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Amid all the brilliant, puffed-up office nonsense and garbled media language, the faint sadness (and abiding strength) of the BBC comedy Twenty Twelve was always that it was set in a short term event. No matter how successfully realised the idea, there was never a chance to keep it going, because it was all about the run-up to the London Olympics, and they have been and gone now.
So, it's with double delight that we discover that the team behind the BAFTA-winning comedy have been commissioned to write a new series, using some of the same characters, and it will be based in another organisation that is prone to occasional swerves into spiralling internal nonsense politics, while working as hard as it can to deliver the best possible outcome for its audience: the BBC.
W1A (named after the London postcode that is home to BBC Broadcasting House) is a six-part series that been written and will be directed by John Morton, with filming starting next month. Hugh Bonneville is back as the stressed executive Ian Fletcher, former head of the Olympic Deliverance Commission, who has accepted the offer of becoming the BBC's new Head of Values (note: not a real job). His role will be to prepare the corporation to negotiate a new Licence Fee in 2016, and a renewal of the BBC Charter in 2017 (note: real situations).
Shaking down a fusty old institution (even one that makes Doctor Who) is no picnic, and, according to the production team, "His task is to clarify, define, or re-define the core purpose of the BBC across all its functions and to position it confidently for the future. Reith was then; this is now. The post is sold to Ian as a chance to influence and shape one of the great British institutions."
"His job is to think Big Thoughts, but it doesn't him take long to realise that not only does he not have time to think Big Thoughts, he never has time to think any thoughts at all."
Jessica Hynes is also back, as the permanently jargon-addled (and sweary) PR guru-ette Siobhan Sharpe:
John Morton is quick to play down the idea that this is in any way supposed to be a swipe at real people doing real jobs in the Beeb: "It isn't a demolition job on anybody or anything, and it isn't one giant in-joke, and this isn't a game of guessing who is supposed to be who. If it is satirical then it's satirical about an environment, an ethos, and the absurdities of modern corporate life itself. The key principle is to operate at a level of reality just to the left or the right of fact, to create stories that haven't actually happened but that could happen or might have happened."
But then, some of the real people that work at the BBC have also offered their thoughts, as if to prove that, if there is a joke to be in on, they most definitely are.
It starts with this relatively straightforward, encouraging quote from Janice Hadlow, Controller of BBC Two: "Twenty Twelve was one of BBC Two's stand out comedy hits last year and I'm absolutely thrilled that John Morton and the fantastic off-screen team are coming together again as well as some of our most loved characters from the first series."
Then Mark Freeland, Head of BBC In-house Comedy, added: "This is a kind of love letter to the BBC. But a letter that gets mislaid, because the remote computer system is not working and is stuck in a blue sky brainstorming session in a meeting room that's been double booked and anyway, the bean bags have gone missing."
And finally, proving that a good gag can go all the way to the top, a spokesperson for Tony Hall, the BBC's Director-General, is quoted as saying: "In a divergent, 360 degrees, flexi-content, on-demand marketplace, this is just the kind of connected proposition that the BBC is prioritising… what is it..??"
But that one could just be made up…
See more:
Five Reasons Why 'Twenty Twelve' is a Classic British Comedy
Summer of London: 'Downton' Star Hugh Bonneville on His BBC America Comedy, 'Twenty Twelve'
'Broadchurch': The Evolution of Olivia Colman
Five Ways Britain Changed After The London Olympics


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The proposed 10-member board of the Petroleum Commission will include representatives from civil society and the parliamentary opposition, and the Commissioner of Petroleum and board members can be fined and jailed for taking gifts and engaging in other forms of conflict of interest. The Commission will also ensure that Guyana is not cheated of its oil and gas. Responsibilities will, ...Read More »
Daily Archives: April 10, 2017
Doctors' contracts will not be broken and they won't be forced to join public service
The Guyana government on Monday assured that it would not be breaking contracts with the hundreds of doctors that are being paid higher salaries and gratuities, even as officials appealed to the medical workers to transition to the permanent and pensionable establishment. "The government of Guyana is prepared to honour contractual agreements," Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Department of ...Read More »
Elderly pastor dies in Berbice fire
An elderly pastor was burnt to death early Monday morning in his home at Kildonan Village, Corentyne. Fire Chief Marlon Gentle said the fire began in the kitchen of the wooden house, and the charred remains of 84-year old Rudolph Ross were found in his bedroom. The upper flat of the house was grilled, he said. "I am working on the ...Read More »

