, Clerical & Administrative Warehouse 172 Industrial & Manufacturing 124 Medical & Science 30 Laboratory 21 Administration 2 Nursing 2 Medical Technician 1 Pharmaceutical - Clinical 1 R & D 1 Orthopaedic 1 Pharmaceutical Industry 1 Office, Clerical & Administrative 28 Administrative Assistant 13 Clerical 9 Secretarial 4 Receptionist 2 Call Center & Customer Service 17 Accounting & Finance 7 Retail/Sales 7 Education, Human Resources, Training 6 Information Technology 5 Hospitality 5 Engineering 3 Creative & Marketing 3 Transportation 3 Business Operations and Management 2 State New Jersey Alabama 1 Alaska 1 Arizona 31 Arkansas 1 California 59 Colorado 5 Connecticut 9 Delaware 9 Florida 22 Georgia 7 Hawaii 6 Idaho 5 Il 1 Illinois 18 In 1 Indiana 13 Iowa 4 Kansas 6 Kentucky 19 Ks 2 Louisiana 6 Maine 2 Maryland 30 Massachusetts 22 Michigan 15 Minnesota 21 Mississippi 1 Missouri 12 Montana 1 Nevada 9 New Hampshire 3 New Jersey 38 New Mexico 3 New York 21 North Carolina 16 Ohio 25 Oklahoma 2 Oregon 25 Pennsylvania 16 Rhode Island 3 South Carolina 3 Tennessee 8 Texas 72 Vermont 5 Virginia 10 Washington 7 Wisconsin 5 Wyoming 4 City City Ashland 1 Booneville 1 Bridgewater 1 Bridgewater Township 3 Burlington 1 Covington 1 East Windsor 1 Edgewater 1 Edison 1 Elmwood Park 18 Fairdale 2 Frankfort 3 Georgetown 1 Gilbertsville 1 Hamilton 1 Lafayette 1 Louisville 7 Mahwah 3 Neptune 1 Newark 1 Nicholasville 1 Nutley 2 Pennington 1 Princeton 1 Somerville 1 Swedesboro 1 Teterboro 1 Contract Type Contract Type Contract/Temp to Hire 24 Contract/Temporary 34 Category: office-clerical-administrative State: kentucky State: New Jersey State: In Category: Medical & Science Reset Searching for New Jersey Medical & Science jobs? We currently have 58 jobs available. Create a job alert Related Searches For - Tap here to refine jobs Show more Show 10 20 30 Results Per page Interim Staffing Ambassador New Edgewater, New Jersey Contract/Temporary $24.00/Hour Adecco is currently assisting a local client in their search to fill an Interim Staffing Ambassador job in Swedesboro, NJ! Apply now if you meet the qualifications listed below! Type: Fulltime (40 hours / week) contract Length: 8/1 –... See job description Lab Data Entry New Elmwood Park, New Jersey Contract/Temp to Hire $17.00/Hour At Adecco, we are the workforce experts providing work opportunities to individuals across all industries. Every day, we have more than 100,000 associates on assignment, and our 30,000 internal colleagues are working hard to help our candidates... See job description Lab Specimen Processor New Elmwood Park, New Jersey Contract/Temp to Hire $17.00/Hour You landing a new Lab Specimen Processor job in Elmwood Park, NJ would be pretty good, BUT you landing a new Lab Specimen Processor job with US would be simply AWESOME! It can happen, because we're looking for long-term Lab Specimen Processors to... See job description Patient Service Representative New Newark, New Jersey Contract/Temporary Care provided is patient centered. ? Actively contributes to creating a friendly, welcoming and safe environment for UH customers. ? Communicates clearly to ensure understanding. ? Responds to complaints and concerns by resolving issues... See job description CHFS Administrative New Louisville, Kentucky Contract/Temporary $14.50/Hour Adecco is assisting a local client in recruiting for an Administrative job in Louisville, KY. This is a great opportunity that will give you valuable experience to enhance your career. Duties include but are not limited to printing and mailing... See job description Contracts and Pricing Analyst New Mahwah, New Jersey Contract/Temporary $ 25 - $ 35 / Hour Adecco is currently assisting a globally known client in their efforts to fill a Contracts and Pricing Analyst position in Mahwah, NJ paying $25.00 to $35.00 / hr . Apply now if you meet the qualifications listed below! Type: Fulltime (40... See job description Part-Time Administrative Assistant New Lafayette, In Contract/Temporary $14.00/Hour Adecco is assisting a local client in recruiting for a Part-time Administrative Assistant job in Lafayette, IN. This is a temporary opportunity. Pay is $14.00/hr. Work 5 days a week 4 hours each day. Schedule must be flexible. To apply click the... See job description Mailroom Clerk New Louisville, Kentucky Contract/Temp to Hire $14.95/Hour Adecco is currently assisting a local client, recruiting for Mailroom Clerk jobs in Louisville, KY. These Mailroom Clerk jobs are seasonal temporary opportunities, with starting pay rates of $14.95/hr plus overtime! For instant consideration for... See job description Data Entry Specialist New Neptune, New Jersey Contract/Temporary $ 16 - $ 18 / Hour Adecco is hiring a Data Entry Specialist for a client in Neptune, NJ. This Data Entry Specialist position is a temporary opportunity. If you meet the requirements