subset: commoncrawl


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- WiFi
- Car park
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Pets admitted
- Pet Friendly
- Golf
- Rural
- Water park
- Transfer service
- Accessible
- Family
- Sports
- Business
Choose your room
Offering a swimming pool on the patio, the Riad Charaï also has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. Located in the medina, Marrakech Train Station is a 3-minute drive away. Decorated in a stylish theme with Moroccan furniture, the air-conditioned rooms and suites have satellite TV. A view of the patio is offered in each, and some rooms also feature a fireplace. Traditional Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes are served in the dining room upon request. A continental breakfast is prepared every morning, and it can be taken in your room. Oriental dance classes and cookery classes are available at this riad, and you can also request a massage or henna tattoo at an extra cost. Koutoubia Mosque is located a 5-minute drive from this riad and Royal Golf Club is a 15-minute drive away.


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A new study has revealed that bacteria play an important role on the surface of the skin by helping to prevent excessive inflammation following an injury.
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that bacteria living on the skin's surface are involved in the healing process, triggering a pathway that blocks inflammation.
Their study revealed that bacteria help to modulate a healing process in which a normal level of inflammation develops after a skin wound.
They prevent the inflammatory response from becoming 'too aggressive', according to Dr Richard Gallo, professor of medicine and paediatrics, who revealed that these germs 'are actually good for us'.
'This may help us devise new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory skin diseases,' he claimed.
The team believe that their findings - which are published in the journal Nature Medicine - provide support for the so-called 'hygiene hypothesis', which claims that people become more susceptible to allergies such as hay fever and eczema if they are not exposed to infectious agents and microorganisms during early childhood.
Around eight in ten instances of atopic eczema occur before the age of five, but two-thirds of cases clear up by the age of 16.


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Top 10 Best Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
Top 10 Best Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
Our experts have reviewed the top online dating sites for seniors.
Looking for an online dating site with a large Christian user base?
Try our experts' top picks of the best online dating sites for black singles!
Read our expert reviews on dating sites that caters to gay singles.
View our tip online dating recommendations for lesbian singles.
Discuss This!
Ideally, it is usually best for men to make the first overt advance that triggers the sexual act. It allows a man to feel manly and lets the woman retain her value and reputation as a lady.
That said, most guys are pretty lousy at picking up the signals you send us, and we prefer to err on the side of gentlemanly behavior if we're not sure that permission has been given, especially if it's the first time for a new couple.
It is not only permissible, but much appreciated, when a woman untucks his shirt during a passionate kiss, slips her hand under his shirt, slides her fingertips briefly beneath his belt buckle, or simply asks him if he would like to retire to her room (or his), where they could be more comfortable or have more privacy.
A lady can always use an excuse if she doesn't want to be too overt or direct: He can listen to your new CD in the bedroom, or you can get out of your tight clothes and into a nighty for comfort. Do what you can to encourage him if he is slow to take a hint. Let all of your actions serve as the permission he is looking for, and let him feel your passion. If all else fails, go ahead and make a move.


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Second US President's political tome leads auction
Second US President's political tome leads auction
A Defence of the Constitutions of Government, by John Adams, starred in an online books sale
An important series of letters by an American patriot was the star lot at PBA Galleries' sale of rare Colonial and US history books and manuscripts, on January 21.
By John Adams, sold for $4,200
A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America by John Adams -the second President of theUnited States -published in 1787, does as its title suggests.
Across its 392 pages, Adams compares the constitutions of the various states of the Union, and of the Union itself, with those of foreign countries and ancient cultures.
In very good condition, despite slight wear and cracked hinges, the book eventually sold in PBA's online sale for $4,200.
As recent sales - including the 3.2m final hammer price achieved by an letter penned by George Washington recently demonstrated - rare books and manuscripts concerning the US constitution, particularly those penned byUS's founding fathers,make a big impact at auction.
Elsewhere inPBA's sale, Thomas Walker's Treatise Upon the Art of Mechanical Flying from 1810 - featuring Walker's fascinating early sketches of "plans for making a flying car with wings, in which a man may sit..." - realised $2,000.
Images: PBA Galleries
The bookmarklet lets you save things you find to your collections.
Note: Make sure your bookmarks are visible.
Click and drag the Collect It button to your browser's Bookmark Bar.


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28 January 2017
The latest edition of encore is hot off the press. We are glad to be able to share so many exciting findings and insights with you! Immerse yourself in the day-to-day working life of HIIG, read entertaining yet sophisticated interviews and celebrate 5 years of exploring the internet and society with us.
About HIIG
The HIIG researches the development of the internet from a societal perspective with the aim to better understand the digitalisation of all spheres of life.


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I knew 6pm.com had weekly deals, but I may go broke now that I discovered they have DAILY deals! 6pm is the outlet clearance for Zappos.com where you can buy shoes for up to 90% off – no lie. If I die broke, at least I know I'll saved a ton of money along the way!
So here are today's 6pm deals for Wednesday, December 1st, 2010. Don't worry if you happen to read this after the fact, as usually the prices stay intact. Unfortunately the inventory doesn't, so you have to act fast if you see a pair you can't live without before it's sold out.
- Vaneli Shoe Styles $19.95 or less
- 80%+ off J. Renee Shoes & Handbags
- 80%+ off Taryn Rose Shoes
- 70%+ off KEEN Shoes
- 65%+ off Adidas Shoes & Apparel
- 60%+ off Crocs Shoes
And here's my top three shoe picks for today:
Vaneli Neorah Mary-Jane Pumps in Dark Grey Suede (also available in Black Suede), only $19.95 (83% off regular price of $115)
- You'll be sure to celebrate your style tonight when you have the Neorah pump from Vaneli.
- Rich genuine suede upper.
- Cushioned footbed gives a comfortable step.
- Triple straps are adjustable with buckle closures for a secure custom fit.
- Contrasting patent trim and straps for an extra stylish touch.
- Durable leather sole with wrapped platform.
- Concave wrapped heel helps bring the look together.
- 3 1/4″ heel.
- 1/2″ platform.
J. Renee Christiana 2 Pumps, only $23.10 (71% off regular price of $79.95)
- Get a bit wild tonight in a pair of these seductive J. Renee pumps.
- Synthetic leather upper with a sensual snake print.
- Patent trim at the collar for contrast.
- Lightly cushioned insole for extra comfort.
- Man-made outsole gives the right support.
- 3 1/2″ heel.
- 1/2″ platform.
Taryn Rose Countess Evening Sandals, only $94.05 (80% off regular price of $475)
- The sexy 'Countess' ankle strap sandal from Taryn Rose dazzles in disco suede or shimmer metallic leather and would look great with a slinky cocktail dress.
- Adjustable buckle closure.
- Poron ® padded and leather lined footbed for optimal comfort.
- Combination leather and rubber sole.
- Handmade in Italy.
- 3 1/2″ heel.
Shop at 6pm.com today!
Kim, lover of all things shoes, is the self-proclaimed President of Shoeaholics Anonymous. See all of Kim's blogs at KIMarketing.com.