below, Apply Now! Responsibilities for the Data Entry Specialist include but are... See job description Staffing Ambassador New East Windsor, New Jersey Contract/Temporary $24.00/Hour Adecco is currently assisting a local client in their search to fill a Staffing Coordinator position in East Windsor, NJ ! Apply now if you meet the qualifications listed below! Please make sure to read the job description before applying. Start... See job description 1 2 3 4 5 E EE Clear your search criteria to see more results or browse the job categories we service. Send Us Your Resume and we will closely review your information. If we find an opportunity that matches your skills and career goals, we'll reach out to you to get to know you even better. Want new jobs? We'll email you. Name your job alert First name Last name Email How often would you like to see new jobs? Job Alert Duration Get the career advice you need when you need it. Sign up for our Career Advisor newsletter. Send me job alerts! By signing up. you are agreeing to the Terms of Use. Apply.JobAlertsTermsLabel Apply.TermsAndConditionsCheckBoxError Exit without saving × Awesome! Your job alert is saved. You'll see new jobs in your inbox soon. Good luck with your job search!


text:
DCP updates consumer handbook for CT's Lemon Law Program
The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) recently released an updated handbook to support consumers who may need to use Connecticut's Lemon Law Program.
The Lemon Law Program can protect owners of defective new vehicles registered as passenger cars, combinations, or motorcycles. Since its creation, the program has returned more than $60 million dollars in refunds and replacement vehicles to Connecticut consumers.
"We always want to encourage consumers to protect themselves and make smart choices by doing their homework before large purchases and understanding what programs exist to support them," said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, "We're excited to share this updated information with consumers and for the progress we continue to make with this program."
Find the updated manual here. For more information about the program, visit ct.gov/DCP/lemon, email email@example.com or call 860-713-6120.


text:
I have 6 floated DIVs in two rows. I use PocketGrid as CSS framework (in particular its "automatic rows" feature) and I would like to size each one using CSS indexes and not specific class name.
I tried it in this jsFiddle but even if first 3 blocks (first row) are sized correctly, next 3 ones are not.
.sintesi-offerta > .block:nth-child(1n) {
width: 40%;
.sintesi-offerta > .block:nth-child(2n) {
width: 20%;
.sintesi-offerta > .block:nth-child(3n) {
width: 40%;
How to set
.block:nth-child(...) in order to have first and fourth block with 40% width, second and fifth with 20% and so on?


text: Gold Accents And Red Flowers-Small Christmas Sweater Red flowers on this ugly Christmas sweater are accented with gold stitching. Chest = 38" Length = 20" Remember, each ugly sweater is one of a kind! For info on how we size our sweaters, check here. For info on how we size our suits, check here.


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SmartParking is making headlines across the world and helping drivers find open parking spots. Can government use this data effectively to bring real public benefit?
Sensors are now being used in multiple applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) world. Many of us are familiar with the 'smart home' capabilities brought upon by consumer products like Nest thermostats or Amazon Alexa. Cities have been using meter reading devices for a while, but are making inroads into many other uses of IoT today.
For example, Infranovate has a 'smart bench' that provides free wifi, can charge your phone, provide weather KPIs to the city, measure traffic – both human and vehicles, as well as serve as a place to sit down. This is in beta mode with the city of Toronto.
This past month, the Public Sector Digest was on Open Data. Our contribution to the PSD issue was visualizing the open data created via the new smart parking implementation in Stratford. This project was partly sponsored by the Canada's Open Data Exchange with integration of several Canadian firms being led by Waterloo's FoxNet.
Why does it matter?
Knowing the patterns of use of city services will enable government to better meet the demands that come up. In the smart parking case seen here, one can quickly see over the course of a day the occupancy of parking on the streets.
Some spots are busy all the time while others are not used as much. Days of the week make a difference.
We made the assumption that usage would vary across events/festivals that a city endorses.
Using smart parking sensors like this we are able to prove there are significant differences in across events.