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Fossil Archeology 1.4.7 Mod Minecraft 1.4.7
Fossil Archeology 1.4.7 Mod Features
Fossil blocks look similar to stones, but are harder to mine. The drops from them are randomized and broken up into percentages.
Bio-fossil (22.5%)
Relics (23%)
Bones (40%)
Skulls (10%)
Broken Swords (5%)
Scarab Gems (0.001%)
The Analyzer
Fossil Archeology 1.4.7 Mod this machine is used to analyze bio-fossils or relics. If there are any live tissues inside the fossilized remains that contain DNA, the analyzer can find these. The analyzer also works to restore relics into stoneboard which might contain cryptic messages left by past civilizations.
The Cultivator
Fossil Archeology 1.4.7 Mod, this machine gets fed DNA + bio-fossil and then tries to rebuild the cells using organic items as material. This is a fairly complex process so it definitely takes some time. If everything goes as planned the cultivator will produce an egg. The egg will then hatch into whatever creatures DNA you found.
Archaeology Workbench
Fossil Archeology 1.4.7 Mod, If you happen to break down a a block of fossil and it drops a broken sword you can place the sword on the workbench to be repaired. There's a micro-processor inside of the workbench which will read information from relics and the machine will try to rebuild them.
Ancient Ferns
Fossil Archeology 1.4.7 Mod these are ancient plants that have managed to carry themselves over into modern times. They'll only grow under trees and will continue to breed as time passes. They drop nothing.
New Mobs introduced with this Mod are:
– docile in nature
– can be contained within a fenced area
– will follow owner over long distances
– when free-roaming they will not follow the owner
– have 3 sub-species
– will follow owner and pick up anything dropped
– will attack in groups
– self-hunts
– self-learning (will teach themselves to open chests)
Tyrannosaurus Rex
hunt within a fixed territory
– will break anything in its way with a weakness less than iron
– cannot walk on ice due to being so heavy
– immune to arrows
– wont crash houses when tamed
– can be ridden and directed
Fossil Archeology 1.4.7 Mod New Mobs
- Triceratops
- Velociraptors
- Tyrannosaurus rex
- Failuresaurus
- Anu(ZombiePigman Emperor)
- Pterosaur
- Nautilus(Or more like ammonite)
- Plesiosaur
- Mosasaurus
- Stegosaurus
- Utahraptor
- Dino-eggs
Fossil Archeology 1.4.7 Mod New Items
- bio-fossil
- relics scrapes
- stoneboard
- DNAs
- Ancient eggs
- Broken Ancient Equipment
- Ancient Equipment
- Skull Stick
- Scarab Gem
- Scarab Tools
- Dino Pedia
- T-Rex Tooth
- Tooth Dagger
- Raw chicken soup
- Essence of Chicken
- Living Nautilus
- Sio-Chiu-Le
- Empty Shell
- Magic conch
- Dino meats/Dino steaks
Fossil Archeology 1.4.7 Mod Installations for Minecraft 1.4.7
- Install Minecraft Forge into Minecraft
- Run the game once.You will get a folder named "mods" under %appdata%/.minecraft/
- Download the mod_Fossil.zip.
- Unzip it as "mod_Fossil" folder with class files directly inside.
- Move the "mod_Fossil" folder into "mods" folder.
- Check if "mods/mod_Fossil" folder has class files directly inside and DONT keep mod_Fossil.zip inside mods
- Run the game and enjoy.
Note : For 1.4.6 or 1.4.7, do not unzip mod_Fossil_7.1.0a_1.4.6.zip! Just drop the .zip file into the /mods folder8
- Install Minecraft Forge into Minecraft_server.jar
- Run the server once.You will get a folder named "mods" in your server location.
- Download the mod_Fossil.zip.(Same as client file)
- Unzip it as "mod_Fossil" folder with class files directly inside.
- Move the "mod_Fossil" folder into "mods" folder.
- Check if mods/mod_Fossil folder has class files directly inside and DONT keep mod_Fossil.zip inside mods
- Run the server and enjoy.


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Bret Harte Bike Club wrapped up a special session, where Wednesdays on an adventure to learn about their local watershed - from the hills of Oakland down to the SF Bay, thanks to a grant from the Alameda County Clean Water Program. First they saw images of what Oakland was like just 300 years ago - one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Then they rode bikes up to Diamond park, hiked up Sausal Creek and tested the water's pH, temperature, phosphate and dissolved oxygen levels. All the results came out within a decent range, except for phosphate, the phosphate levels were high - meaning there's fertilizer, sewage and/or detergents getting in the water. The following week students looked at raised relief maps and satellite maps of the Bay Area to better understand where it is they live, and how water flows across the land here. Then they road bikes down to where Sausal Creek flows into the SF Bay and tested the water again - the water quality tests came out pretty badly! The water was hot, the pH was off, oxygen was low, and the results for Phosphate were higher than before - not surprisingly - seeing that all the runoff from the streets in Oakland flows untreated into Oakland's 13 creeks and the SF Bay!
The students also had their own personal interest in local water quality - they have been concerned that there was lead in Bret Harte's drinking water, especially in the water coming from the Bike Club's sink, so the students sent a Bike Club water sample to a local lab. Results showed that levels were 0.000182 ppb, with acceptable levels being between 0-15 ppb. Not bad! To wrap it up, the students installed "No Dumping - Drains to Bay" placards next to all the storm drains on the school yard, parking lot and street. Yay for Bret Harte Bike Club! We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a wise, fun and unique group of individuals.


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Why Bible Study Journey?
Life is a journey. We walk along beautiful wooded lanes, push through crowed city streets, hike majestic mountaintops, trudge through murky valleys, speed along seemingly endless highways, or travel on never-ending roundabouts. Our lives are usually a combination of these and other paths.
Having a map, GPS, or directions can make that journey more direct and safer. Having a travel plan or itinerary can make the trip more effective and enjoyable. Every Christian is on a journey toward God. God has the best route mapped out and the best travel plans already written for us. God's map and plan is the Bible. Studying the Bible will make our journey much more effective, enjoyable, and safe.
Here at biblestudyjourney.com, we want to provide tools to help you read the map and plan of God—the Bible. We will provide Bible studies, Bible study tools, and materials to help you learn (or continue) to study God's word on your own. We will also share our journeys as we blog and study together.
Join us on a Bible Study Journey!
Our Mission
To introduce women to God, to equip them for their personal Bible Study Journey, to challenge them to live God-honoring lives, and to encourage them in the process by providing online Bible studies, resources, tools, and conversation.
Our Story
Bible Study Journey is an extension of Trisha's desire to share God's Word with other women and to equip them to study the Bible for themselves while sharing their discoveries and questions with one another in a safe and encouraging environment.
Trisha recognized her need for travel companions on this journey so she asked several friends to join her. Bible Study Journey is every woman's journey as they seek a deeper relationship with God.
Meet Our Authors
Get to know our authors and read some of their stories.
Join Us on the Journey
A journey is always more fun when shared with friends, so we invite you to travel along with us on our Bible Study Journey by joining the community on our blog, Postcards.


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THE Sugababes turned into the Cheeky Girls when they performed in outfits carrying the message 'Feel My Hits'.
And there was more than two handfuls...
Heidi, Keisha and new girl Amelle raced through the majority of the 18 hits which have made the Sugababes the most successful female chart act this century.
The setlist included four No.1s: Freak Like Me, Round Round, Push The Button and Walk This Way, the Comic Relief song recently recorded with Girls Aloud.
But this was the first time the sassy urban pop girls had played a large arena and they failed to live up to their big sales on the big stage.
Though in fine voice, by perching themselves on stools and wearily strutting about they struggled to connect with anyone past row ten.
And it seemed no expense was spent on a show that lacked energy and ended abruptly after a paltry 85 minutes.


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"The federal government is taking steps to fine schools that do not comply with first lady Michelle Obama's school lunch rules.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service issued a proposed rule Monday to codify parts of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which was championed by Mrs. Obama.
The regulation would punish schools and state departments with fines for "egregious or persistent disregard" for the lunch rules that imposed sodium and calorie limits and banned white grains.
A West Virginia preschool teacher was threatened with fines for violating the rules by rewarding her students with candy for good behavior in June 2015. The teacher ultimately did not have to pay, but the school had to develop a "corrective action plan" with training on the policies.
The government now seeks to make fines enforceable by regulation. Section 303 of the law requires that the federal government "establish criteria for the imposition of fines" for all the Department of Agriculture's child food programs."
Bad people
Bad things
Don't think they haven't done their homework
Control the food, control the people