On the 'Churn' tab, we wanted to see if the average time of occupancy varied at different locations downtown across typical weekends vs even weekends.
The data clearly shows the parking spaces being fuller with longer times during events.
Information like this would allow the city to investigate temporary parking lots for large events that are intended to help their downtown core.
What's next in this field?
The sky is the limit we are finding, for government applications of IOT.
The more a city knows about the usage of the public assets, the better they are able to meet the public needs.
Imagine multiple sensors at one location recording information for a city. For example, LIDAR detections at one second increments (plus several other sensors, like weather, measuring multiple things) at Infranovate's smartbench which is recording and classifying movement near it. That is up to half a billion data points a year from one bench. That's truly BIG data!Categorised in: Big Data, Government Data, Open Data
This post was written by Drew Fones
Comments are closed here.


text:
Typo have opened a new store, this time in Great World City.
Typo is a one stop concept store filled with supercool gift ideas, fashionable stationery, awesome room-bling and other irresistible products.
Great World City #01-17C/D, 1 Kim Seng Promenade
Typo has opened a new outlet at Great World City.
Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade


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Sweet Sue Whole Chicken in a Can - Ew, ew, ew.
Farmers fear pigs may get "swine" flu from people - Counterintuitive. Interesting.
Food maven Ruth Reichl: 'I'm starving!' - Our book club just finished Ruth Reichl's "Garlic and Sapphires." We all liked it as it was a fun, easy read. Her antics were a hoot! Ruth's new book, "Not Becoming My Mother: And Other Things She Taught Me Along the Way," has pushed her back into the spotlight a lot these days. Her current position as the editor-in-chief of the precariously positioned Gourmet magazine only reinforces her need to stay visible.
Ruth Goes Undercover - Mickey Rourke, Amy Winehouse, and Gene Simmons. Silly. All for the love of foodies ;-)
And to round it off...
Ruth Reichl Rips Into Lobsters, Gets Her Dumplings to Go - Ruth eats were way from LA to NYC over the course of a week. Well, it's more like she details all of her meals over the course of a week when she happens to be in both cities. She leads a fun life!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Around the Internet: Food
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text:
The best dog for personal protection is a natural guard dog which is motivated by temperament traits to accept responsibility for protection of persons and property and to use the proper amount of force to do that job. Natural guard dogs are difficult to obtain, test or demonstrate, but he has many advantages over an attack-trained dog. A natural guard dog has a better judgement.
Your first step toward the right type of personal protection dog is to examine your own needs and environment carefully, before you look at the dog. Next, consider the three definitive categories of personal protection dogs and align your efforts accordingly. They are:
His job is to detect and announce any person approaching the area he serves. He is useful in situations where alarm is needed but where biting, or even the threat of biting, could not be permitted. Examples are places where the proprietor needs to know of each arrival but, because the callers are few, does not spend time watching the entrance. Because such dog does not need to offer the threat pf physical protection, there are no minimum requirements for size and strength. One of the small breeds can be as good an alarm as the largest dog. When you have learned of a good prospect, try to make your first visit to his home a surprise so that you can see the dog as he usually acts. Determine if he is such a constant barker that he would have to be confined where he would do you little good. Observe whether his alertness is solely the result of a panicky shyness. There is a simple test you can use to check an alarm dog that seems worth further consideration. Arrange to call again at the dog's home accompanied by two other persons, who will wait a short distance from the house until after you have been admitted. Not only will you have a second chance to study how the dog reacts to your approach, but it will give you an opportunity to see whether the dog is so distracted by your presence that the individual approach of the other two "strangers" will go unnoticed. If the dog shows enough responsibility to concern himself with each separate arrival, he is worth a trial if you've found that he qualifies in other respects.
The threat dog's job is to provide a threat as well as alarm. Although the threat dog should not be overly aggressive, he must have the courage to stand his ground staunchly against anyone who tries to bluff his way past him. This need for courage and alertness means that much care must be used in selecting the dog. In posing a threat, the dog's attitude is more important than the size. The following step will save you much time. If possible, before you go to look at the prospect, phone its owner and explain that you need a dog with enough courage to stand up to a person who will try to bluff him down. Make it clear that you will want to watch while a stranger does the testing. if an owner objects to such a proposal, get the dog off the list of your prospects. Without a test for this essential quality, there is no reason to consider any other virtues the dog might have. When you have obtained an owner's consent to test his dog, arrange to have someone who can follow directions capably to do the testing while you watch from a concealed place. The dog should be tested in as close to the normal home situation as possible, but he must be within a fence, or tied, so there is no danger of a bite. The owner should not be within sight, as his presence may encourage the dog to react differently. Your tester should have a burlap sack and a cap gun to snap, with or without caps. If the dog is shy, he'll back up from the clicking. Ask the tester to walk in normal manner to a point where the dog will alert, and then to proceed to within a few feet of the dog where he should make a threatening swing with a sack and snap the gun two or three times. If the dog continues to oppose your helper's entry after the sack is swung toward him and the gun is snapped, the tester should turn and leave the area. The dog should indicate by his actions that he has enough staunchness to discourage most intruders.