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Horner: Tricky tactical day for Tirreno defense
American plays tactical games to defend overall lead on Prati di Tivo
Chris Horner took a big step toward winning the overall at Tirreno-Adriatico on Sunday, finishing third at the Prati di Tivo ski station to defend his lead over Roman Kreuziger and Vincenzo Nibali.
Horner (RadioShack-Nissan) made his return to racing at the one-week Italian stage race this week after a heavy crash at the Tour de France in July and resulting concussion and blood clot. RadioShack brass slotted the 40-year-old for the "Race of the Two Seas" at the last minute, citing a need for a GC threat. The move paid and with crafty riding high up on the finish climb in the Apennine mountains, Horner showed he is back.
"It feels good to be back racing," said Horner. "Today was a difficult stage with so many tactics going on. I think three of us really had good legs: me, Nibali and Kreuziger."
Horner arrived to the crux of the 14.5km climb in a group of 20-odd riders. Isolated from his RadioShack teammates, Horner fended off multiple attacks from Kreuziger's Astana teammates and others by playing off the GC and stage interests of Nibali's Liquigas mates and Astana.
When Kreuziger finally surged with 3.9km remaining, Horner matched the pace and Nibali countered, almost immediately taking a 10-second advantage. The American patiently sat in the group until Nibali's advantage grew to 30 seconds — four seconds shy of becoming the overall leader on the road.
"In the final kilometers when Nibali went, I had to decide which card to play since there were so many bonus seconds available on the line. If I chased Nibali too hard but faded at the end, Kreuziger would have gained more seconds than just the bonus seconds, so I decided to give away something to Nibali to better protect the jersey."
With 1.4km remaining and roadside snow building, Horner went to the front of the five-rider chase group and drove the Italian's lead down to barely over 10 seconds. The difference at the line grew back to 16 seconds, but Horner had done his job. Kreuziger pipped the American for second and a two-second time bonus, but Horner will start the penultimate stage to Offida — with its somewhat technical, steep 6.5 finishing circuits — with a five-second advantage on Kreuziger and 12 seconds on Nibali.
"I haven't really looked at tomorrow's stage yet to see if there are dangerous sections, but I think it will all come down to the TT," said Horner. "I think Kreuziger and myself are pretty well matched in that department. It could go either way."
Horner is renowned for his ability to read a race. He showed why high up on Prati di Tivo today and will again need to be on his toes late in Monday's stage if his vision for the final time trial is to play out.


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I am currently in Palm Springs, about to head back up to Marin County and yesterday I did my first proper filming with my little Rebel T2i and I really put it through it's paces. Exposing it to the harsh, hot, dirty Salton Sands south of Palm Springs.
Kit wise I used the camera, 1 32gb Kingston card, 1 16gb Transcend card, a manfrotto tripod, Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly Traveller, Manfrotto 701 HDV head, Canon 100m F2.8L MACRO, 50mm F1.2L, 70-200 F2.8L IS, Tokina 11-16 F2.8, Zacuto Z-Finder and some fader NDS/ Vari NDS.
Salton Sea is very dirty, salty and sandy. Not the ideal environment for a consumer camera but it worked just fine. I had a few overheat warning issues after about 2 hours solid shooting in the sun and a couple of times the buffer ran out for the card and it stopped recording. First time I have seen this.
Image wise I have no idea if it's better or worse than the 7D. I would literally have to shoot side by side and compare. Certainly from what I got I am very happy with the image out of the camera. I missed the extra dial, the dial in white balance, the mid ISOs and the top LCD panel. I really hate pressing a button and rotating a dial to get my iris to what I want it at. But these are niggly issues. Nothing major.
I also used the Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly Traveller again. I actually did have play with the crank and it was actually quite useful, still as mentioned on the Above Skywalker blog the belt in itself helps so much in keeping it dead silent. It really performed superbly. Very happy with the moves.
Aspect ratio is 2.55:1 Wider than I have tried before. All cropped in post. Grading done with Magic Bullet Looks. Get 20% off with code Bloom20 at www.redgiantsoftware.com.
Sound wise everything is foley. I forgot to bring my Rode Video Mic…anyway it was fun digging around Soundtrack Pro and Freesound.org for the right-ish sounds.
So how was my experience? Pretty good, apart from the odd overheating no real problems. I really enjoyed shooting with but as an owner of a 7D I missed a lot of the ergonomics and shooting in a place like that I would have felt happier with the extra protection it offers. All in all though an amazing camera for $800!!
Music is by the great Ry Cooder from the movie "Paris, Texas"
Salton Sea Beach from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.
Shot on a Canon Rebel T2i and a Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly Traveller
Music by Ry Cooder
Shot on location at Salton Sea Beach, CA


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It's s$@t like this, scientists
$1,000 reward offered for stolen cancer research laptop:
Medical researchers in Oklahoma are offering a no-questions-asked $1,000 reward for the return of a stolen laptop that contains years of research on prostate cancer.
Sook Shin lost the 13-inch white MacBook last Sunday after thieves smashed the window of the car she shares with husband, Ralf Jankecht, and made off with the laptop. Data on the machine was not backed up.
So, you never backup your data or have an extra copy, and, at the same time, value "years" of research just one thousand dollars. Pathetic.
About this entry
You're currently reading "It's s$@t like this, scientists," an entry on Blind.Scientist
- Published:
- 01.16.11 / 5pm
- Category:
- Bioinformatics - opinion


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Ted Dawson
Craig Dietrich
Amanda Starling Gould
libi rose striegl
Max Symuleski
We in digital humanities and media studies like to use environmental metaphors. We talk of "media ecologies" and hold conferences about "possible worlds." Maxwell, Raundalen, and Vestberg have suggested that such metaphors of the environment obscure the relationship of digital media to the material world, enabling utopian discussions about virtual environments at the precise moment in which the real environment is in crisis. The emerging field of Ecocritical DH (EcoDH) seeks to maintain a focus on the material world within the digital humanities. Located at the nexus of environmental humanities and digital humanities, EcoDH mobilizes a range of tools and critical constructs, using digital methods to investigate environmental issues while reflecting on the ecological implications of those same digital methods. EcoDH thus offers new horizons for digital work while challenging digital humanities to investigate its own practices and metaphors.
Our panel features scholars and practitioners from various institutions and backgrounds discussing the existing place of, and future possibilities for, EcoDH. Ted Dawson will present on immersive experiences of infrastructure and how these can both reveal and obscure the materiality of the digital. Amanda Starling Gould will touch upon the "dirty digital humanities," sustainable digital practice through permaculture, and the urgency of cross-disciplinary EcoDH. Craig Dietrich will discuss his work combining permaculture with network culture by creating software that drives non-hierarchical systems such as Scalar and ThoughtMesh. Max Symuleski will explore the political ecology of maintenance as it relates to digital objects, digital infrastructures, and life-cycles of computational hardware. libi will address media archaeological and techno-revitalization practices in relation to obsolescence and convenience culture.
To demonstrate EcoDH at its best, our presentation will be a hybrid intervention that puts into practice our theoretical intentions.
Ted Dawson is Visiting Assistant Professor of German Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he is currently teaching a course on the history of environmental thinking in German culture. His research touches on media studies, digital humanities, and environmental humanities, and he is presently developing a project that investigates the environmental consequences of aesthetic experience through the lens of Austrian rap music.
Craig Dietrich's online work includes Tenants in Action (TIA), an app that facilitates slum-housing reports to LA city agencies; the Mukurtu Archive and Plateau People's Web Portal, for which he was the first lead developer; Scalar, which he co-created with the Alliance for Networking Visual Culture (ANVC); and Tensor, an iTunes-like app for managing content from cultural archives. His offline production includes Walking Wall Street, a project that has seen Dietrich find Wall Streets in towns and cities across America; and Occupy Roundtable, which he hosted in Los Angeles lecture-halls.
Amanda Starling Gould, PhD is the Digital Humanities Specialist / Special Projects Coordinator for the Franklin Humanities Institute (FHI) at Duke University. She teaches publicly-engaged environmental humanities courses, researches EcoDH, collaborates on regional public humanities initiatives, and consults on digital humanities programming, projects and pedagogies.
Libi rose striegl is a PhD Candidate in the Intermedia Arts, Writing and Performance program at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is interested in human – tech relationships and the balance between need and want, and her dissertation project is centered around the concept of convenience in technology as it relates to everything from environmental issues to digital security and privacy to obsolescence. In addition to her research she currently serves the Media Discovery and Learning Coordinator at the Media Archaeology Lab and the graduate artist in residence at the Blow Things Up Lab.
Max Symuleski is a PhD Candidate in the Computational Media, Arts & Cultures program at Duke University. Their dissertation project Working Freedom: Visual and Material Cultures of Maintenance NYC, 1974-1990 looks at the changing cultural significance of maintenance through the lens of art in New York City during the period of the urban crisis. Max is broadly interested in the political aesthetics of maintenance in environmental and technical systems, from the repair of material infrastructures to the moderation of internet discourse. Max received an MA in historical studies from the New School for Social Research and repairs computers in their free time.
A continuously updated schedule of talks is also available on the Digital Dialogues webpage.
Unable to attend the events in person? Archived podcasts can be found on the MITH website, and you can follow our Digital Dialogues Twitter account @digdialog as well as the Twitter hashtag #mithdd to keep up with live tweets from our sessions. Viewers can watch the live stream as well.
All talks free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunches.
Contact: MITH (mith.umd.edu, email@example.com, 301.405.8927).