A true man-stopper does not merely show willingness to fight. His job is to stop a man, if necessary, by winning a fight. His basic qualifications include:
To find a dog who meets these requirements and can then reorient these qualities to another master can be very difficult. Generally, a puppy with such potential is more adaptable to a household than an adult would be.
Talk to people who have been active in obedience work. They are interested in temperament and may be able to tell you about common faults and virtues that they have observed in certain lines of dogs. Both professionals and amateurs may be of help in this respect. The first is a test to see whether the dog will stay with a person or property by his own free choice when there are obvious and inviting opportunities to leave. Remember that no guard dog is any good when he's gone. Even more important is the truth that a dog who lacks the responsibility to stay with his charges rarely makes a good protector when he is with them. Apply the test in the same manner to adult prospects and to the parents or close relatives of any puppy prospect you might consider. The best possible way of determining the traits a family of dogs possesses is by observing those traits in dogs of that family.
Have the owner of each dog you test take him by car away from his premises, and, in a strange area, free him from any restraint. Without commanding the dog in any way, the man should walk slowly along. From a distance, watch to see whether the dog is so distracted or tempted by his new surroundings that he forgets all about his master. A dog with the qualities of a good guard dog might drift around a bit, noticing all things in his environment, but he would show concern with his master's whereabouts, and at definite intervals would swing back close to him to demonstrate his responsibility. Such a dog would be worthy of further considering. If, when he is not restrained, a dog finds his new surroundings so interesting that he forgets to keep track of his master, you had better look elsewhere for a natural protector.
Merely considering such a test will cause many owners to withdraw their fogs with such excuses as, "He's had no training," or "He's never been out of the yard." You'll gain more than you'll lose from these withdrawals.
The second step in testing is to arrange with the dog's owner for a demonstration of what happens when a gate or door is accidentally left open. Watch the proceedings form a distance so that you will not be of interest to the dog. A dog who is accustomed to confinement, is sometimes slow to notice and opportunity to leave an area, so be sure that your prospect makes a choice between staying and leaving. The owner should remain concealed and quiet so that he does not influence the situation.
Ideally, a responsible dog should be concerned with staying on "his" property. Don't write him off completely if he saunters outside his area and putters around in a way that demonstrates he is still more concerned with home and fireside than with the call of the open road. However, if he shows that his heartstrings are but frail threads against the pull of adventure, and his unconcern indicates that you could steal the house from behind him, you'd better say "Thanks, but no thanks." What makes such a dog to be a demon guard when confinement forces him to confront an intruder is not the thing that will make him a dog to ride the river with. For this very careful procedure, you will need complete understanding and cooperation from the dog's owner and assistance from a well-coordinated man who will follow your instructions carefully. Your helper should be equipped with a burlap sack and a gun for blankfiring. The dog should wear a muzzle. Meet the owner and your helper in a place where the dog cannot see or hear any of you talking together, and arrange to have the dog muzzled and in a definite place so that your "heavy" can force an entrance and make the test. Explain to the owner that the place of the test must provide a means of your watching the action without attracting the dog's attention, and permit him to be close at hand for any emergency, yet out of the dogs' sight.
All concerned should realize that there should be no oral communication between any of you, because at best it's difficult to create a test situation that will ring true to a good dog. Be definite about the time of entry and the signal that will tell the man that the muzzle is in place and all is ready. The lighting of a light or the closing of a drape are easy ways of signalling.
When he gets the signal, the "heavy," gun in one hand and the sack in the other, should approach the point of challenge, which will probably be the door or gate, regardless of whether the dog meets him head on or hangs back a bit, the heavy should move steadily toward him. The man should snap the cap gun a couple of times, hit the dog with a hard swipe of the sack, and retreat from the area, shoving the dog back away from him if necessary so that the gate or door can be closed. If the muzzled dog tries to fight the man in the face of the gun and club-like sack, there should be little doubt that he would make things rough for an intruder. If he stands his ground while trying to free himself of the muzzle, you can logically conclude that he would fight effectively without that handicap. Muzzled or not, if he shows he would sooner retreat than fight, he's not the kind of dog you need.
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